We’re looking to onboard people who are passionate about contributing to the next generation of space exploration.
Join MIST
Recruitment Process
Pre-Application - A list of positions the team is recruiting for is provided in the following section. Please review the list to see which sub-teams and positions are of interest to you.
Application Submission - Please fill out the form linked below. This form allows the team to learn more about your skills and experiences. In order to gain a better understanding of your experiences, we request a cover letter and Resume/CV. Although not required for all positions, applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio with past work/relevant projects.
Application Review - Following submission, MIST will review applications. Applicants of interest will be invited to attend an interview to assess compatibility for the team. Applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript. For those with grade points below 4.0 on the McMaster grade scale, please submit additional supporting documents such as project files, portfolios, etc.
Applicant Acceptance - Successful applicants will be notified via email and given a time period to accept the offer and begin the onboarding process.
Open Positions
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Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Jr. Power Electronics Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft.
You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that manages the flow of power across our spacecraft. Your focus will be on sourcing, testing, and characterizing our Power Distribution Module (PDM) to NASA standards, and designing electrical redundancies to ensure our satellite stays alive.
At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission.
Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Writing and performing advanced test procedures for the validation of the PDM to industry standards
Developing critical test equipment and software for hardware systems.
Integrating the power system into the CubeSat.
Documenting test results to justify the reliability of our system to the CSA
Developing firmware and hardware for custom power electronics.
Requirements
Note: We do not expect strong technical skills from lower-level applicants (level I/II) but we do expect a strong willingness to learn, interest, and dedication.
Are enrolled in one of either Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Have experience with basic electrical components and circuit theory
Have the demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems in electrical systems
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed
Preferences
We prefer that you...
Are a Level 2 student or above
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C, or C++.
Have experience with microcontroller-based electronics projects
Have experience with hardware testing and validation
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Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Jr. Solar Power Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft.
You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that acquires and stores power for our spacecraft. Your focus will be on designing and assembling solar panels that work seamlessly with our batteries and Power Distribution Module (PDM) to ensure that we operate at peak efficiency.
At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission.
Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Developing critical test hardware and software for the solar array and other components.
Integrating the Solar Array into the CubeSat.
Writing test procedures and documentation up to industry standard
Contributing to the design, assembly, integration, and testing of our flight solar panels in our clean room facility.
Requirements
Note: We do not expect strong technical skills from lower-level applicants (level I/II) but we do expect a strong willingness to learn, interest, and dedication.
Are enrolled in one of either Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Be familiar with electrical design and circuit simulation software
Have a basic understanding of solar panel physics
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed
Preferences
We prefer that you...Are a Level 2 student or above
Have experience with electronic projects and troubleshooting electrical problems
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Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Sr. Power Electronics Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft.
You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that manages the flow of power across our spacecraft. Your focus will be on sourcing, testing, and characterizing our Power Distribution Module (PDM) to NASA standards, and designing electrical redundancies to ensure our satellite stays alive.
At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission.
Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Developing advanced test procedures for the validation of the PDM to industry standards
Integrating the power system into the CubeSat.
Developing critical test equipment and software for hardware systems.
Performing the functional acceptance, integration, and validation of our PDM
Documenting test results to justify the reliability of our system to the CSA
Developing firmware and hardware for custom power electronics.
Requirements
Are enrolled in one of either Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Have a strong understanding of switch mode power supply concepts and electrical design for high current applications.
Have experience with hardware testing and validation
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Preferences
We prefer that you...
Are a Level 3 student or above
Are familiar with programming languages such as Python, C, or C++.
Have experience with Altium for PCB design
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Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Sr. Power Electronics Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft.
You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that manages the flow of power across our spacecraft. Your focus will be on sourcing, testing, and characterizing our Power Distribution Module (PDM) to NASA standards, and designing electrical redundancies to ensure our satellite stays alive.
At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission.
Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Designing novel solar panel PCBs to be used on the spacecraft
Integrating the Solar Array into the CubeSat.
Optimizing the spacecrafts power budget model for optimal performance in orbit
Writing and performing test procedures and documentation up to industry standard
Performing the assembly, integration, and testing of our flight solar panels in our clean room facility.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, we require that you...
Have a solid knowledge of solar panel physics (e.g. P-N Junctions, IV-Curves, Power Calculations)
Have hands-on experience performing validation and test procedures
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed
Preferences
We prefer that you...Are a Level 3 student or above
Have taken any of the following courses: ENGPHYS 3PN4, ENGPHYS 4MD3, ENGPHYS 4X03, or ENGPHYS 4UM2
Have experience with electronic projects and troubleshooting electrical problems
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Do you enjoy creating science content? Have you ever wanted to create content for a space team? The MIST Team needs someone who can lead our social content creation. The MIST Operations team is looking to bring on a digital media specialist to increase engagement on MIST's social media platforms. This will include creating posts and stories, organizing team lead takeovers, and sharing insights into what the team is doing.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Attend weekly meetings
Post team updates on the MIST instagram
Work with the team to coordinate Team Lead Takeovers
Design graphics to accompany blog posts
Requirements
Well-organized, and demonstrates strong time management skills
Good communication skills
Works well with others
Engineering or Science background and/or a passion for space
Strong digital design skills
Preferences
Experience in social media (Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn)
Experience in graphic design
Our Subteams
Operations Team
The Operations Team is responsible for the management of internal and external communications for the NEUDOSE team. Our focus is on maintaining a strong social media presence, running events to share our love for space with the McMaster community, and ensuring that the team has what they need for a successful launch. We are also responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of all team members.
