Instrumentation and Control Engineer

About Orbitt SpaceAtOrbitt Space, our mission is to pioneer thenext generation of ultra-low Earth orbit (ULEO) satellitesthat can operate at altitudes as low as200 km, where no conventional satellites can survive. We are developingair-breathing electric propulsion systemsthat use the residual atmosphere as propellant to sustain satellites in these extreme conditions. This disruptive technology will enablelonger missions, lower costs, and game-changing applicationsin Earth observation, connectivity, and defense.We are an early-stage, deep-tech space startup founded byex-ISRO scientists, currently preparing for ourPropulsion system design and testing phase. For this critical development phase, our roles arehigh-responsibility and high-ownershippositions.Your Role As aInstrumentation and Control Engineer, you will design and implement thecontrol systems and instrumentation backbonefor Orbitt Space’s propulsion and satellite platforms. A key part of your role will be todevelop 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.Key Responsibilities 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 integrateplasma diagnostic instrumentation(Langmuir probes, Faraday cups, retarding potential analyzers, emissive probes). Work withvacuum-compatible sensorsfor current, voltage, pressure, and temperature monitoring. Implementhigh-voltage measurement and interlock systemsfor safe thruster operation. Developdata 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. Conductvacuum chamber testingincluding 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.Requirements Education:M.Tech/M.Sc/PhD in Electronics, Control Systems, Mechatronics, Instrumentation, Robotics, Aerospace, Mechanical, or related fields. Strong fundamentals andhands-on experience in control design, tuning, and implementation. Proficiency inMATLAB/Simulink/Labviewfor control design and modeling. Experience withplasma diagnostic instrumentation(e.g., probes, spectrometers, high-voltage/current sensing). Familiarity withvacuum systemsand instrumentation integration for plasma thruster testing. Embedded systems experience (microcontrollers, real-time OS, FPGAs). Knowledge ofpower electronics and converter systems(experience with power system design is highly desirable). Exposure tospace or defense system testing environmentswill be an added advantage.Why Join Orbitt Space?Pioneering Technology:Be part of buildingair-breathing electric propulsion systemand satellites that operate at200 km altitude. Ownership & Impact:Experience true ownership across thefull lifecycle of satellite technologyin a deep-tech startup environment. Equity + Competitive Salary:Along with a salary, you’ll receiveESOPs (equity ownership)— your work directly contributes to our collective success. Growth in Deep-Tech Space:Work alongside a founding team ofex-ISRO engineersand 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.