QSET - Rover Mechanical 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 Mechanical Payload Lead, you will lead the mechanical redesign of the science payload, drill, scoops, and sample handling mechanisms with the goal of producing a reliable system that interfaces well with electrical and software subsystems. 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 Mechanical 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

• Redesign drill spindle and scoop assemblies for reliable sampling.
• Collaborate with Electrical Payload Lead on sensor placement and wiring.
• Validate mechanisms through bench and field tests; iterate based on data.
• 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.
• Interest or coursework in mechanism design (cams, gearboxes, lead screws).
• Comfortable with iterative prototyping cycles and hands on testing.
• Understanding of the basic principles of mechanical design (failure modes, material selection, design by user requirements, etc.).