We’re looking to onboard people who are passionate about contributing to the next generation of space exploration.

Join MIST

Recruitment Process

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  • Description:
    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:
    Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

    • 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:
    To succeed in this role, we require that you:

    • 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

  • Description:
    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:
    Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

    • 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:
    To succeed in this role, we require that you:

    • 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

  • Description:
    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:
    Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

    • 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:
    To succeed in this role, we require that you:

    • 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

  • Description:
    Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Sr. 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:
    Your main tasks and responsibilities will include:

    • Designing novel solar panel PCBs to be used on the spacecraft

    • Integrating the Solar Array into the CubeSat

    • Optimizing the spacecraft's 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

  • Description:
    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.

    Do you want to be part of a first-of-its-kind mission at McMaster University, working on a satellite that will launch into orbit and conduct meaningful science? Do you have a passion for mechanically designing elements that need to survive the space environment?

    Then the Mechanical Team is right for you. We are responsible for housing and mounting the satellite components along with ensuring that the satellite structure will sustain the journey to space during launch and throughout its flight in space. We are currently looking for a Junior Mechanical Specialist who will assist the team with detailed computer-aided design, drawings, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the mechanical sub-systems. This is in addition to the new recruit participating in workshop and lab training along with presenting to the team or respective stakeholders.

    McMaster Interdisciplinary Satellite Team is a student team that puts real satellites into space. We are looking for applicants who share our work ethic and commitment to aid us in this endeavor.

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Attend weekly meetings (preferably in person at McMaster)

    • Create and implement design changes in SolidWorks

    • Assist with manufacturing and testing projects

    • Review mechanical drawings

    • Ensure proper communication between sub-teams and the co-mechanical leads

    • Work alongside other disciplines to ensure proper interfacing with mechanical parts

    • Prepare and present at meetings with the Canadian Space Agency and stakeholders

    Requirements:

    • Enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Bachelor of Technology, or equivalent mechanical experience

    • Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Design

    • Experience with Mechanical Drawings for review and manufacturing purposes

    • Experience with manufacturing processes

    Preferences:

    • Experience with SolidWorks

    • Knowledge of GD&T and common drawing standards

    • Finite Element Analysis

    • Going into their 2nd or 3rd year of their undergraduate studies

  • Description:
    Have you ever imagined yourself in the NASA mission control room, waiting with excitement for the launch of a rocket or deployment of a satellite? Then this is the position for you!! We're building our very own mission control center right here on McMaster's campus and we need your help!!

    The Mission Operations & 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.

    As a MOC software developer and automation engineer, your role will involve developing scripts to automate the collection and processing of data from a variety of sensors on our ground station, as well as data from devices on the CubeSat. You will be responsible for the development and maintenance of systems and tools related to the mission, with a focus on data visualization, scripting, and Linux server management.

    MOC is also looking for support in integrating with other aspects of the CubeSat, if you have experience doing embedded development that would be a huge plus! The best part about working with MOC is you will have the opportunity to touch every portion of the mission, starting at the user interface design, all the way to the low-level C code.

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
    Design and develop reliable, high quality software related to:

    • Data Collection and Processing

    • Automation of processes

    • Simulations/test procedures

    • Flight software integration

    • Ensuring all work is thoroughly documented !!!

    • Communicate updates at weekly meetings

    Requirements:

    • Enrolled at McMaster University

    • Ability to effectively use git

    • Experience working in Linux environments

    • Experience with Python

    • Proficiency in Bash scripting and other scripting languages

    • Experience with front-end development

    • Experience with databases and backend API development

    • Experience with low-level software languages such as C

    • Embedded development experience

    Preferences:

    • Experience with SQL / NoSQL databases

    • Experience with Typescript/JavaScript and Web Frameworks

    • Experience with Grafana or similar data visualization tools

    • Experience with continuous-integration/development practices

    • Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation

    • Strong problem-solving and analytical skillsion

  • Description:
    The Payload (MAG) team is responsible for the collection and processing of magnetometer data. As a member of the team, you will have the unique experience of being part of a fully self-sustaining sub-system capable of functioning both within the satellite and as an independent instrument outside the satellite in places like a High Altitude Balloon. As a Sr. Firmware Specialist, you will be responsible for developing and deploying firmware that will autonomously control the data acquisition of the instrument, as well as the packetizing and transmission of the science data to other teams. This development includes working on custom-designed hardware with low-level embedded programming. Expect to learn more about embedded C, FreeRTOS, and hardware/software communication.