Systems Team
Systems Engineering is the most critical subteam of a space mission. We oversee all high-level design and implementation decisions and guide other subteams through each mission phase: concept development, preliminary design, critical design, AIT (assembly, integration, and testing), launch and operation. We focus on maintaining technical documentation and standards along with reviewing and approving design submissions (mechanical, electrical, and software) to ensure that subteams are working together towards a polished and consistent final product that meets all requirements and constraints from internal and external sources.
Attitude Determination & Control System Team
The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) is responsible for controlling PRESET's attitude (i.e. orientation) and angular velocity while it is in orbit. The ADCS subteam's main tasks involve the development of mathematical algorithms (software) that can control both PRESET's attitude and angular velocity, and that can determine PRESET's attitude relative to the Earth. These algorithms will be executed through the use of 3-axis magnetorquers that are designed, manufactured, and tested by the ADCS subteam. Finally, ADCS is responsible for the design of spring-loaded hinges that can deploy PRESET's solar panels outwards, thereby increasing its frontal area (and drag) to deorbit the satellite within the required 5-year time frame.
Radio Communications Team
COMMs is the backbone of establishing and maintaining a communication link between our team located on Earth and the scientific payload in space. A communication link allows for the wireless transfer of data through the use of electromagnetic waves, specifically in the radio and microwave frequency bands.
Establishing this link allows for three key opportunities:
i. The data generated from the science payload can be obtained and analyzed.
ii. The information regarding the satellite system health and each sub-system can be monitored.
iii. Satellite operations can be changed/updated during each orbit cycle.
Command and Data Handling Team
The CDH team oversees the handling of the satellite’s data. This includes processing, storing and moving data around to various subsystems. CDH is the interface between ground crews and all other components of the satellite in addition to monitoring the health and state of the satellite.
Electrical Power System Team
The EPS team is responsible for generating, storing, and distributing electrical power to ensure all satellite subsystems operate reliably throughout the mission. Power generation is handled by solar panels converting energy from the sun into electrical power. This power is stored in a series of batteries for future use by the satellite and then provided to other sub-systems through the power distribution system. All of these systems ensure continuous and stable power delivery under varying orbital conditions. Reliable power is essential for every subsystem’s functionality, making EPS critical to overall mission success and longevity.
Mission Operation and Control Team
The Mission Operations and Control team is responsible for building the software infrastructure for our ground station. This software will allow us to send commands to the satellite, and receive/visualize data transmitted from our satellite to the ground. All of the data received from the satellite will be displayed in our Grafana dashboard, along with data from a variety of sensors monitoring our ground station.
Mechanical Team
The mechanical team is responsible for the design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the mechanical structure of the satellite, the central payload, and its deployment mechanisms which include the satellite's antenna and deployable magnetometer. The Mechanical Team is responsible for all mechanical assemblies of PRESET, ensuring that each subteam complies with the mass and volume requirements specified by the launch provider. The team designs, manufactures, assembles, and tests the functionality of the 3U rail structure, mechanical antenna assembly, Electron Spectrometer Telescope (EST) housing, and deployable magnetometer boom. In addition, the Mechanical Team verifies that PRESET can withstand the space environment by simulating its thermal properties in orbit and conducting environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and random vibration tests.
Payload Team
The Payload team is responsible for the mission's scientific payload, creating radiation monitoring instruments that will enable the satellite to fulfill its primary research objectives. Key responsibilities include design and manufacture of data acquisition PCBs to be used in the instrument, writing firmware to control the instrument, and instrument calibration and testing. Members will be able to apply their technical skills to help develop a novel scientific instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the deadline?
A: MIST recruits on a bi-monthly basis (ie. every other month), where the form will be open for two weeks. If the positions are listed above, it means that we are still actively recruiting for the role!
Q: What is the time commitment for the team?
A: You will be required to join weekly meetings with your designated sub-team (1-2 hours), where the sub-team leader(s) will assign tasks to you and check in on your progress. You will also be encouraged to join weekly general and/or systems engineering meetings (1-2 hours), which consist of team-wide discussions and decision-making. As you get to know more about the team projects, your tasks will become more complex, which will require additional time commitments outside weekly meetings.
Q: Do I need to available on campus?
A: No. Weekly meetings are either fully virtual or hybrid, allowing members to join from anywhere. Sometimes our members will need to access our labs and facilities for in-person development and testing, but this can be arranged for those who are available.
Q: Do you recruit lower/upper year students?
A: We recruit a mix of upper and lower year students. While upper year students bring more experience, lower year students are able to stay on longer and grow with the team. All passionate students are welcome to apply! However, we do require that you have finished your first year of studies to ensure that you can keep up with your academics.
Q: What can I do to increase my chances of being selected?
A: We are always looking for passion, commitment, problem solving and critical thinking skills, so make sure you demonstrate that in your application! For example, this means that we look for personal projects and experiences in addition to coursework. Also, research into the team's goals and projects goes a very long way, especially if you can come up with good questions to ask of the team.
Q: What is the interview process?
A: If selected, you will be interviewed by two or more team leaders for 30-60 minutes depending on the requirements of the role. You will be asked several non-technical questions related to your interest and availability, then several technical questions based on your past projects and experiences. Finally, you will get a chance to ask any questions you may have for the team.
Q: Will I receive support and mentorship after I join?
A: Absolutely! Your sub-team leaders will introduce you to the rest of the team and guide you through the onboarding process. As a team, we write extensive documentation and training materials to facilitate knowledge trasfer. And if you have any questions, everyone on the team will be eager to help you out!
