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Production Technician & Equipment Operator

Xona Space Systems

Burlingame, CAFull-time$30–50/hrPosted 2w agoVerified open 5 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$30–50/hr
Location
Burlingame, CA
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
US work authorization required

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Security clearance

Job overview

Xona Space Systems is hiring a Production Technician & Equipment Operator. Xona seeks a Production Technician & Equipment Operator to support build, test, and integration of spacecraft, focusing on repeat production assembly, integration, and test activities while operating specialized equipment such as vibration tables and thermal chambers in a newly built satellite production facility.

Key focus areas include Set up tooling, fixtures and instrumentation and run repeatable production tests on dedicated equipment, Assemble and integrate satellite components and subsystems following digital work instructions, and Perform PCB handling, incoming and in‑process inspection to IPC‑A‑610 criteria and functional testing.

Important skills include Test Equipment, PCB design, Spacecraft, Vibration Tables, Thermal Chambers, and TVAC Chambers. Preferred (not required): Power Supplies, Supply Chain Management, Quality Assurance, and 3D.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Test EquipmentPCB DesignSpacecraftPower SuppliesSupply Chain ManagementQuality Assurance3DAssemblyAerospaceRoboticsInfrastructureAttention to DetailGPSGD&TVibration TablesThermal ChambersTVAC ChambersDeployment FixturesHand ToolsTorque ToolsPCB Test Inspection EquipmentMultimetersOhmmetersDC Power SuppliesOscilloscopes3D PrintersGD&T UnderstandingSchematic InterpretationMechanical Drawing InterpretationCollaborationClear CommunicationOrganizedDetail OrientedFast‑Paced Environment Adaptability

Qualifications

5+ Years Mechanical or Electrical Assembly Experience2+ Years Production Equipment Operation ExperienceU.S. Citizenship or Green CardBaseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) CheckEligibility for UK Security ClearanceSecurity Clearance at Reliability Status Level (Canada)Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) ComplianceITAR ComplianceIPC‑a‑610 CertificationJ‑STD‑001 CertificationIPC/WHMA‑a‑620 Certification

Full job description

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.

Xona is looking for a Production Technician & Equipment Operator to support the build, test, and integration of the Xona spacecraft. This role is focused on repeat production assembly, integration and test activities with a focus on operating the various machines and bespoke equipment. Specifically, vibe testing, environmental and thermal cycling testing work stations plus other specific equipment necessary for complete Satellite production.

This person will work directly with the production, manufacturing, quality, supply chain and engineering teams in the newly built satellite production facility.

This is a high impact role in the production team and is vital to the scale-up of repeatable, high quality, production satellites.

What You’ll Do:

  • Set up tooling, fixtures and instrumentation and run repeatable production tests on dedicated equipment typically found in spacecraft production: (vibration tables, thermal chambers, TVAC chambers, deployment fixtures, etc.)

  • Assemble and integrate satellite components and subsystems, including electrical harnesses and mechanical structures, following digital work instructions and procedures.

  • Perform PCB handling, incoming and in-process inspection to IPC-A-610 workmanship criteria, and functional/continuity testing

  • Measure, record, test and document specific data as part of the complex assembly process

  • Work directly with the production lead(s) and supporting teams, such as manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, supply chain and product engineering

  • Support cable routing, thermal insulation application, and other spacecraft-level assembly tasks, such as soldering, bonding, torque-controlled fastener installation, testing, anomaly detection and repair/resolution

  • Assist with optimizing, clarifying and evolving the assembly and integration process instructions to support overall quality and build efficiency.

  • Adhere to all safety protocols and help maintain a cleanroom-like environment and proper ESD-safe practices during satellite builds

What You Bring:

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with mechanical or electrical assembly, preferably in space, aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or electronics industries

  • 2+ years of experience operating and running production equipment and machines; environmental chambers, mechanical deployment fixtures, complex lifting equipment, vibration/shock/thermal cycling testing, 3D printers, chamber testing, etc.

  • Proficiency with hand tools, torque tools, and PCB test/inspection equipment; multimeters, ohmmeters, DC power supplies, oscilloscopes, and other lab test equipment

  • Experience reading and interpreting schematics, mechanical drawings, and assembly instructions with basic GD&T understanding

  • High level of teamwork, clear communication and collaboration. Able to work with a diverse, talented and multi-disciplinary teams

  • Comfort working with sensitive electronics and small mechanical parts

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment

  • Bonus: Current or past certification in IPC-A-610 and/or J-STD-001; IPC/WHMA-A-620 (harnessing)

For U.S. Roles: 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).

For U.K. Roles: 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).

For Canada Roles: 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.

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.

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