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).