Director of Propulsion Systems
Description
SFU Rocketry is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join our team as the Director of Propulsion Systems. In this leadership role, you will build, guide, and manage a talented propulsion engineering team focused on the development and integration of advanced rocket engines and fluid systems. Your core responsibilities will include ensuring high-quality, on-time deliverables that meet the expectations of internal and external stakeholders, providing technical leadership, overseeing personnel needs, and driving the recruitment and selection processes. You will establish design standards, review deliverables, enforce technical requirements and budgets, and collaborate with key project stakeholders.
As the leader of our propulsion engineering efforts, you will have the opportunity to significantly shape our team's growth and make a lasting impact on the success of our organization.
Duties & Responsibilities
Lead and manage the propulsion engineering team to develop rocket engines, fluid systems, and associated subsystems for SFU Rocketry projects, ensuring deliverables are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality.
Provide subject matter expertise in propulsion engineering, share knowledge with team members, and support the continuous growth of the team's technical and interpersonal skills.
Determine staffing needs based on current and projected workloads, gather input from Officers and Team Leads on personnel requirements, and provide staffing recommendations.
Work with the Chief Engineer to communicate personnel needs and actively participate in the recruitment, interviewing, and selection of candidates for propulsion engineering roles at all levels.
Evaluate team members’ performance through regular reviews, recognize outstanding contributions, and offer constructive feedback for areas of improvement.
Lead formal Design Reviews for propulsion system deliverables, ensuring technical accuracy, design quality, and compliance with project requirements.
Establish design standards and procedures to manage the requirements and deliverables for propulsion projects.
Work with the Chief Safety Officer to develop safety plans and procedures for tasks involving inherent risks, such as rocket engine testing, propellant handling, and fluid system operations.
Develop and maintain meaningful relationships with vendors, customers, and external partners to support the team's growth and project needs.
Perform additional duties as required to ensure the success of SFU Rocketry.
Key Qualifications
Demonstrated technical expertise in propulsion systems, rocket engines, and fluid mechanics
Working knowledge of all stages of rocket propulsion design, including conceptualization, design, manufacturing, and testing
Experience with relevant engineering software (e.g., MATLAB, SOLIDWORKS, ANSYS, CFD tools)
Familiarity with rocket engine testing and safety protocols
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 Mechatronics Systems Engineering, Systems Engineering, or other 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 12 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.
