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Space and satellite engineer
Also called: Spacecraft engineer, Aerospace systems engineer
Designs, builds and tests satellites, rockets and the systems that control them.
What the work is
Space engineers work on everything that goes to orbit: satellite structures, power and solar panels, radios, onboard computers, propulsion and the ground stations that talk to them. Others work on launch vehicles and on mission planning.
ISRO has built India's space programme for decades. Since 2020, private companies such as Skyroot, Agnikul, Pixxel and Dhruva Space build rockets and satellites too, supported by IN-SPACe. This has opened more doors for engineers from many branches: mechanical, electronics, electrical, computer science and aerospace.
A typical week
- Design and test a satellite subsystem
- Run thermal, vibration and vacuum tests
- Write onboard or ground software
- Plan and monitor missions from a control centre
It suits people who
- Love space and physics
- Are very careful, since there is no repair after launch
- Enjoy working in focused teams
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Take Science with Maths (PCM)
- Apply to ISRO's YUVIKA programme in Class 9Join astronomy or space clubs
Class 11-12
- JEE Main and JEE AdvancedIIST Thiruvananthapuram admits through JEE Advanced
- Choose Aerospace, Mechanical, ECE or CS
College or fresher
- Join a CubeSat, rocketry or satellite team
- Learn MATLAB, CAD and one simulation tool
- Intern at ISRO, a space start-up or a defence lab
- Apply to ISRO's ICRB exam, start-ups, or write GATE for M.Tech
Working or switching
- Engineers from automotive, electronics, defence or software move to space start-ups by joining projects and learning space standards
- Start with a skills refresh of 6 to 12 weeks: one short course and one TalentMeter assessment to show where you stand today.
- Use returnship and second-career programmes; many large employers in India run them for people back after a break.
- Explain the gap in one honest line on your CV and LinkedIn, and list what you did in it (caregiving, freelancing, courses, volunteering).
- Contract, part-time and freelance roles are a common way back in; they turn into full-time offers often.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| JEE Advanced (for IIST) ↗ | B.Tech at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology | After Class 12 |
| ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) ↗ | Scientist or engineer posts at ISRO | After B.Tech |
| GATE | M.Tech and some PSU and lab jobs | Final year or after |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
Job market
Job titles to search
Who hires
Where the jobs are
These buttons open a live search for "Satellite systems engineer" on each job site. TalentMeter does not list or vouch for the jobs there.
Outlook
Growing quickly as India's private space sector expands, with hundreds of start-ups and plans for more launches and satellite constellations. Openings are still limited and competitive.
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