Vidhyuth K. C. Iyengar

Served as Program Manager for a micro-satellite platform mission, leading end-to-end program execution, stakeholder alignment, and delivery of mission objectives. Oversaw Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) activities for a nano-satellite mission, driving active issue resolution, implementing documentation standards, and ensuring test readiness under dynamic project conditions. Established and implemented Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across missions, conducting comprehensive post-project reviews and integrating key lessons learned to improve schedule performance and risk posture for subsequent programs. Introduced and operationalized project management tools within the organization, applying PERT scheduling techniques to enhance predictability and efficiency in a hybrid project management environment. Led structured risk management exercises, developing foundational processes to identify, assess, and mitigate project uncertainties throughout the mission lifecycle. Delivered rapid, high-impact solutions to mission-critical problems, exercising strong technical judgment and decisive leadership to minimize downstream schedule and technical risks. Directed recurring stakeholder, programmatic, and technical review meetings, ensuring alignment across engineering teams and progressing the mission toward its technical, schedule, and operational goals.

Led the end-to-end technical development of spacecraft design activities, ensuring alignment with mission objectives, engineering standards, and industry best practices. Directed cross-functional teams in the structural and thermal design of spacecraft systems, optimizing performance, reliability, and environmental resilience throughout the mission lifecycle. Designed and integrated biological and non-conforming payloads, enabling advanced on-orbit experimentation and expanding scientific research capabilities. Applied Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies to develop a spacecraft subsystem, including requirements definition, architecture modelling, and system verification. Delivered key systems engineering milestones such as MCR, PDR, and CDR, ensuring technical maturity and system readiness.

Led the mechanical subsystem design for an In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Lunar rover, ensuring seamless integration with overall rover architecture and mission requirements. Engineered an advanced Lunar regolith collection mechanism, enhancing the rover’s sampling capability and supporting in-situ resource extraction objectives. Executed detailed structural and mechanical designs using SolidWorks and Fusion 360, incorporating topology optimization to improve performance, mass efficiency, and structural resilience. Developed components optimized for additive manufacturing, reducing production complexity and enabling rapid, lightweight iterations tailored for space applications. Conducted high-fidelity modelling of rover–regolith interaction, resulting in an optimized wheel geometry that significantly improved mobility, traction, and energy efficiency on Lunar terrain. Performed independent cross-disciplinary research to inform design decisions, integrating new insights into the overall system strategy and strengthening rover mission readiness.

Contributed as a key member of the mechanical design team for the R2C2 stratospheric balloon experiment, successfully launched aboard BEXUS 28. Led the design, fabrication, and testing of critical mechanical components, ensuring structural integrity, operational reliability, and mission readiness. Delivered complex engineering solutions under strict timelines, coordinating effectively with cross-disciplinary teams and applying strong technical problem-solving and time-management skills. Developed a novel mechanical release mechanism, integrating it seamlessly into the experiment to enhance system versatility, efficiency, and operational performance.

Directed the end-to-end planning, coordination, and execution of a large-scale job fair, driving strong industry–academia engagement and high participant turnout. Designed and implemented the event floor plan, logistics workflow, and operational processes, ensuring efficient movement, smooth scheduling, and high-quality attendee experience. Led cross-functional teams, managed stakeholder communication, and ensured on-time delivery of all event components through strong leadership, project management, and organizational skills. Established a high-impact platform for recruitment, networking, employer branding, and career development, enabling meaningful interaction between industry professionals and graduating students.