Fluid System Designer
Description
SFU Rocketry is seeking Propulsion Designers to join our primary Liquid Rocket Engine (LRE) project. As a fluids system specialist, you will support the rest of our propulsion team by designing components such as valves, pumps, tanks, and piping to ensure optimal flow dynamics and reliability under various conditions. Additionally, work with the rest of the team to run subsystem tests (cooling, injector flow testing, and the like), as well as full-scale engine test fires. You also have the opportunity to conduct simulations of convective heat transfer for liquid-liquid and gas-liquid interactions that occur everywhere in our system. Knowledge of rocket engines and their components would be a significant asset, and knowledge of / coursework regarding fluid mechanics (MSE 223 / ENSC 283 / SEE 225) or ability to quickly learn these topics would be a minimum for this role.
Duties & Responsibilities
Technical Duties
Design of parts and assemblies using SOLIDWORKS
Run simulations of convective heat transfer for liquid-liquid and gas-liquid interactions
Run CFD, FEA, and thermal analyses as necessary to validate component performance
Assist with the creation engineering drawings and designing for manufacturing
Source components and ensuring their specifications meet our requirements
Assemble and build fluid systems
Coordinate tests, creating testing procedures, and ensuring safe testing practices
Coordinate with other subteams (fluid systems, controls, etc.) as required
Create documentation on work done, for shared learning and continual team advancement
Attendance of Team Meetings
Regularly attend the team meetings and work sessions hosted by the Propulsion Lead(s)
Actively contribute to the synchronization, brainstorming, discussions, and decisions made within your team meetings
Perform other duties as needed
Key Qualifications
Demonstrated technical abilities within the Mechanical Engineering field
Thorough understanding of what is taught in first year engineering design courses with knowledge of all stages of mechanical design (ideation, simulation, design, manufacturing, etc)
Typical MCAD softwares (SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS, etc) and how they can be used to create parts, assemblies, drawings (GD&T), and simulate various stresses and thermal conditions
Knowledge of manufacturing methods (additive and subtractive), and material properties
Hand-tool, powered-tool, and assembly abilities (drills and drill presses, saws, fasteners, etc)
Experience with fluid simulations is an asset
Knowledge of cryogenics, carnot cycle, or other thermodynamics principles is a significant asset
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Professional timeliness in coordination and communications with SFU Rocketry members, SFU Faculty, and external contacts and clients
Effective time management and organizational skills
Ability to become involved in several tasks and remain up-to-date on the various developmental stages
An eagerness to learn and adapt to changing priorities in a fast paced environment
Professional contribution and quality of work
SFU Rocketry hires and produces quality talent, we look for members who produce quality deliverables that exceed expectations of the leadership team within SFU Rocketry
Education & Experience
Preference for students in an undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, with concentrations in MSE, SEE, or Mechanical Engineering related degrees
Preference for this role is given to those with related experience in key qualifications, though all levels of experience are encouraged to apply
Position Details
Student Design Team Position
Part-Time, Volunteer
Hybrid (Remote and In-Person)
Must be able to attend in-person meetings and work sessions at the Surrey campus
Commitment for a minimum of 8 months after onboarding
Expected minimum time commitment of 6 hours per week
Statement from SFU Rocketry
SFU Rocketry is an inclusive and equal-opportunity organization. We welcome, include, and respect all regardless of race, color, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political belief, or conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offense unrelated to employment.
SFU Rocketry is Simon Fraser University’s largest comprehensive design team in the University’s history, and has a strong reputation to uphold. Our members are highly sought-after and have been actively recruited for permanent and co-op intern industry positions. We operate as a professional organization, where professional conduct is required and expected from all SFU Rocketry members at all times.
