Sarabjeet Singh Chhabra

Project Scientist · Polar Operations & Logistics · Arctic & Antarctica

NCPOR / MoESBITS Pilani (M.Tech)HAM OperatorAntarctica + Arctic
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Education

M.Tech — Environmental Engineering

BITS Pilani

Jun 2024 — Present

B.Tech — Electronics & Communication Engineering

Kurukshetra University

Aug 2014 — Jul 2018

Awards

Young Polar Scientist — Best Oral Presentation

Polar Operations, Governance & Outreach · Sep 2025

NCPOR, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India

Young Polar Scientist — Best Poster Presentation

Polar Operations, Governance & Outreach · Sep 2025

NCPOR, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Govt. of India

Conferences

National Conference on Polar Sciences (NCPS)

Sep 2025 · NCPOR, Ministry of Earth Sciences

Certifications

Amateur Radio Operator (HAM)

Licensed since Feb 2015

Polar Bear Safety Guard

M77 rifle · Flare gun

Google Project Management

Certified Jun 2022

Scrum Foundation Professional

Certified Dec 2020

HackerRank — Python Basics

Certified Sep 2023

Skills

Polar & Field Operations

Polar OperationsExpedition LogisticsStation ManagementEnvironmental MonitoringScientific Data Collection

Software & Development

Python (Flask)C ProgrammingAndroid App DevWeb Development

RF & Communications

RF CommunicationSatellite CommsRadio OperationsPCB Design (Eagle CAD)

Hardware & Design

Autodesk Fusion 360FDM 3D PrintingScientific InstrumentationArduinoRaspberry Pi

Leadership

Crisis ManagementSolution-Oriented ApproachLeadership
Professional Experience

Aug 2024 — Present

Project Scientist I — Arctic Operations

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences · Vasco da Gama, Goa

  • Station Coordinator at Indian Arctic Station Himadri during Winter (Feb–Mar 2025) and Summer (Jul–Aug 2025) expeditions — leading station operations, field safety, and scientific coordination.
  • Ensured compliance with Kings Bay AS regulations; supervised polar bear watch duties and risk management during terrestrial and small-boat scientific operations.
  • Executed multidisciplinary field sampling: aerosol monitoring, seawater collection (Niskin bottles), sediment coring, Van Veen grab sampling, sea-ice sampling, and small-boat operations.
  • Conducted bi-monthly CTD oceanographic observations in Kongsfjorden and Krossfjorden using Sea-Bird V19 systems; supported acoustic mooring deployments.
  • Conceptualized and developed POLAR (Platform for Operations, Logistics and Research) — an in-house Python/Flask digital system for Arctic expedition logistics, cargo tracking, and scientific data workflows.
  • Managed end-to-end expedition logistics: cargo planning, customs documentation, freight coordination, and personnel movement across multiple Indian research institutions.
  • Represented NCPOR at IISF 2024; provided technical inputs for radio communication systems for polar operations.
Svalbard / Ny-ÅlesundCTD TransectsPython / FlaskCargo LogisticsEnvironmental Sampling

Nov 2022 — Apr 2024

Radio Operator — Antarctic Operations (Maitri Station)

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) · Indian Research Station Maitri, Antarctica

  • Performed safety-critical air operations coordination during helicopter movements at Maitri Station, supporting air traffic control functions in Antarctic conditions.
  • Maintained uninterrupted HF and VHF radio communications with field convoys and station personnel, enabling continuous command and safety coordination.
  • Engineered and established a critical VHF repeater at high-altitude 'Vethiya Point' to restore line-of-sight communications for the 200km C18 convoy route.
  • Operated, monitored, and troubleshot satellite communication systems including SES-5, Inmarsat, and Iridium links for internet and satellite phone connectivity.
  • Conducted routine maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs of radio and satellite communication equipment in extreme cold environments.
  • Executed hourly radio check-ins to track personnel location and well-being during field activities.
VHF / HFSES-5 SatelliteInmarsatIridiumAir OpsAntarctica

Concurrent with Phoenix Enterprises

Founder & Lead Engineer

Hobbytivity · Independent Venture

  • Designed, 3D-printed, and commercialized a 7-element dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld tactical Yagi-Uda antenna for satellite communications.
  • Executed freelance engineering projects including web design, custom 3D modeling, and localized 3D printing services for independent businesses.
Yagi-Uda AntennaVHF/UHF3D PrintingWeb DesignFreelance

Jan 2020 — Oct 2022

Designer & Project Handler

Phoenix Enterprises · Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh

  • Converted 2D AutoCAD drawings into manufacturable 3D CAD models using Autodesk Fusion 360 for CNC and VMC machining workflows.
  • Coordinated with clients and manufacturing teams to deliver accurate design outputs within project timelines.
  • Produced FDM 3D printed prototypes to support design validation and client approvals.
Autodesk Fusion 360AutoCADCNC / VMCFDM Prototyping

Jun 2019 — Dec 2019

RF Engineer

HF Signals Electronics Pvt Ltd · Hyderabad, Telangana

  • Supported development and testing of RF systems and academic payloads under the ISRO Space-Share Program.
  • Developed software tools and mobile applications to enhance usability and remote control of HF transceiver systems.
  • Assisted in RF testing, instrumentation setup, and performance evaluation of communication modules.
RF SystemsISRO Space-ShareHF TransceiverMobile App

Jun 2018 — Nov 2018

Consulting Engineer (Teacher)

Premier Education Society — GEMS Modern Academy · Gurugram, Haryana

  • Designed and delivered hands-on STEM and maker-space programs focused on electronics, CAD design, and prototyping.
  • Mentored students in Arduino and Raspberry Pi–based projects emphasizing practical problem-solving and innovation.
  • Functioned as Independent Systems Engineer for the High Altitude Balloon Satellite (HABSAT) Project — fabricated custom I2C multiplexer PCBs and integrated GPS/telemetry systems for stratosphere recovery tracking.
STEM EducationArduinoRaspberry PiCAD DesignHABSATPCB Design

Sarabjeet Singh Chhabra · Project Scientist · NCPOR, Ministry of Earth Sciences · sarabjeet@ncpor.res.in · sarabjeetchhabra14@gmail.com