Instrumentation and Control Engineer

At Orbitt Space, our mission is to pioneer the next generation of ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) satellites that can operate at altitudes as low as 200 km, where no conventional satellites can survive.

We are developing air-breathing electric propulsion systems that use the residual atmosphere as propellant to sustain satellites in these extreme conditions. This disruptive technology will enable longer missions, lower costs, and game-changing applications in Earth observation, connectivity, and defense.

We are an early-stage, deep-tech space startup founded by ex-ISRO scientists, currently preparing for our Propulsion system design and testing phase. For this critical development phase, our roles are high-responsibility and high-ownership positions.

As a Instrumentation and Control Engineer, you will design and implement the control systems and instrumentation backbone for Orbitt Space’s propulsion and satellite platforms.

A key part of your role will be to develop and deploy instrumentation for plasma thruster testing in vacuum chambers — working with high-voltage systems, plasma diagnostics, and precision measurement hardware to ensure reliable propulsion system performance.

Contact us if you are expert in 3 or more areas from below.

Control System Development

• Design, simulate, and validate robust control loops for propulsion and satellite subsystems.
• Implement real-time control strategies for dynamic in-orbit conditions.

Plasma Thruster Instrumentation

• Design and integrate plasma diagnostic instrumentation (Langmuir probes, Faraday cups, retarding potential analyzers, emissive probes).
• Work with vacuum-compatible sensors for current, voltage, pressure, and temperature monitoring.
• Implement high-voltage measurement and interlock systems for safe thruster operation.
• Develop data acquisition systems (DAQs) and interfaces for real-time monitoring of thrust, discharge characteristics, and plume behavior.

System Integration & Testing

• Integrate control and instrumentation systems with propulsion and other satellite subsystems.
• Conduct vacuum chamber testing including thermal-vacuum, vibration, and endurance testing.

Modeling & Simulation

• Use MATLAB/Simulink/Labview and equivalent tools to model satellite dynamics, plasma behavior, and validate control performance.

Circuit & Firmware Development

• Collaborate with electronics engineers to design control circuits and develop firmware for microcontrollers and FPGAs.

Embedded Control Deployment

• Generate embedded code from MATLAB/Simulink/Labview modules with careful resource optimization for space-qualified hardware.

• Education: M.Tech/M.Sc/PhD in Electronics, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Robotics, Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields.
• Strong fundamentals and hands-on experience in control design, tuning, and implementation.
• Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink/Labview for control design and modeling.
• Experience with plasma diagnostic instrumentation (e.g., probes, spectrometers, high-voltage/current sensing).
• Familiarity with vacuum systems and instrumentation integration for plasma thruster testing.
• Embedded systems experience (microcontrollers, real-time OS, FPGAs).
• Knowledge of power electronics and converter systems (experience with power system design is highly desirable).
• Exposure to space or defense system testing environments will be an added advantage.

• Pioneering Technology: Be part of building air-breathing electric propulsion system and satellites that operate at 200 km altitude.
• Ownership & Impact: Experience true ownership across the full lifecycle of satellite technology in a deep-tech startup environment.
• Equity + Competitive Salary: Along with a salary, you’ll receive ESOPs (equity ownership) — your work directly contributes to our collective success.
• Growth in Deep-Tech Space: Work alongside a founding team of ex-ISRO engineers and team with decades of combined expertise in spacecraft power and propulsion.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Private health insurance, annual health check-ups, and a fast-paced culture designed for growth.

If you are passionate about control engineering, plasma instrumentation, and building systems that will fly in space, this is your opportunity to redefine the future of satellites.