    McMaster Interdisciplinary Satellite Team is a student team that puts real satellites into space. We are looking for applicants who share our work ethic and commitment to aid us in this endeavour.

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Take part in the software & firmware design of the MAG Data Acquisition Module (MAG DAM) on-board the satellite and/or a High Altitude Balloon (applications, APIs, device drivers, designing software architecture, etc.)

    • Review and test code from other team members

    • Following the coding standard developed by the team in all aspects of software development

    • Documentation of your software and tasks, as required through Confluence and GitHub

    • Attend weekly meetings and take part in group discussions

    • Ability to work independently and with an interdisciplinary team

    • Ability to assess, propose, and commit to complex design decisions within the scope of firmware development

    Requirements:

    • Enrolled in Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, and the Bachelor of Technology or have equivalent embedded software experience

    • Any students passionate about software development

    • Note: The expectation is to have at least 1 year of continuous, relevant experience through co-op, projects, research, or other means

    • C/C++ programming experience, C preferred

    • Embedded system software architectures (real-time operating systems such as FreeRTOS, low-level chip driver development, board support packages, etc.)

    • Must have good teamwork and communication skills; presentations and updates on work are required

    • Continued availability during the summer term

    • Must have experience in STM32 software/firmware development

    • Good task & schedule management

    • A commitment of an average of 3 to 5 hours per week is required. Meetings and work packages are all delivered online

    • Successfully completed a linear algebra course (please include course code in your resume or application)

    Preferences:

    • Interested and/or knowledgeable in embedded system software design

    • Experience in data acquisition concepts (sensing, signal conditioning, sampling & digitization, processing, and storing of data)

    • Experience in magnetometry & general instrumentation concepts (calibration concepts, error, accuracy, resolution, linearity, deadband, etc.)

    • In-depth experience with the STM32 ARM architecture and initializing most of its different peripherals/functions, like ADC, DAC, TIM, DMA, SPI, UART, PLL, JTAG, CAN

    • Experience with application task management, scheduling and queuing on lightweight hardware

    • Experience with GitHub and build servers along with hardware-in-the-loop automated software testing

  • Description:
    The ADCS team is looking for a Software & Simulation Specialist to contribute to the development of flight software and simulation infrastructure for our satellite mission.

    ADCS is responsible for determining and controlling the satellite's orientation in space. In this position, you will help simulate ADCS algorithm performance and translate them into reliable embedded software. This work requires a combination of software engineering, simulation, and systems-level thinking.

    If you are interested in applying both software and analytical skills to a real satellite mission, we encourage you to apply!

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Develop and maintain software for the ADCS onboard computer, including interfacing with sensors and actuators

    • Implement and optimize control and determination algorithms for embedded systems

    • Develop simulation environments in MATLAB and Python to model spacecraft dynamics and control behaviour

    • Perform simulations of satellite maneuvers and validate control system performance under different operating conditions

    • Analyze simulation results and communicate findings to the team to guide system design decisions

    • Integrate ADCS software into the broader flight system

    Requirements:

    • Experience with programming in C/C++, Python, or MATLAB

    • Familiarity with embedded systems or microcontroller-based development

    • Basic understanding of dynamics and numerical simulation

    • Familiarity with software development best practices such as version control, testing, and documentation

    Preferences:

    • Experience with scientific computation, simulation-based analysis, or physics-based modelling

    • Familiarity with communication protocols such as CAN, I2C, or SPI

    • Knowledge of rotational dynamics, electromagnetic theory, or control theory

    • Experience with STM32 development

    • Enrolled in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Engineering Physics, Computer Science, Physics, or have other relevant experience

  • Description:
    Wait... STOP! You are skipping over this posting! It is probably the best one on here (Disclaimer: Some bias may be present). Have you ever wondered how antennas work? What about designing some high frequency (radio-frequency and microwave) technology you hear about but never really experienced? Communications is the home to all this and you are one application away.

