QSET - Rover Electrical Payload Lead

The Queen's Space Engineering Team (QSET) is a large multi-disciplinary team consisting of students from all programs within Queen’s University. QSET designs a prototype Mars Rover for participation in the University Rover Challenge (for more information please visit urc.marssociety.org/home).

If selected as the Electrical Payload Lead, you will lead the design and implement custom control electronics for the scientific payload with a focus on reliability, redundancy, and simplicity. The successful applicant will work closely with the Rover CTO and the technical managers to ensure that the payload is fully functional and completed on time, with delegation of tasks to mechanical members. To keep updated with the project, the Electrical Payload Lead must coordinate and attend weekly meetings with the larger payload team. The rover management team will be at each of these meetings helping both in technical and managerial capacity.

The Queen’s Space Engineering Team encourages applications from women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please contact qset@ engsoc.queensu.ca.

Application Due Date: July 10, 2025 at 10 PM

• Define schematics, component selection, and BOM for the payload board.
• Design PCB layouts within mechanical constraints.
• Prototype and validate circuits in lab and field.
• Assemble, test, and debug hardware after fabrication.
• Ensure seamless integration with payload sensors and actuators.
• With the help of the rover management team run weekly payload meetings with general members, working towards furthering the state of the payload.

• Critical thinking and decision making, with a passion for engineering and design.
• Effective communication and time management skills.
• Familiarity with PCB design tools (any platform) or willingness to learn quickly.
• Interest in sensor integration and analog/digital signal paths.
• Soldering and bench test proficiency (or desire to develop these skills).
• Basic breadboarding or electronics prototyping experience is an asset.