Apply for Vertical Flight Design Team

Responsible for aerodynamic analysis and performance modeling that support design decisions across the team. Work includes rotor aerodynamics using blade element momentum theory, fixed wing and VTOL aerodynamic surface design, propulsion performance modeling, mission performance optimization, and CFD analysis. Relevant skills include aerodynamics, MATLAB, and experience with simulation tools such as ANSYS, OpenFOAM, XFOIL, or Star-CCM+.

Responsible for airframe design, fabrication, and structural validation. Work spans SolidWorks CAD, material selection, composite manufacturing including carbon fiber layup and sandwich core construction, and testing of components against flight load requirements. Relevant skills include mechanics of materials, CAD, FEA, hands-on fabrication experience, and familiarity with composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar.

Responsible for selection, integration, and validation of all flight hardware including the flight controller, GNSS, ESCs, motors, batteries, and power distribution. Work includes propulsion analysis using tools like eCalc, electrical system design, custom circuitry and microcontroller development, and bench and flight testing. Relevant skills include electronics, soldering, CAD, microcontroller programming in C or C++, and familiarity with ArduPilot or similar autopilot platforms.

Develops and maintains the autonomous software stack running on the onboard companion computer. Work spans ROS2 C++ and Python development, path planning algorithms, MAVLink/MAVROS integration, computer vision pipelines with YOLO and OpenCV, visual and inertial odometry, mission sequencing, safety systems, and data logging. Software is validated through SITL Gazebo sims, HIL, and frequent flight testing with test aircraft. Relevant skills include Python, ROS2, Linux, and an interest in autonomous systems.

Owns the verification and validation process across all vehicle subsystems, from system requirements documentation to flight test execution. The team has the broadest technical exposure on the roster, interfacing directly with every subteam to resolve cross-system issues, and leads all flight operations including test planning, data acquisition, and post-flight log analysis through GCS. Relevant experience includes CAD, ground control systems, soldering, flight testing, and system-level thinking. This role is best for freshman and sophomores looking to gain experience with all aspects of eVTOL design, fabrication, and flight.

Develops flight dynamics models, control laws, and trajectory optimization tools that inform both vehicle design and flight software. Work is conducted primarily in MATLAB and Simulink and includes 6DOF simulation, PID and state space control design, modern control methods, multi-objective optimization, and custom flight controller development. Relevant skills include dynamics, controls, numerical methods, C++, and hands-on experience with embedded hardware or sensor integration.