VP of Satellite Systems

Description

Xona is building the next generation of satellite navigation — a high-performance, resilient alternative to GPS powered by a commercial constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. We are on a mission to unlock a new era of autonomy, advanced mobility, and infrastructure resilience by delivering precise, secure, and robust positioning services to the world. 

We’re not here to incrementally improve GNSS. We’re here to redefine it from the ground up. 

We’re looking for a high-velocity technical leader to own the architecture, design, and execution of our spacecraft development program. This person will be the system-level orchestrator — someone who deeply understands how satellite subsystems come together, has a sixth sense for risk, and moves with urgency to deliver flight-ready hardware. 

Your job will be to build the right team, identify the right partners, guide integration, and develop the roadmap. This is a pivotal role for someone who wants to lead from the front and leave their mark on a program that will define the future of global navigation. 

What You’ll Do: 

• Architect the satellite system, aligning all subsystems to meet mission requirements and Xona’s performance objectives. 
• Lead the technical integration of payload, comms, propulsion, GNC, thermal, TT&C, and power — with a deep understanding of system interdependencies. 
• Drive execution strategy, making informed buy-vs-build decisions and managing technical sourcing with speed and precision. 
• Identify and mitigate risks early, balancing performance, schedule, and reliability in a fast-moving startup environment. 
• Collaborate closely with Xona’s payload, mission ops, software, and business teams to ensure a unified system approach. 
• Lead vendor engagement, from evaluation to execution, holding external partners to high technical standards. 
• Recruit and lead a world-class team of systems and subsystem engineers, setting the tone for high-performance culture. 

You Might Be a Fit If: 

• You’ve led system architecture or integration for spacecraft — especially in LEO or other commercial satellite programs. 
• You’re fluent in the language of subsystems: payload, power, propulsion, ADCS, TT&C, and more. 
• You’ve made tough buy-vs-build tradeoffs, led vendor selection, and know how to scale hardware fast. 
• You have a sixth sense for technical and programmatic risk, and thrive on high-consequence decision-making. 
• You operate with urgency, clarity, and accountability — and bring people with you. 

Requirements

• Full-time, onsite in Burlingame, California (this role is not remote or hybrid) 
• 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) 

Desired Qualifications: 

• Experience with navigation or GNSS payloads, or prior work on comms-focused spacecraft 
• Background in satellite design, LEO constellations, or new-space programs 
• Prior experience building flight hardware — and launching it into space