Role: Satellite Flight Controller
Industry: Space Technology
Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Role Type: Full-time
About the Role:
We are looking for disciplined, detail-oriented Spacecraft Controllers / Satellite Operations Engineers to support routine and critical operations for a SAR satellite constellation from our Mission Control Centre in Ahmedabad (India).
This is primarily a console operations role focused on safe and reliable spacecraft operations, real-time monitoring, command execution, anomaly escalation, and operational coordination across spacecraft, payload, and ground systems.
You will work closely with:
- Mission Planning
- AOCS / Flight Dynamics
- Payload Operations
- Ground Segment / MCS teams
- Satellite Systems Engineering
The role is operationally demanding and suited for individuals who are comfortable working in structured, high-responsibility environments with rotating shifts and real-time decision support requirements.
Responsibilities:
Satellite Operations
- Operate and monitor satellites from the Mission Control Centre during:
- routine operations,
- payload activities,
- manoeuvres,
- contingency operations,
- commissioning and LEOP support activities.
- Execute approved operational procedures and command sequences.
- Monitor spacecraft telemetry, subsystem health, payload status, and operational timelines in real time.
- Maintain situational awareness across spacecraft, payload, and ground segment status.
Anomaly Detection & Escalation
- Identify off-nominal spacecraft or payload behaviour and respond according to operational procedures.
- Escalate anomalies to subsystem engineers, Flight Dynamics, Payload, or Systems teams as required.
- Support safe spacecraft operations during contingencies and degraded modes.
- Participate in anomaly reviews, simulations, and rehearsals.
Mission Coordination requires close coordination with Mission Planning, Flight Dynamics, Payload Operations, Ground Segment / MCS teams. Activities include:
- Participate in shift handovers, operational briefings, readiness reviews, and mission rehearsals.
- Support execution of mission timelines and operational constraints.
Operational Products & Tooling
- Support preparation, validation, and maintenance of:
- operational procedures,
- pass plans,
- command products,
- operational databases and logs.
- Contribute to lightweight operational tooling, scripting, automation, or telemetry analysis utilities where useful.
- Prototype or test software tools that improve operational efficiency, situational awareness, or data handling.
Strong software development expertise is not required; however, curiosity and initiative toward improving operational workflows are highly valued.
LEOP & High-Cadence Operations
- Support Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), commissioning activities, and contingency operations as required.
- Participate in training, simulations, and rehearsals for critical mission phases.
Work Environment & Shift Expectations
- This role operates in a 24/7 mission environment. Rotating shifts will typically range from 10–14 hours, including:
- Night shifts,
- Weekends,
- Holidays,
- Contingency support periods.
- Team size is expected to be approximately 2–3 controllers initially.
- During high-cadence operational phases such as:
- LEOP,
- Commissioning,
- Anomaly resolution,
- Critical mission activities,
- The company will provide:
- On-site accommodation,
- Meals, and
- Recreational support facilities where applicable.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Aerospace Engineering (preferred),
- Electrical/Electronics Engineering,
- Mechanical Engineering,
- Physics,
- Computer Science,
- or another relevant STEM discipline.
- Diploma holders may also be considered if they possess relevant satellite operations experience.
- Candidates hailing from Gujarat or neighbouring states (Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh) would be preferred for this role.
Additional Eligibility
- Candidates from past Armed Forces experience or other high-reliability operational environments are encouraged to apply. Past experience at DSA, DIPAC or Image Interpretation Teams (IIT) will enhance application for candidates from this background.
- Personnel with experience in mission-critical operations, technical command centres, radar systems, aerospace operations, communications systems, UAV operations, or related operational roles may be considered, even if their prior experience was outside the commercial space industry.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- strong operational discipline,
- ability to work in structured shift environments,
- sound escalation judgment,
- and comfort operating in real-time mission settings.
Desired Skills & Attributes
Operational Mindset
- Strong operational discipline and attention to detail.
- Ability to remain calm and methodical during real-time operational events.
- Ability to follow procedures rigorously while recognizing off-nominal conditions.
- Good communication and shift handover practices.
Technical Understanding
Basic understanding of:
- satellite subsystems,
- telemetry and commanding,
- orbital operations,
- spacecraft operational constraints.
- Familiarity with Linux environments, scripting, telemetry tools, or operational software is a plus.
Software & Tooling (Lightweight Requirement):
- Ability to prototype, validate, or test lightweight operational tools or scripts is highly valued.
- Experience with Python, shell scripting, telemetry visualization, automation utilities, or similar tools is beneficial but not mandatory.
- Candidates should demonstrate good judgment in validating and safely using operational software tools.
What We Value
We value individuals who:
- take operational responsibility seriously,
- communicate clearly under pressure,
- are comfortable working in mission-critical environments,
- and are motivated by reliable execution rather than glamour.
This role is an opportunity to work directly on real spacecraft operations and grow into advanced mission operations responsibilities over time.