Xu obtained a bachelor's and a master's degree in engineering from the Harbin Institute of Technology.

Xu began his career in the Ministry of Aerospace Industry in 1984 as a technical designer, then was promoted to lead individual projects.

In 2007, Xu was named chief executive and head of the party group of the China Aerospace Science & Industry Corporation, promoted in April 2013 to chairman of the board.

Xu followed in the footsteps of prominent colleagues such as Ma Xingrui and Chen Qiufa in making the transition from aerospace to politics.

[2] On 23 October 2021, he was appointed vice chairperson of the National People's Congress Education, Science, Culture and Public Health Committee.