Why Join UBC Uncrewed Aircraft Systems?
UBC UAS is a great place to get a taste of industry, develop a diverse range of technical skills, network with like-minded individuals, and work on meaningful projects. Every year we design and build new systems from the ground up for our national Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) competition and international Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) competition hosted by the Seafarer Chaper. We also like to have fun - we treat our design team members like family and host regular socials.
Spring Recruitment Timeline
Position Openings
Payload Roles
The payload subteam creates mission-specific payload systems for competition. The sub-team works on projects including autonomous delivery rovers, winch mechanisms, and anything capable of interfacing with the aircraft. These projects involve the integration of multiple engineering disciplines.
Mechanical Designer
Work alongside electrical designers to develop enclosures and structures controlled by electrical components. You will make use of CAD, FEA software, and various manufacturing techniques including 3D printing and laser cutting. Knowledge of statics, materials, and mechanical design principles is an asset.
Software Designer
Design the software and embedded layer for payload projects which may include the use of microcontrollers, Git, control systems, telemetry, and more. Knowledge of motor control, control systems, and microcontrollers is an asset.
Electrical Designer
Design segments of payload projects with electrical aspects. You will learn to use microcontrollers to control motors and circuits, using EDA, RC, power distribution, etc. to ensure proper control and movements of the payload components.
Aircraft Roles
The aircraft subteam builds innovative uncrewed aerial vehicles for our competitions. We work closely with our software and payload subteams to ensure proper integration between our systems. We are also responsible for the upkeep of active aircraft and ensuring flight readiness for test flights and competition.
Mechanical Designer
Design and Manufacture aerodynamic and lightweight airframes as well as control surfaces and landing gear. Members will learn and apply skills in mechanical design, aerodynamics, manufacturing, control surface selection, airfoil analysis and simulation tools applicable across industries.
Electrical Designer
Design of electrical systems within our aircraft, working closely with software and payload to ensure proper integration between systems. Members will learn and apply skills that are essential across industries including communication systems management, power management, signal processing, soldering, PCB design, and PID tuning and sensor calibration.
Software Roles
The software developed by this subteam acts as the brain and also the glue of the whole system. The subteam works on many different projects/programs and uses a variety of tools and languages. We encourage members to work on projects that they are interested in and apply their experience while learning new tools.
Software Member
All projects are up for grabs (everyone gets to choose at the start of the year what they get to work on) and we plan to work with a sprint based system. Some languages and tools we use: JavaScript, C++, Git, Angular, Python, React, Django, Docker, Linux CLI. Any knowledge with these tools and languages are a plus. Prior professional software development experience is not required but recommended. Open source contribution is also a plus.
FAQ
When do applications open?
You will be able to access the application through our website starting January 25th at midnight (PST).
Where do I apply?
This webpage (ubcuas.com/recruitment)! All the application details and links will be updated on August 25.
What do I need to apply?
The application process includes a general submission (with your resume, desired position, as well as some other information that will be released on August 25). Be ready to show your eagerness and passion!
What are the different roles?
There are openings for our four subteams: Aircraft, Payload, RCOMMS, and Software. If you are looking to build skills in mechanical, electrical, robotics, or software engineering, we encourage you to apply! Specific role details will be released with the applications on August 25.
What can I expect as a First/Second Year?
Don’t have much experience? We have your back. As a new member you can expect to be grouped with people of different levels of experience. We want to create an environment where you can learn, improve your skills, and gain valuable experience, all while doing meaningful work.
Will meetings be online or in-person?
This year we will be meeting fully in-person, in accordance with UBC guidelines.
More questions? Send us an email at [email protected].