Simulation & Modelling Engineer
Description
SFU Rocketry is seeking Simulation & Modelling Engineers to join the Control System Simulation Team. This role focuses on developing and maintaining the flight dynamics simulation of our rocket, enabling accurate predictions of vehicle performance during both static and flight operations.
You will create a high-fidelity 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DoF) simulation of the rocket, incorporating aerodynamics, propulsion, and mass properties from across the team. Your work will directly support the design of Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) algorithms, mission planning, and pre-flight trajectory analysis.
If you are passionate about aerospace modelling, control theory, and using simulation to solve complex real-world problems, this position will give you the opportunity to apply theory to practice and help guide critical design decisions for the rocket.
Duties & Responsibilities
Flight Simulation Development
Build and maintain a 6-DoF rocket model in MATLAB/Simulink, capturing aerodynamics, propulsion, and mass/inertia changes
Integrate subsystem models (e.g., thrust curves, structures data, avionics sensors) into a unified simulation environment
Global Environment Simulation
Model atmospheric conditions, wind profiles, and Earth’s gravitational field (e.g., WGS 84 or higher fidelity)
Incorporate realistic sensor models (IMU, GPS, barometer) to generate flight-representative signals
Integration with GNC Systems
Collaborate with Control Systems Engineers to integrate control algorithms into the main simulation
Run closed-loop simulations to assess stability, robustness, and performance of GNC strategies
Trajectory Analysis & Mission Planning
Perform pre-flight trajectory predictions under varying conditions (wind, engine performance, etc.)
Optimize flight parameters such as pitch-over maneuvers and parachute deployment timing
Provide trajectory visualizations, range safety analysis, and nominal flight profile reports
Post-Flight Analysis
Compare simulation predictions against real flight data (IMU, GPS, telemetry)
Identify discrepancies and refine models to improve predictive accuracy for future missions
Expectations
Attend team meetings and regular work sessions with your Simulation & Modelling Lead
Document work for knowledge sharing and integration with other subteams
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineers (Propulsion, Avionics, Control Systems, Structures)
Key Qualifications
Proficiency in MATLAB & Simulink for dynamic and system-level modeling
Experience developing 6-DoF or aerospace system simulations
Knowledge of classical and modern control theory (PID, stability margins, rise time/overshoot metrics)
Familiarity with state-space representation and system stability analysis
Experience tuning and optimizing control loops in a simulation environment
Solid understanding of coordinate frames (Inertial, Earth-fixed, Body) and transformations between them
Familiarity with sensor fusion and state estimation (e.g., Kalman filters)
Knowledge of trajectory prediction models (e.g., WGS 84, Earth rotation effects)
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to integrate models from multiple subsystems
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.
