Founding Engineer – Space Orbital Systems & GNC

At Zoove, were developing autonomous in-orbit infrastructure for RPO (Rendezvous & Proximity Operations) and predictive orbital operations.

We are looking for a Full-time Founding Engineer who can own and drive the technical development end-to-end, i.e., concept to simulation to validation to execution.

This is not a predefined role.

This is a build + own + shape role.

What you will work on

You will work directly with the founder to define and build the core orbital system architecture, including:

• Mission architecture for RPO scenarios (cooperative & non-cooperative targets)
• Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) system design
• Relative navigation, trajectory planning, and maneuver strategies
• System-level integration across estimation, planning, and control
• Simulation and validation of orbital operations (Python / MATLAB / STK / custom tools)
• Early-stage prototyping and iterative testing

This is a 01 build. You will not inherit systems; you will create them.

What you will own

• End-to-end ownership of key technical systems
• Driving technical direction aligned with Zooves long-term vision
• Translating ideas into working systems (code simulation validation)
• Making architectural trade-offs under uncertainty
• Building fast, iterating faster

Who is this for

Were looking for builders, not just profiles.

You should:

• Be comfortable writing code and building systems.
• Have strong grounding in at least one: Astrodynamics / Orbital Mechanics, GNC / AOCS / Control Systems, Mission Design / Flight Dynamics
• Be able to think at a system level, not just component level
• Be curious about solving non-cooperative RPO problems
• Be willing to operate in ambiguity and take ownership
• Exposure to spacecraft operations, mission planning, or simulation
• Prior experience in startups or high-ownership environments
• Built something independently (projects / research / systems)

What This Role Is Not

• Not a fixed-scope job
• Not a research-only role
• Not a task-based execution position

This is a core technical ownership role.

Compensation

Were an early-stage company, so compensation is structured to balance cash + ownership.

• Base salary: 10 15 LPA (depending on experience and fit)
• Equity: 0.5% 2% (aligned with ownership and long-term contribution)

We understand that compensation expectations vary.

Were open to discussing different structures (cash vs equity) based on:

• risk appetite
• level of ownership
• long-term alignment

This role is best suited for someone who is:

• comfortable with early-stage uncertainty
• motivated by ownership and building something meaningful

Expectations

• Full-time role
• Based in Bengaluru or willing to relocate
• Willingness to take responsibility beyond defined boundaries

What you will gain

• Opportunity to define core systems in a deep-tech startup from day one
• High ownership and direct impact on product direction
• Exposure to building real, deployable space systems
• Close collaboration with the founder
• Potential to grow into long-term technical leadership

Final Note

If youre someone who wants to take risks, build deeply, and own what you create, then we should talk.

Reach out: connect@zoove.space OR DM directly on LinkedIn.