Assistant Manager – Electrical & Automation Design

ABOUT ASTROBASE SPACE TECHNOLOGIES Astrobase is a pioneering spacetech startup founded by prominent Senior ISRO scientists and IIT Bombay alumni with over 20 years of experience in designing, manufacturing, testing and flying advanced Cryogenic Launch Vehicles. Driven by a vision to make India a Space tech powerhouse, we are developing innovative launch vehicles that will transform space exploration. At Astrobase, you’ll be part of a team creating history in the Indian space industry. Our goal is to become the first private space company from India to land on the moon economically.
Position Overview The Assistant Manager / Manager – Electrical & Automation will be responsible for leading the engineering, design, and execution support activities for power distribution systems, electrical infrastructure, instrumentation, PLC/SCADA based automation systems, and control systems supporting rocket stage test facilities, launch pads, cryogenic stations, and associated ground support infrastructure. The role requires extensive experience covering concept engineering, basic engineering, detailed engineering, integration, testing, commissioning, and operational readiness of mission-critical electrical and automation systems. The incumbent shall provide technical leadership from engineering through commissioning while ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and highly available systems. Based at the Head Office, the position will require periodic travel to project sites to support installation, integration, testing, troubleshooting, commissioning, and operational validation activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Engineering & Design Leadership • Lead concept, basic, and detailed engineering activities for electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems. • Develop and review system architecture, single-line diagrams, load calculations, protection philosophies, control philosophies, I/O architecture, and engineering documentation. • Review and approve electrical layouts, cable schedules, MCC architectures, junction box layouts, instrumentation layouts, and control system deliverables. • Ensure designs meet reliability, maintainability, safety, and operational requirements.
2. Electrical System Engineering • Lead engineering activities related to HT/LT power distribution systems, substations, transformers, DG systems, UPS systems, switchgear, MCCs, grounding, lightning protection, and illumination systems. • Validate protection coordination philosophies and electrical system integration requirements. • Support vendor technical evaluations and equipment selection activities.
3. Automation & Instrumentation Engineering • Lead engineering activities related to PLC, SCADA, HMI, remote I/O systems, industrial communication networks, and control systems. • Develop and review control philosophies, cause-and-effect matrices, interlocks, alarm management, and operational sequences. • Lead instrumentation engineering involving pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, mass flow meters, level transmitters, control valves, analyzers, and associated field instrumentation. • Guide PLC programming philosophy, ladder logic development, control strategies, and system integration activities.
4. Codes, Standards & Compliance • Ensure compliance with applicable IS, IEC, NFPA, IEEE, PESO, and project-specific standards. • Establish design review, validation, verification, and approval processes. • Ensure engineering documentation complies with statutory and operational requirements.
5. Testing, Qualification & Commissioning Support • Define system testing, qualification, and acceptance requirements. • Support FAT, SAT, loop checking, interlock verification, integrated system testing, and commissioning activities. • Review system performance against design objectives and operational requirements. • Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical issues during commissioning and operational trials.
6. Leadership & Project Coordination • Coordinate with Mechanical, Civil, Safety, Procurement, Operations, and Commissioning teams. • Mentor engineers and designers within the department. • Support development of departmental standards, engineering procedures, and best practices. • Provide technical leadership throughout the project lifecycle.
7. Technical Expertise • Electrical Power Distribution Systems • HT/LT Systems • Transformer & Switchgear Engineering • MCC & Control Panel Design • Grounding & Lightning Protection • Instrumentation Systems • PLC & SCADA Systems • Industrial Communication Networks • Cause & Effect Development • Control Philosophy Development • Interlock Logic Design • Industrial Automation Systems • Testing & Qualification Procedures • Commissioning & Operational Readiness • Multidisciplinary Engineering Coordination
8. Software Proficiency • AutoCAD Electrical • EPLAN (Preferred) • ETAP • PLC Programming Platforms (Siemens / Allen-Bradley / Schneider) • SCADA Development Platforms • Microsoft Office Suite
PREFERRED CANDIDATE PROFILE • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Electrical & Electronics, or Instrumentation Engineering. • Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in electrical and automation engineering for industrial, cryogenic, aerospace, oil & gas, LNG, energy, or process facilities. • Proven experience in concept, basic, and detailed engineering activities. • Strong exposure to instrumentation, PLC/SCADA systems, control philosophies, and system integration. • Experience supporting projects from design through commissioning and operational acceptance. • Strong understanding of applicable electrical, automation, and safety standards. • Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. • Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE To lead the engineering and implementation of electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems from concept through commissioning, ensuring safe, reliable, compliant, and operationally robust infrastructure supporting rocket stage testing, cryogenic operations and launch facilities.
WHY WORK WITH US?
At Astrobase, we believe in the power of human ingenuity and collaboration to push the boundaries of space exploration. As a team member, you’ll be: 1. Creating History: Join us in developing cutting-edge launch vehicles, playing a pivotal role in transforming space access and shaping the future of space exploration. 2. Collaborating with Experts: Work alongside ISRO scientists and industry veterans with decades of experience in designing India’s iconic space missions like Chandrayaan 3 3. Growth Opportunities: As Astrobase scales, you’ll have the chance to take on leadership roles and be part of an expanding organization driving change in the Indian space sector. 4. Pioneering Space Technology: Your contributions will not only impact Astrobase but also influence the global space ecosystem. Be part of something larger than yourself.