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.