Assembly & Integration Engineer

ABOUT

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.

We are looking for an Assembly & Integration Engineer to own the build definition of our launch vehicle — turning engineering designs into clear, repeatable, and safe assembly procedures that technicians execute on the production floor. This is a hands-on, floor-facing engineering role at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and quality. You will spend significant time on the shop floor with technicians, watching builds happen, and translating that first-hand knowledge into documentation that is precise enough to build flight hardware right the first time, every time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

Hands-On Assembly & Integration Support

• 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).

Process & Quality Improvement

• 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.

Cross-Functional Interface

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.