India’s space technology startups are evolving beyond hiring fresh graduates and are now bringing in experienced professionals to scale their operations. From former scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to experts in business development and finance, these startups are assembling top talent to drive commercialization, navigate regulatory challenges, and expand their global presence.
With increasing investment, commercial prospects, and technological advancements, industry leaders recognize the need to strengthen leadership teams beyond technical roles. Startups are focusing on areas such as investor relations and product development to accelerate market entry.
Building a Strong Leadership Core
Anirudh Sharma, CEO of Digantara, highlighted the company’s strategy of hiring seasoned professionals. “We have appointed leadership across key domains. Our VP of engineering and AVP of space systems each bring over 15 years of experience from ISRO, ensuring strong technical expertise,” he said. Additionally, Digantara has hired a chief financial officer from the consumer sector to enhance financial strategy, scalability, and operational efficiency.
The maturing space tech ecosystem is also witnessing talent acquisition from major aerospace firms. Startups are recruiting mid-level and senior employees from organizations such as Tata Advanced Systems, Larsen & Toubro, Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), ISRO, and academic institutions like IISc and IIT Bombay. Some companies are also expanding their footprint into international markets, such as the US and Europe, to meet the rising demand for space technology solutions.
Strategic Hiring for Global Expansion
GalaxEye, a startup preparing for its Drishti Mission, is prioritizing strategic hires to strengthen its position in the space ecosystem. “Experienced professionals from global aerospace firms can accelerate our growth and revenue generation,” said founder Suyash Singh.
Similarly, N Space Tech has recruited Madhumita Chakravarti from DRDO for its research and development division. Founder Divya Kothamasu emphasized the importance of experienced leadership, stating, “Industry veterans bring valuable insights, strong networks, and a track record of success, which boosts investor confidence and facilitates government contracts.”
A Growing Appeal for Senior Talent
While space tech firms acknowledge the growing interest from experienced professionals, they believe the sector still has a long way to go before becoming a preferred career choice. However, India’s private space industry is now offering a competitive landscape for professionals looking to return to the country and contribute to its advancement.
“The emergence of private players in space and deep tech has created dynamic, fast-paced work environments similar to global firms. Indian companies now offer competitive salaries, and when factoring in the cost of living, professionals often find a better deal here,” said Santosh Tiwari, partner at EY-Parthenon India.
Startups are keen to reassure senior talent that India’s private space sector is shifting from pure innovation to a commercially viable and globally competitive industry. As the ecosystem matures, experienced professionals are expected to play a crucial role in shaping its future.
