Engine Designer
Description
SFU Rocketry is seeking Rocket Engine Designers to join our Propulsion Subteam, working on the next-generation Liquid Rocket Engine (LRE) project. As a Rocket Engine Designer, you will play a key role in the development of the thrust chamber and injector, contributing to the overall performance and reliability of the engine.
The thrust chamber is crucial for containing the combustion process and converting thermal energy into thrust. You will work on optimizing chamber geometry, material selection, and cooling strategies to enhance efficiency and ensure structural integrity under extreme conditions.
The injector, responsible for introducing the propellants into the combustion chamber, is another critical focus. You will design injector elements to achieve optimal atomization and mixing of the propellants, ensuring consistent and efficient combustion.
Beyond the thrust chamber and injector, you will also contribute to the design of other subcomponents such as the igniter and nozzle. Additionally, you will participate in subsystem testing (e.g., cooling and injector flow tests) and full-scale engine test fires. Familiarity with rocket engine principles and components is highly valued, while experience with or a willingness to learn machining and manufacturing techniques is essential.
Duties & Responsibilities
Technical Duties
Design engine components, including the thrust chamber and injector, using SolidWorks
Create detailed engineering drawings and collaborate with the team to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability
Oversee the manufacturing and assembly processes for engine components, ensuring adherence to quality standards
Run computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and thermal analyses to validate the performance and structural integrity of engine components
Select materials and source components, ensuring all specifications align with project requirements
Support subsystem tests, such as cooling system and injector flow tests, as well as full-scale engine test fires
Develop test procedures and ensure adherence to safe testing practices during all phases of the project
Collaborate with other subteams, such as fluid systems and controls, to ensure seamless integration and functionality of the propulsion system
Document designs, analyses, and test results to support knowledge sharing and continuous team development
Attendance of Team Meetings
Regularly attend the team meetings and work sessions hosted by Propulsion Leads
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
Knowledge of or coursework experience in thermodynamics
Hand-tool, powered-tool, and assembly abilities (drills and drill presses, saws, fasteners, etc)
Machining tool experience is a major 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.
