TVC Physics Engine Project Lead

Description

SFU Rocketry is seeking an exceptional individual to become the Software Lead for our Thrust Vector Control (TVC) Physics Engine project. This team is responsible for developing a physics engine simulator to accurately model flight conditions that our rockets and payloads experience, as well as create and test software and firmware for the control of our engine’s thrust positioning/steering system. As the Lead of this team you will report to the Director of Software Engineering, and your tasks will primarily be managing the direction and execution of the software aspects of the TVC project, as well as collaborating with the other Leads and members of other subteams involved within the TVC project. Your duties will also include working on the same tasks as the software members. This position is an excellent opportunity to enhance leadership and management skills not taught in technical degrees.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Project Planning and Initiation - Work with the Software Director and other TVC Leads to:

  • Define project scope, objectives, and success criteria

  • Develop project plans, timelines, and milestones

  • Ensure deliverables are planned with reasonable deadlines and budgets

• Team Leadership and Management - Provide leadership and guidance to the TVC software team, ensuring effective communication and a positive culture

  • Host regular meetings with the project team for synchronization and productive work sessions

  • Assign tasks and responsibilities to team members, following an Agile approach

  • Manage the direction, execution, and completion of all assigned project tasks

  • Foster a team environment that promotes a healthy culture, positivism, engagement and retention

  • Work with the Software Director to identify personnel needs based on current and projected workloads

• Technical Duties - Assist TVC software members where needed, including but not limited to:

• Developing and implementing realistic physics of an airborne liquid rocket vehicle

• Developing an application that contains these developed physics models, ultimately in the form of a video-game-like application

• Researching and creating a thrust vector control system for an airborne liquid rocket vehicle

• Develop and modify hardware drivers to interface with sensors and peripheral devices, including hydraulic actuators and pressure transducers

• Develop tests to validate the firmware directly with in-lab and in-field hardware

• Collaborate and communicate with hardware, mechanical, and propulsion engineers about requirements, needs, and capabilities

• Create documentation on work done, for shared learning and continual team advancement

• Reporting to the Software Director - Attend regular meetings with the Software Director to report on project and team status

• Perform other duties as needed

Key Qualifications

• Demonstrated technical abilities within the Software Development field, examples being:

  • C/C++ application development, with platform development on Windows

  • Knowledge of physics modeling and emulation

  • Full end-to-end video game creation

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills

• Professional timeliness in coordination and communications with SFU Rocketry members, SFU Faculty, and external contacts and clients

• Demonstrated ability to promote and establish teamwork and individual leadership within the discipline

• Ability to successfully and continuously lead a team of technical university students in meeting and exceeding organization goals

• A proven capacity for team leadership and the ability to respond to unexpected outcomes with tactful solutions

• Demonstrated skill in identifying individual team members' needs and taking appropriate action to ensure their success

• Effective time management and organizational skills

  • Ability to become involved in several tasks and remain up-to-date on the various developmental stages

• 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 their 3rd or 4th year in an undergraduate degree at Simon Fraser University, with concentrations in Computing Science, Computer Engineering, or 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 8 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.