Mechanical Engineering Co-op

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.

As a Mechanical Engineering Co-op
, you will be an embedded member of our Spacecraft Mechanical and Thermal team and contribute directly to the tools, systems, and hardware that enable spacecraft production and integration.

This is a six-month, full-time co-op intended for students who have already developed hands‑on mechanical engineering experience through a prior internship, co‑op, research role, or similarly rigorous engineering project. You will take ownership of meaningful engineering work spanning design, manufacturing, validation, and implementation.

You will work closely with experienced engineers in a fast‑paced startup environment and see your work contribute to spacecraft production and integration.

• Own the design and development of mechanical hardware supporting spacecraft manufacturing, integration, and test activities.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams to define requirements and develop practical design solutions.
• Create detailed CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Perform engineering analyses to validate structural, mechanical, and packaging performance.
• Coordinate fabrication, procurement, assembly, and integration of designed hardware.
• Support integration, testing, verification, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Participate in design reviews and cross‑functional engineering discussions.
• Communicate technical progress, tradeoffs, risks, and final results to engineering leadership.

• Currently pursuing a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field. Expected graduation between December 2026 and May 2028.
• Completed at least one prior internship or co‑op in a mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, or closely related hardware-engineering role.
• Demonstrated experience designing, building, testing, or supporting mechanical hardware beyond coursework alone.
• Proficiency with Solid Works or similar 3D CAD software.
• Ability to create or interpret mechanical drawings and basic engineering documentation.
• Working knowledge of mechanical design fundamentals, including material selection, fastening, tolerancing, load paths, and design tradeoffs.
• Ability to commit to a full‑time, six‑month co‑op.
• Comfortable working in both office and hands‑on laboratory/manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to work on‑site in Burlingame throughout the co‑op.

• Experience designing and releasing hardware for fabrication, including drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and/or bills of materials.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and common manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, composites, or assembly processes.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, integration, test, troubleshooting, or validation.
• Experience with structural analysis, hand calculations, FEA, or test‑data analysis.
• Experience in a fast‑paced hardware environment, such as robotics, Cube Sat teams, Formula SAE, aerospace, research laboratories, or manufacturing.
• Interest in spacecraft, aerospace, and high‑reliability hardware development.

• Take ownership of engineering work that directly supports spacecraft production.
• Work through the full…