Instrumentation and Control Engineer

About Astrophel Aerospace-

Astrophel Aerospace is a rapidly growing aerospace startup at the forefront of space propulsion and launch vehicle technologies. Our mission is to revolutionize access to space through cutting-edge engineering, rapid prototyping, and agile development of propulsion systems and subsystems.

Engineers at Astrophel work shoulder-to-shoulder with leading engineers across multidisciplinary domains, gaining deep exposure to Propulsion, Avionics, Assembly & Integration, VLSI, and System Design teams. You won't just observe—you'll contribute directly to real hardware and systems headed for space.

Role Overview-

We are seeking a hands-on and motivated Engineer in the field of Instrumentation and Control Engineering to assist in the design, setup, and commissioning of our rocket engine test bench and propulsion subsystem instrumentation. The ideal candidate should be technically sound, self-driven, and passionate about working with sensors, control systems, and test automation. In this role, you will contribute to the instrumentation and control of critical propulsion components including turbo pumps, engine valves (solenoid and actuated types), pressure regulation systems, and cryogenic handling subsystems. Your responsibilities will also include the integration of control systems for high-speed rotating machinery, actuator control for thrust vectoring, and monitoring systems for engine health and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and integration of instrumentation and control systems for rocket engine test stands and propulsion subsystems.

• Set up and calibrate field instrumentation: flow meters, pressure transducers, level sensors, RTDs/thermocouples, load cells, etc.

• Instrument and monitor critical propulsion components including turbo pumps, engine valves, pressure regulators, and cryogenic systems.

• Develop control logic for valve sequencing, pump start-up/shutdown, and safety interlocks using Siemens PLC and SCADA platforms (TIA Portal preferred).

• Configure and integrate actuators for engine valves (solenoid, pneumatic, and electric types) and thrust vector control mechanisms.

• Set up high-speed data acquisition systems for monitoring turbo pump behavior, including vibration, RPM, and temperature sensing.

• Assist in panel design, wiring layout, and signal routing using Electrical AutoCAD and industrial best practices.

• Work on signal conditioning, sensor interfacing, and real-time monitoring systems to support engine health management.

• Interface hardware with MATLAB/Simulink for data logging, dynamic simulation, and control validation.

• Participate in hot-fire test campaigns, system troubleshooting, and validation of control logic and instrumentation setups.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless integration with propulsion, avionics, and software systems.

Preferred Skills and Experience-

• Completed B.Tech/M.Tech in Instrumentation, Electronics, Mechatronics, Electrical, or related disciplines.

• Strong understanding of control systems, sensor instrumentation, and automation.

• Practical experience with Siemens PLCs, SCADA systems, and industrial communication protocols (MODBUS, PROFIBUS, etc.).

• Proficiency in Electrical AutoCAD, basic electrical design, and panel layout.

• Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, and basic scripting.

• Hands-on experience with motor controllers (VFD, BLDC drivers, stepper control systems etc).

• Ability to work in high-paced R&D environments and under real test conditions. Perks of Working with Astrophel Aerospace

• Hands-on experience with real rocket engine systems and test infrastructure.

• Exposure to high-performance liquid propulsion systems and space-grade subsystems.

• Mentorship from industry experts in rocketry, avionics, and embedded systems.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge test technologies and in-house fabrication teams.

• Potential transition to full-time roles based on performance.

• A collaborative and innovation-driven startup culture.

Bonus (Not Mandatory but Nice to Have)-

• Experience with NI LabVIEW, DAQ systems like iba.

• Python scripting for test automation.

• PCB design for sensor conditioning circuits.

• Knowledge of safety systems and interlocks.

---