Location: Remote / Part-time Advisory Compensation: ESOPs (4-year vesting) About SpaceRelays SpaceRelays is building an optical relay satellite network to enable real-time, high-speed data transfer for LEO satellites. We are pioneering the optical communication technology, creating the backbone for next-generation space connectivity. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Startup Advisor in Space Mission Design & Planning with deep expertise in satellite systems, orbital mechanics, and communication technologies. The advisor will guide our mission design strategy, ensure robust mission planning, and provide technical oversight from concept to prototype. Key Responsibilities Define and refine mission architecture for an optical relay satellite network. Develop mission planning frameworks, including trajectory design, orbital parameters, and system requirements. Advise on spacecraft bus design, payload integration, and subsystems optimisation. Provide insights on inter-satellite optical links, pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems. Support feasibility studies, risk analysis, and technology readiness assessments. Required Skills & Expertise 15+ years in satellite mission design, planning, or systems engineering. Strong background in orbital mechanics, trajectory optimisation, and attitude control. Knowledge of optical communication systems (highly desirable). Experience with mission-level risk assessment, scheduling, and cost analysis is a plus. Relevant Software Proficiency STK (Systems Tool Kit) – mission design & orbital simulations. GMAT / Orekit – astrodynamics and trajectory optimisation. MATLAB / Simulink – modelling and control system simulations. Python / C++ – for simulation scripting and automation. Compensation Equity-based compensation via ESOPs, vested over 4 years.
About SpaceRelays SpaceRelays is building a first-of-its-kind optical relay satellite network to provide real-time, high-speed data connectivity for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Startup Advisor – Space Mission Design & Astrodynamics to guide us through early-stage mission design, orbital planning, and system-level architecture. This is a strategic advisory role, ideal for someone who wants to help shape the future of space-based communication infrastructure. Key Responsibilities Advise on mission design, orbital configurations, and astrodynamics strategies. Guide system-level trade studies for satellite placement, coverage, and redundancy. Assist in roadmap development for technology readiness and deployment phases. Recommend best practices in satellite architecture and mission feasibility. Qualifications 15+ years of experience in space mission design, planning, or astrodynamics . Proven track record of contributing to successful satellite missions (LEO/MEO/GEO). Strong understanding of spacecraft subsystems, orbital mechanics, and mission analysis. Familiarity with simulation tools such as STK, GMAT, Orekit , or equivalent. Compensation Equity-based engagement through ESOPs , vested over 4 years. Opportunity to influence mission-critical decisions in a pioneering space-tech venture . Why Join Us? Play a key advisory role in shaping next-generation satellite communication systems. Flexible engagement – mentor a passionate team working at the cutting edge of deep-tech.
Location: Bengaluru, India Company: SpaceRelays Stage: Pre-Seed Funded About Us: SpaceRelays is a space-tech startup founded by alumni from IIST (Thiruvananthapuram), NIT (Bhopal), and MIT (USA), building next-generation optical hardware systems for ultra-high-performance free-space optical communication in terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications. Backed by a successful pre-seed round, we are now expanding our core engineering team to accelerate R&D and product integration across photonic, electronic, and system-level domains. What You'll Do Design, implement, and optimize high-speed communication protocols for free-space optical and satellite communication, following standards such as CCSDS and SDA OCT. Work hands-on with PHY and Data Link layer algorithms (Adaptive Coding & modulation, equalisation, error correction, beam steering, synchronisation, etc.). Perform link budget analysis and system-level performance modelling to guide architecture and design choices Build end-to-end prototypes in the lab , validate their performance under realistic conditions, and take them all the way through to field testing and deployment . Lead/Co-Lead the communications engineering team as we grow. What We're Looking For Deep expertise in free-space optical communication and familiarity with satellite communication systems . Strong grasp of signal processing and communications theory , with real-world implementation experience. Proven ability to work across the stack: from algorithms to systems integration. FPGA and networking Comfortable with rapid iteration, ambiguity, and ownership. Work Experience - 5+ years Why Join Us Be part of the founding team with significant ownership and autonomy. Direct impact: your work defines the product and the company's trajectory. Lead groundbreaking innovation in a paradigm shift in optical communication. Work in an open, fast-moving environment where execution matters. Compensation Competitive compensation with equity options, giving you a stake in the company's growth Performance-based bonuses Note SpaceRelays will reach out to applicants only if they are selected for the next round
