Instrumentation And Control Engineer

About Orbitt Space 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. Your Role 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. 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 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. Requirements - 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. Why Join Orbitt Space? - 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.