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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
