Job Description

Title: Lead Satellite Ground Checkout/EGSE Engineer
Industry: Space Technology
Location: Ahmedabad (with travel to integration and launch sites)
Role Type: Full-time
Experience: 7-12 years
About the Role:
The Ground Checkout Systems / EGSE Lead is responsible for the architecture, requirements, development, integration, and operational use of all Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) and satellite checkout systems throughout the spacecraft lifecycle - from early design through AIT, launch campaign, and handover to operations.
This role owns the ground-to-spacecraft functional interface and ensures that the satellite can be powered, commanded, monitored, tested, and protected safely at every stage prior to launch.
You will work in constant coordination with:

• Payload (SAR) Systems Lead
• Satellite Systems Engineering
• Electrical AIT Lead
• Mission Operations Lead
• AIT & Test Engineering
• External vendors, test facilities, and launch providers

Responsibilities:
1.EGSE & Ground Checkout Architecture

• Derive system-level requirements for satellite checkout, command, telemetry, safety interlocks, and monitoring.
• Define the EGSE architecture (power, TM/TC, RF, timing, data interfaces) across all integration and test phases.
• Establish checkout philosophy from FlatSat ? subsystem ? satellite-level ? launch site.
• Own EGSE-satellite ICDs, command/telemetry mappings, and safety constraints.

2.EGSE Development & Integration

• Lead the design, procurement, build, and integration of EGSE systems, including:

-power distribution and control,
-command and telemetry interfaces,
-RF and payload test interfaces,
-custom hardware/software interfaces.

• Evaluate and integrate COTS test equipment where appropriate.
• Coordinate with software teams to develop and validate test automation and checkout scripts.
• Ensure EGSE compliance with EMC/ESD, grounding, and cleanroom standards.

3.AIT & Test Campaign Support

• Act as the technical authority for EGSE usage during:

-subsystem and satellite integration,
-functional testing,
-environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, EMI/EMC),
-launch site operations.

• Review and approve test procedures, test readiness reviews (TRRs), and anomaly dispositions related to checkout systems.
• Lead or support anomaly investigation and resolution where EGSE or checkout interfaces are involved.
• Support launch campaigns and early operations handover, ensuring continuity between EGSE and operational ground systems where applicable.

Lifecycle Ownership & Coordination

• Ensure traceability from system requirements ? test objectives ? verification results.
• Interface with launch providers and test facilities on EGSE compatibility and constraints.
• Provide technical mentorship to EGSE engineers and test operators.
• Maintain configuration control and documentation for all checkout systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field (Master's degree is a strong plus).
• Mandatory spaceflight experience: participation in at least one satellite mission through AIT and launch preparation.
• Demonstrated experience architecting and operating EGSE / satellite checkout systems.
• Strong understanding of:
• satellite subsystems and interfaces,
• TM/TC systems,
• spacecraft integration and test flows.
• Hands-on experience with electrical test equipment and integration environments.
• Proven ability to work cross-functionally and lead technical discussions under schedule pressure.

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have, Not Required):

• Experience with SAR or EO payload checkout.
• Experience supporting environmental tests and launch campaigns.
• Familiarity with ISRO / ECSS / NASA standards, AI&T and systems engineering practices.
• Experience in startup or fast-paced development environments.

Soft Skills & Attitude:

• Calm and focused under pressure.
• Ownership mindset--comfortable with ambiguity and responsibility.
• High operational discipline and reliability.
• Ability to work occasional off-hours during critical mission phases (AIT, pre-launch).

Skills Required