Mechanical Engineer - Test Fixtures And GSE

Mechanical Engineer

Xona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. With Pulsar – the world's most advanced PNT satellite infrastructure in Low Earth Orbit – Xona will offer a future-proof, backwards-compatible global positioning system optimized for absolute precision, superior power, and robust protection.

We are seeking a mechanical engineer to help design, build, and commission the mechanical infrastructure that enables environmental testing and integration of spacecraft hardware. This role is ideal for an engineer with several years of hands-on mechanical design and test experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys taking projects from concept through build and execution.

Role Overview

You will design and deliver mechanical fixtures, test setups, and ground support equipment (GSE) that support vibration testing, thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, spacecraft handling, and hardware development. You'll work directly with senior mechanical engineers, test engineers, vendors, and shops to turn requirements into functional hardware.

This is a high-ownership, fast-moving role with significant responsibility for delivering hardware on schedule, writing clear documentation, and supporting hands-on test operations. Candidates must be comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment, anticipating next steps, and driving projects forward without constant direction.

As opportunities arise, you'll also contribute to select spacecraft flight hardware designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Fixture & GSE Design
  • Design, model, and release mechanical fixtures, jigs, mass simulators, lifting/handling equipment, and GSE for spacecraft-level testing and operations.
  • Generate complete part and assembly drawings with appropriate tolerances, fastener selections, and hardware specifications.
  • Own procurement: interface with vendors, review manufacturability, negotiate technical details, and drive modifications when required.
  • Manage design through full lifecycle: concept → CAD → drawing release → procurement → assembly → test-readiness.
• Environmental Test Support
  • Support setup and execution of spacecraft vibration and thermal vacuum (TVAC) tests.
  • Prepare hardware for testing: instrumentation, torqueing, alignment, inspection, and configuration tracking.
  • Assist with test data collection, anomaly troubleshooting, and fixture debugging during test campaigns.
• Documentation & Process Development
  • Write detailed reports, procedures, build instructions, safety assessments, and test documentation for internal and external reviews.
  • Support development and maintenance of mechanical design workflows, drawing standards, PDM organization, and release processes.
• Cross-Functional Engineering
  • Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, electrical, systems, and test engineers to translate test and GSE requirements into mechanical designs.
  • Conceptualize design options in group settings, evaluate trades, and drive designs to closure with clear communication of risks, issues, and proposed solutions.
  • Communicate progress, challenges, and timelines proactively in a fast-paced environment.
• Facility & Infrastructure Support
  • Contribute to building out lab/shop infrastructure including benches, tooling, torque measurement setups, fixture organization, and controlled storage.

Qualifications

• Required
  • BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
  • 3–5 years of professional mechanical design or mechanical test engineering experience (exceptional candidates with less experience but strong competence encouraged to apply).
  • Strong proficiency with SolidWorks and experience with PDM systems (check-in/out, workflows, release management).
  • Experience releasing part and assembly drawings, including GD&T and clear BOM definition.
  • Experience coordinating with external vendors for fabrication, machining, or assembly.
  • Experience writing technical reports, procedures, and documentation for engineering reviews.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical builds, prototyping, or hardware testing.
  • Ability to work independently, anticipate next steps, and maintain momentum in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency with Office 365 tools (Teams, Outlook, Excel, Word) and collaboration tools such as Confluence.
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical challenges and propose solutions in real time.
  • U.S. Person status (required for export-controlled work).
• Preferred
  • Experience as a SolidWorks or PDM administrator, including release workflows, libraries, templates, or metadata configurations.
  • Experience in industries with heavy mechanical fixtures or large hardware handling (e.g., aerospace, automotive, energy, oil & gas, solar, defense, heavy equipment).
  • Experience designing fixtures or GSE supporting 300 kg+ payloads.
  • Experience at a startup or fast-paced hardware organization; comfort with tight schedules and crunch-time execution.
  • Time/effort estimation skills: ability to assess design complexity, quote labor hours, estimate fabrication timelines, and manage build schedules.
  • Experience with sensors, DAQs, or environmental testing (vibration/TVAC).
  • Experience with basic mechanical analysis (hand calcs, FEA, or test correlation).
  • Experience with data analysis tools (Python, MATLAB).

What Success Looks Like

• Fixtures and GSE are delivered on time, well-designed, documented, safe, and reliable.
• Test campaigns are prepared efficiently with minimal rework.
• Vendors receive clear drawings and instructions, and fabricated parts arrive correct the first time.
• You actively drive your own workload, anticipate upcoming needs, and keep schedules moving without supervision.
• You contribute to a culture of high-quality mechanical design and effective testing.

Why Xona

• Work directly with spacecraft hardware and environmental test systems.
• High ownership: take mechanical designs from blank sheet all the way to hardware on the test stand.
• Join a high-energy team building first-of-its-kind satellites in a startup environment.
• Opportunities to contribute to flight hardware as you grow.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.