As an Integrated Photonic Scientist/Engineer at SpaceRelays, you will play a crucial role in designing, characterizing, and optimizing advanced optoelectronic components and integrated modules for cutting-edge free-space optical communication systems. Your responsibilities will include: - Conducting photonic device simulations to enhance performance - Integrating chips at the system level for scalability - Packaging components for field deployment - Validating systems in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams To excel in this role, you should hold a PhD or M.S. in Photonics, Nanotechnology, Applied Physics, or a related field, with at least 3-10 years of experience in integrated photonic or silicon photonic-based hardware systems. Your expertise should span design, fabrication, testing, and packaging of photonic and electronic subsystems for high-performance platforms. SpaceRelays, a space-tech startup, offers a competitive salary, generous employee stock options, and various perks such as a flexible work environment and the chance to contribute to India's deeptech and spacetech revolution. Join us in transforming lab-scale breakthroughs into commercially viable technologies. We encourage you to apply via the Google Form provided to share your background and expectations with us. We are looking for multiple candidates to join our expanding team.,
Location: Bengaluru, India Company: SpaceRelays Stage: Pre-Seed Funded About Us: SpaceRelays is a space-tech startup founded by alumni from IIST (Thiruvananthapuram), NIT (Bhopal), and MIT (USA), building next-generation optical hardware systems for ultra-high-performance free-space optical communication in terrestrial and non-terrestrial applications. Backed by a successful pre-seed round, we are now expanding our core engineering team to accelerate R&D and product integration across photonic, electronic, and system-level domains. What we are looking for: We are seeking multiple Integrated Photonic Scientists/Engineers to drive the design, characterisation, and optimisation of advanced optoelectronic components and integrated modules for scalable and field-deployable systems. The role involves hands-on work across photonic device simulation, chip-level integration, packaging, and system validation in collaboration with our multidisciplinary hardware and systems teams. Candidates having a PhD or M.S. in Photonics, Nanotechnology, or Applied Physics, or any relevant background, with 310 years of total experience in integrated photonic or silicon photonic-based hardware systems (including MS or PhD), are encouraged to apply. Candidates should have demonstrated end-to-end expertise across the design, fabrication, testing, and packaging pipeline, along with proven experience in system-level integration of photonic and electronic subsystems for high-performance hardware platforms. You will work closely with the founding team to bring breakthrough photonic technologies from lab-scale to commercial readiness. Please respond to the Google form to help us understand your background, experience, and expectations. We are hiring multiple candidates for these roles, and you are not expected to have experience in all of the following requirements. Compensation and Benefits: Salary: Competitive, based on experience ESOPs: Generous employee stock options we believe in shared ownership and want you to grow with the company Perks: The opportunity to build something high-impact from scratch, a flexible work environment, and a front-row seat in India's deeptech and spacetech revolution. Also, you get to publish scientific papers in reputable journals. Compensation up to INR 30L based on experience and the current requirements of the role Google Form (Preferred): https://forms.gle/PUet1q4mWUqxQVKF9
As a Chief Integrated Photonics Scientist/Engineer at SpaceRelays, your role will involve driving the design, characterization, and optimization of advanced optoelectronic components and integrated modules for scalable and field-deployable systems. Here are the key responsibilities: - Conduct photonic device simulation to support the design process - Lead chip-level integration and packaging efforts - Collaborate with multidisciplinary hardware and systems teams for system validation To qualify for this position, you should have a PhD or M.S. in Photonics, Nanotechnology, or Applied Physics, or a relevant background, along with 3-10 years of total experience in integrated photonic or silicon photonic-based hardware systems. Your expertise should cover the design, fabrication, testing, and packaging pipeline, as well as system-level integration of photonic and electronic subsystems for high-performance hardware platforms. SpaceRelays, a space-tech startup founded by alumni from IIST, NIT, and MIT, is backed by a successful pre-seed round and is now expanding the core engineering team to accelerate R&D and product integration. The company offers competitive compensation, generous employee stock options, and perks such as the opportunity to build something impactful from scratch, a flexible work environment, and involvement in India's deeptech and spacetech revolution. Additionally, you will have the chance to publish scientific papers in reputable journals. If you meet the qualifications and are excited to be part of this innovative team, consider applying through the Google Form provided in the job description.,