Software Engineer - Build & Release

xona-space· Engineering
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📍 Burlingame, CaliforniaFullTime💰 USD 132K–178K

About this role

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.


We are looking for a Build & Release Software Engineer to own our build systems, CI/CD infrastructure, and release tooling for the software powering Xona's satellite systems. You'll improve developer productivity while ensuring reliable, repeatable builds and releases across both simulation and hardware-integrated environments.


What You'll Do

  • Design, maintain, and optimize cross-platform build systems using tools such as CMake and Bazel.

  • Manage and upgrade compiler toolchains (GCC, Clang, etc.) while handling complex dependency graphs, third-party libraries, and internal package management.

  • Own and improve CI/CD workflows supporting large-scale C++ applications.

  • Diagnose and optimize compilation and linking bottlenecks through caching, parallelization, and distributed build strategies.

  • Ensure seamless cross-compilation across multiple architectures, including x86 and ARM.

  • Support testing in containerized and emulated environments using technologies such as Docker and QEMU.

  • Write robust tooling and automation scripts in Python and Bash for environment provisioning, static analysis, and artifact generation.

  • Partner closely with C++ software engineers to improve modular architecture, dependency management, and overall build reliability.

  • Ensure reproducible build and release environments across local development, CI, and hardware-integrated systems.

Required Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience inw Build & Release Engineering, Developer Infrastructure, or DevOps supporting complex C++ codebases.

  • Advanced proficiency with CMake and GNU Make/Ninja.

  • Strong Linux command-line and Bash scripting skills.

  • Strong understanding of the C++ build, compilation, and linking lifecycle.

  • Familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++17/20/23).

  • Experience managing complex dependency graphs and modular build targets.

  • Hands-on experience with containerization platforms such as Docker or Podman for build environment provisioning, dependency isolation, and reproducible CI/CD workflows.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience developing or supporting Embedded Linux systems using Yocto, Buildroot, or similar tools.

  • Experience with hardware emulation tools such as QEMU.

  • Familiarity with GitLab CI workflows.

  • Experience working on embedded, aerospace, robotics, or other hardware-integrated software systems.

  • Experience optimizing large-scale build systems using Bazel, remote execution, or similar distribu=-ed build technologies.

  • Knowledge of linker internals, symbol visibility, and binary analysis tools such as ldd, nm, objdump, and readelf.

  • Familiarity with static and dynamic analysis tools such as Clang-Tidy, AddressSanitizer (ASan), and SonarQube.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Software Engineer - Build & Release role at xona-space?
The listed salary for this Software Engineer - Build & Release position at xona-space is USD 132K–178K. This is an FullTime role.
Where is the Software Engineer - Build & Release position at xona-space located?
This Software Engineer - Build & Release role at xona-space is based in Burlingame, California. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Software Engineer - Build & Release role at xona-space full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a FullTime position. It is posted as a Software Engineer - Build & Release role in the Engineering department at xona-space.
Which team or department does the Software Engineer - Build & Release at xona-space belong to?
This Software Engineer - Build & Release position is part of the Engineering department at xona-space. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Software Engineer - Build & Release position at xona-space?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to xona-space's official application portal hosted on ashby where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Software Engineer - Build & Release job at xona-space posted?
This Software Engineer - Build & Release position at xona-space was posted on Jan 22, 2026. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Software Engineer - Build & Release
xona-space · 💰 USD 132K–178K
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You'll be redirected to xona-space's official application page on Ashby ATS.