Chief Engineer, Space Systems (Canada)

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.

The Chief Engineer will lead Xona’s satellite vertical integration efforts in Montréal, spanning space subsystem design, first-article delivery, and the establishment of in-house manufacturing capabilities. This role is both deeply technical and organizational, combining hands-on engineering leadership with responsibility for standing up new capabilities that support Xona’s broader satellite program.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the vertical integration of space subsystems, from design through manufacturing, within Xona’s Montréal facility

• Build and lead multidisciplinary design teams, including oversight of architecture, reviews, and delivery of first articles

• Stand up and scale a space subsystem manufacturing facility in Montréal, including processes, tooling, and quality practices

• Define and drive engineering execution, schedules, and technical tradeoffs across integrated subsystems

• Apply prior experience from similar programs to avoid pitfalls and accelerate execution

• Collaborate closely with Xona’s satellite team on subsystem requirements, timelines, and delivery commitments

• Partner with manufacturing, test, and operations teams to transition designs into repeatable production

• Serve as a technical advisor to Xona’s broader satellite program, ensuring alignment between Montréal-based activities and company-wide system architecture

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in aerospace or space systems engineering, including leadership of complex hardware programs

• Demonstrated experience leading integrated design teams through prototype or first-article delivery

• Prior involvement in standing up new engineering or manufacturing capabilities

• Strong systems-level understanding of satellite subsystems and their interactions

• Ability and willingness to work on-site in Montréal as needed in support of hands-on engineering and manufacturing activities

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with LEO satellite programs, including subsystem development and production

• Background in space hardware manufacturing, integration, and test

• Experience scaling from prototype to low- or medium-rate production

• Familiarity with supplier qualification, quality systems, and production readiness reviews

• Experience advising or contributing at the program or architecture level for large satellite constellations

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.