Vice President – Stratospheric Platforms
Full Time
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
About
The Vice President - Stratospheric Platforms will lead the end-to-end design, development, and flight operations of our high-altitude platforms - VISTA, ALTIS & HELIX. The role combines technical leadership, strategic program management, and mission execution to bring India’s first commercial stratospheric systems from prototype to operational maturity. He/She will oversee teams in balloon engineering, aerostat & airship design, computational modeling, envelope materials, and payload integration, ensuring global-class standards of performance, safety, and innovation.
Description
Strategic & Technical Leadership
-Drive the design, analysis, and development of zero-pressure, super-pressure, and tethered balloon systems.
-Architect and execute the technology roadmap for VISTA, ALTIS & HELIX programs, from early-stage R&D to commercial deployment.
-Oversee structural optimization, gas system design, and envelope fabrication using multi-layer polymer laminates and hydrogen-compatible materials.
-Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across VISTA/ALTIS/HELIX design, envelope manufacturing, AI-driven navigation, and payload integration.
-Guide integration of AI and autonomous control algorithms for long-endurance flights.
Flight Campaigns & Operations
-Act as Mission Director / Launch Director for high-altitude flight campaigns across India.
-Manage launch logistics, regulatory clearances (DGCA, IN-SPACe, DRDO, WPC), and field safety protocols.
-Lead data collection, telemetry, and post-flight analytics to support continuous system improvements.
Program Management
-Align platform development milestones with RBA’s 2025–2030 roadmap, including TRL advancements and customer demonstrations.
-Collaborate with R&D partners, defense agencies, and academic institutions globally for joint programs.
-Support business development teams in technical presentations, proposal defense, and customer engagement for defense and research contracts.
Innovation & Research
-Mentor R&D in various fields.
-Drive innovation in lightweight structural systems, gas management, and adaptive envelope materials for next-generation stratospheric vehicles.
-Publish and represent RBA in international conferences (COSPAR, ASI, AIAA, etc.)
Requirements
B.Tech / M.E in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering.
12+ years of professional experience in scientific ballooning, aerostat systems, or lighter-than-air platforms, including field operations.
Proven record in designing, fabricating, and launching large-volume zero-pressure or super-pressure balloons.
Experience in team leadership, mission planning, and technical management of complex LTA based aerospace projects.
Desired
Prior role as Group Head / Launch Director in a recognized stratospheric or aerospace or LTA organization/company.
Expertise with hydrogen and helium gas handling systems, polymeric envelope fabrication, and AI/ML-based flight control systems.
Published work in peer-reviewed journals or conferences in ballooning, stratospheric research, or atmospheric science.