Agnikul Cosmos is a company incubated at IIT Madras and we build rockets that can take satellites up to 500 kg to Lower Earth Orbit (LEO). In May 2024, we successfully completed our maiden launch from our own launchpad (India's first private launchpad). The launch has proven all the new technologies developed by Agnikul and also earned recognition from Honourable Prime Minister of India.
Assembly Procedure Development (Primary Focus)
Author detailed, step-by-step assembly procedures for launch vehicle structures, propulsion systems, avionics, and subsystem integration — including torque values, fastener callouts, sequencing, tooling requirements, inspection/verification points, and acceptance criteria.
Translate engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and design intent into technician-executable work instructions with clear illustrations, photos, or callouts.
Define build sequence and integration flow across major assemblies (e.g., stage structures, tanks, engines, avionics bays, harnessing, fluid/pneumatic systems).
Build in mandatory inspection, hold, and verification points (in-process QA, torque checks, leak checks, continuity checks, fit checks) at the correct step in the sequence.
Specify required tooling, jigs, fixtures, GSE, and PPE for each step; flag any special handling (ESD, cleanroom, hazardous fluids/gases, high-pressure systems).
Own document control and revision of procedures — maintain traceability, incorporate engineering change orders (ECOs), and manage redlines/as-built markups from the floor.
Pilot new procedures on the floor with technicians, capture feedback, and iterate until the procedure is unambiguous and repeatable.
Work directly alongside technicians during builds, especially for first-articles and new hardware configurations, to validate procedures in real time.
Troubleshoot fit, tolerance, and integration issues on the floor and drive them to root cause and corrective action.
Lead or support mechanical/electrical integration of subassemblies into the final vehicle stack (structural mate, propulsion install, avionics integration, harness routing, fluid system buildup).
Continuously improve build procedures based on lessons learned, non-conformances, and technician feedback to reduce cycle time and defects.
Drive non-conformance reports (NCRs) to disposition; support root-cause and corrective action (RCCA) investigations tied to assembly/procedure issues.
Partner with Design Engineering to flag design-for-manufacturability/assembly (DFM/DFA) issues discovered during procedure creation or floor execution.
Support configuration management — ensure procedures reflect the correct engineering baseline and as-built vehicle configuration.
Develop and deliver training for technicians on new or revised procedures.
Work closely with Design Engineering, Systems Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Test teams to align procedures with requirements and verification needs.
Support tooling and GSE requirement definition needed to execute procedures safely and repeatably.
Provide technical support during launch site integration and vehicle processing, as needed.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on experience).
2+ years of experience in manufacturing/production engineering, assembly/integration, or test engineering — ideally in aerospace, automotive, or another highly regulated hardware industry.
Demonstrated experience writing formal assembly, build, or test procedures/work instructions for complex hardware.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly (fasteners, torque tools, harnessing, fluid/pneumatic connections).
Strong written communication skills — able to write instructions that are unambiguous to someone executing them for the first time.
Comfortable working on the production floor for extended periods, including standing, bending, working in tight spaces, and at height.
Willingness to work extended hours/weekends around critical build and launch milestones.
Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, or other flight hardware integration.
Experience with document/configuration management systems (e.g., PLM, ERP/MES, redline/as-built processes).
Familiarity with cleanroom (ISO/Class-rated) and ESD-controlled environments.
Experience with hazardous systems: high pressure, cryogenics, propellants, or hazardous gases/fluids.
Experience with root-cause/corrective action (RCCA) and non-conformance processes.
Experience with crane operations / large hardware moves.
Prior experience training or leading technicians.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Manufacturing, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience
- 2+ years of experience in manufacturing/production engineering, assembly/integration, or test engineering
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, or another highly regulated hardware industry
- Experience writing formal assembly, build, test procedures, or work instructions for complex hardware
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, schematics, and wiring diagrams
- Hands-on experience with mechanical and/or electrical assembly, including fasteners, torque tools, harnessing, and fluid/pneumatic connections
- Strong written communication skills for creating unambiguous instructions
- Ability to work on the production floor for extended periods, including standing, bending, tight spaces, and elevated work areas
- Willingness to work extended hours and weekends around critical build and launch milestones
- Experience with launch vehicles, spacecraft, or other flight hardware integration
- Experience with PLM, ERP/MES, document or configuration management systems, and redline/as-built processes
- Familiarity with ISO/class-rated cleanrooms and ESD-controlled environments
- Experience with high-pressure systems, cryogenics, propellants, or hazardous gases/fluids
- Experience with root-cause/corrective action and non-conformance processes
- Experience with crane operations or large hardware moves
- Prior experience training or leading technicians
What We Do
At AgniKul, we design, manufacture, test and launch orbital class rockets for micro and nano satellites. We currently work out of the National Center for Combustion R&D at IIT-Madras. Rocket scientists, engineers, ex-bankers and space lawyers are a part of our team. This unique blend of people is one of our biggest strengths. Our goal is to make space affordable for everyone in India.
