Xona · 4 days ago
Communications DSP Engineer
Burlingame, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$130K/yr - $150K/yr
7+ years expXona is the navigational intelligence company bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth. They are seeking a Communications DSP Engineer to lead end-to-end development of GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-link signal processing architectures, driving algorithms from simulation through FPGA-ready implementation while partnering with internal teams and external vendors to deliver flight-ready solutions.
AerospaceGPSInformation ServicesNavigationSatellite CommunicationSoftware
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Own end-to-end signal-chain system engineering for GEO backhaul and inter-satellite cross-links, including algorithm development, simulation, and measurement engineering
Drive the architectural transition from mathematical models into FPGA-ready, fixed-point optimized implementations
Serve as the technical lead for third-party vendor IPs, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with Xona requirements
Develop acquisition, tracking, decoding, and measurement algorithms and support FPGA design verification
Build high-fidelity Python/C++ simulations and analyze performance under low-SNR, high dynamics, interference, and multipath conditions
Define HW/SW partitioning, system interfaces, and optimize FPGA resource utilization while maintaining requirements traceability
Specify and validate measurement products (code phase, carrier, Doppler, C/N₀, PRs, DRs) in partnership with the Navigation team
Lead vendor SOWs, acceptance testing, integration, and compliance reviews
Document system architecture, simulations, trade studies, and verification results to support flight-ready solutions
Qualification
Required
MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of experience in digital communications, DSP, or satellite systems
Strong mastery of synchronization, ranging, and spread-spectrum algorithm design
Hands-on experience with FPGA-based signal processing and bit-true/fixed-point modeling
Proficiency in Python and C/C++ for system modeling and simulation
Experience providing technical leadership for vendors and cross-functional system integration efforts
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e. Green Card holder), or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)
To comply with U.K. regulations, this role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, and successful candidates must be eligible to obtain UK Security Clearance (SC)
Successful candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR
Preferred
Experience with GEO satellite backhaul or inter-satellite cross-links (ISLs)
Familiarity with GNSS navigation and spread-spectrum systems
Knowledge of measurement integrity and validation practices
Experience with lab bring-up, test automation, and HIL/OTA testing
Company
Xona
Xona is launching a LEO satellite network bringing real-time, centimeter-level certainty to any device, anywhere on Earth..
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$151.42MKey Investors
Craft VenturesSpaceWERXFirst Spark Ventures
2025-06-26Series B· $92M
2025-06-26Grant· $20M
2024-05-08Series A· $19M
Leadership Team
Brian Manning
Co-Founder & CEO
Bryan Chan
Co-Founder, VP Corporate Strategy
Recent News
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