Propulsion R&D Member

Description

SFU Rocketry is seeking creative and driven individuals to join the Propulsion Team as Propulsion R&D Members, focused on advancing the next generation of liquid rocket engine (LRE) technology. As part of the Propulsion R&D (PRD) team, you will conduct experimental research and develop innovative concepts for key propulsion systems, including nozzles, injectors, thrust chambers, fluid systems, cooling methods, sensors, valves, and much more. The direction and focus of the PRD team is up to you, giving you true freedom to innovate!

Your work will emphasize experimentation, prototyping, and iterative testing to push the boundaries of traditional propulsion design. Successful developments originating from the PRD team will be integrated into full engine testing projects within the Propulsion Engineering team, which you will have the option to contribute to.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

• Design Innovative Propulsion Components

  • Design and prototype engine components, including nozzles, thrust chambers, injectors, and cooling systems, using SolidWorks.

  • Develop experimental fluid systems, integrating valves, sensors, and regulators to optimize performance.

• Engineering Analysis and Validation

  • Perform computational fluid dynamics (CFD), finite element analysis (FEA), and thermal analyses to validate designs and ensure structural integrity.

  • Evaluate combustion and flow patterns for optimal efficiency and reliability.

• Subsystem Testing and Experimentation

  • Support and conduct detailed subsystem tests, including cooling methods, injector flow analysis, and valve performance.

  • Develop and execute test procedures, adhering to safety protocols during all experimental phases.

• Materials Selection and Component Sourcing

  • Select materials and source components, ensuring compatibility with high-performance propulsion systems.

  • Evaluate advanced materials and manufacturing methods to push the boundaries of design possibilities.

• Manufacturing and Assembly

  • Oversee the manufacturing and assembly of engine components, ensuring adherence to quality and design standards.

  • Collaborate with machinists and manufacturers to prototype and fabricate parts efficiently.

• Collaboration Across Teams

  • Work with the Propulsion Engineering, Fluid Systems, and Controls teams to ensure seamless integration of all propulsion subsystems.

  • Contribute to system-level testing.

• Documentation and Knowledge Sharing

  • Document designs, analyses, and test results comprehensively to support future development and team collaboration.

  • Contribute to the team's knowledge base, promoting continuous improvement and innovation.

• Attendance of Team Meetings

• Regularly attend the team meetings and work sessions hosted by ISG Leads

• Actively contribute to the synchronization, brainstorming, discussions, and decisions made within your team meetings

• Perform other duties as needed

Role-Specific 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)

• Extensive knowledge in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.

• 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

• An eagerness to learn and adapt to changing priorities in a fast paced environment