Lead Satellite Ground Checkout/EGSE Engineer

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).