Manager - ADCS Engineering

Role overview and responsibilities:

Dhruva Space is seeking an experienced Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) Manager to lead the development and delivery of high-reliability ADCS subsystems across multiple satellite missions. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of spacecraft dynamics and control, combined with hands-on experience working with flight hardware and simulation tools. This full-time and on-site role requires both technical expertise and the ability to guide cross-functional teams through design, integration, testing, and on-orbit operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define ADCS system architecture that meets mission-level pointing accuracy and stability requirements.
• Lead the development and validation of estimation and control algorithms for attitude determination and control.
• Review and guide sensor calibration routines, alignment procedures, and actuator control strategies.
• Own and manage end-to-end ADCS simulations using tools such as Basilisk, MATLAB/Simulink and custom Python frameworks.
• Oversee mission profile analysis, orbit maneuver planning, and validation using GMAT, STK, or similar platforms.
• Mentor and guide a growing team of ADCS engineers as well as working closely with engineers across Space Mission Analysis & Design, Avionics, Software & Firmware, and more such disciplines.
• Coordinate hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) setups, qualification campaigns, and environmental testing in collaboration with avionics and systems teams.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and promote a high-reliability and systems-driven engineering culture.
• Collaborate with the Software team to support integration, testing, and on-orbit commissioning.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Avionics, Controls, or a related field.
• Minimum 6 years of hands-on experience in spacecraft ADCS design, development, and validation.
• Strong grasp of spacecraft dynamics, rigid body kinematics, estimation theory (e.g., EKF, TRIAD) and control techniques.
• Demonstrated experience working with sensors (star trackers, gyros, sun sensors, magnetometers) and actuators (reaction wheels, magnetorquers, thrusters).
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and embedded software environments (C/C++).
• Familiarity with mission analysis and design tools such as GMAT, STK, FreeFlyer.
• Experience leading ADCS or subsystem teams in a flight program or mission-critical environment.
• Hands-on experience with spacecraft that have flown or are in advanced integration stages.
• Knowledge of ECSS, ISRO, or other relevant space system standards.
• Exposure to environmental testing protocols such as TVAC, vibration, and fault detection, isolatio and recovery (FDIR) strategies.
• Prior experience working in agile hardware/software teams with tight delivery timelines.