Senior Satellite Ground Checkout/EGSE Engineer

Title: Senior 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 Engineer 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).