    The communications team is responsible for establishing and maintaining a wireless communication link to the satellite once deployed into orbit some 500km above the Earth's surface. The communication team is broken down into two sub-teams consisting of a space segment team and a ground station team. As a Hardware Specialist, you will be responsible for continuing development of the antenna module printed-circuit board, and related technologies. This will involve working with radio and microwave frequency components, electric circuit design, and more!

    If you are a keen individual looking for some hardware experience please apply. You will get the opportunity to be trained and write the Basic Amateur Radio Operator Certificate (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/spectrum-management-telecommunications/en/licences-and-certificates/radio-authorizations/amateur-radio-operator-certification) which allows a user to operate the ground station. As well as learn what it takes to establish these wireless connections we take for granted every day!

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Test communication hardware and antennas for performance and reliability

    • Develop electrical part of deployment mechanism for solar panels

    • Further develop the antenna module, including PCB design and fabrication

    • Develop comprehensive test plans for communication systems

    • Conduct software testing

    • Perform Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) for communication and antenna modules

    • Attend weekly meetings and take part in group discussions

    Requirements:

    • Must be able to come in person to campus to perform testing

    • Enrolled in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, the Bachelor of Technology or have equivalent electrical/hardware experience

    • Basic understanding of electrical theory and circuits (digital and analog)

    • Altium or related CAD software experience

    • Knowledgeable in hardware design for complex, multifaceted systems

    • Must have good teamwork and communication skills, presentations and updates on work is required

    Preferences:

    • Knowledge and/or interest in Electromagnetics, Microwaves and Communication

    • Basic understanding of electromagnetic theory, radio frequency (RF) design and/or antenna design

    • Experience with hardware assembly and testing

    • Comfortable working with test equipment such as Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs), Spectrum Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Power Supplies, Etc.

    • Previous mechanical design experience

    • Previous manufacturing or testing experience

  • Description:
    Do you want to work with hardware that will go to space?

    The ADCS team has a spot for you: our Mechanical & Testing Specialist. In this role, you will support environmental testing of the satellite and help develop, manufacture, and validate ADCS hardware critical to flight.

    ADCS determines and controls the satellite's orientation in space. Your work will focus on building and testing the hardware that will run this system reliably in orbit. This work requires a combination of mechanical engineering, quality-control, testing experience, and systems-level thinking.

    If you are interested in applying both mechanical and analytical skills to a real satellite mission, we encourage you to apply!

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Manufacturing and assembling ADCS mechanical hardware

    • Supporting environmental testing of the full satellite system (vibration, thermal, and vacuum testing)

    • Developing test setups and procedures

    • Verifying hardware performance and documenting results

    • Supporting integration of ADCS hardware into the spacecraft

    Requirements:

    • Ability to work hands-on in a lab setting

    • Interest in spacecraft systems, hardware development, or space missions

    • Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred)

    • Comfortable working with hardware, tools, and assembly procedures

    • Strong attention to detail

    • Familiarity with technical documentation standards and procedures

    • Enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Mechatronics Engineering, Materials Engineering, Bachelor of Technology, or have other equivalent experience

    Preferences:

    • Availability during the spring and summer term

    • Familiarity developing or executing test procedures

    • Previous exposure to vibration, thermal, or vacuum testing

    • Experience working with aerospace, robotics, or other hardware-focused engineering teams

    • Previous experience in technical communication

    • Experience with hand tools, torque tools, and precision measurement tools

  • Description:
    Do you enjoy coordinating events and leading outreach activities? The MIST Team needs someone who can help organize team socials, events involving the wider McMaster community and large-scale outreach activities. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, then consider applying to join the team.

    Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

    • Attend weekly meetings

    • Coordinate all MIST outreach events (eg. SHAD and space week)

    • Work with Team Lead to coordinate larger events

    Requirements:

    • Well-organized, and demonstrates strong time management skills

    • Good communication skills

    • Works well with others

    • Any program at McMaster welcome - must have interest in space and astronomy

    • Located in Hamilton or have the ability to travel to McMaster for in person outreach events year round

    Preferences:

    • Experience working in leadership on clubs/teams/volunteer activities

    • Experience with outreach and event coordination


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!

Group of six young professionals in formal attire standing in front of a wooden panel wall, posing for a photo at a professional event.