Departments

SkywardER's main teams

Department of

Aerodynamics

Overview

The Aerodynamics Department is mainly tasked with modeling the aerodynamic forces and analyzing the fluxes generated by our flight systems

Requirements

Base

  • Proactive approach to problem solving;
  • Critical thinking;
  • Knowledge of basic concepts of fluid dynamics;
  • Basic knowledge of Matlab and/or Python;
  • Interest in fluid dynamics, experimental and/or computational.

Advanced

  • Knowledge of aerodynamics and turbulence;
  • Familiarity with the use of meshing software;
  • Familiarity with the use of CFD solvers and basic CFD concepts;
  • Knowledge of the fundamental aspects of a wind tunnel test;
  • Familiarity with propulsion systems.
Department of

Control Systems

Overview

The Control Systems Team is an Integrated Project Team (IPT), which is part of the Avionics Department. The members are responsible for the design, implementation and testing of control algorithms that allow the rocket to automatically perform actions

Requirements

Base

  • Willingness to learn and work autonomously
  • Familiarity with linear algebra
  • Basic knowledge of Matlab and Simulink
  • Knowledge of the basics of control theory
  • Sensors and measuring instruments

Advanced

  • Optimal estimator and Kalman filter theory
  • State Space (SS) and Model Based (MPC) Control Design
  • Basic knowledge of C++
  • Advanced Knowledge of Matlab and Simulink (familiarity with most common toolboxes)
  • System Identification
Department of

Electronics

Overview

The Electronics IPT (Integrated Project Team), under the more general Avionics Department, is in charge of the design, production and testing of all the on-board and ground electronic systems. These include the rocket’s control software, the telemetry systems, and the data transmission systems

Requirements

Base

  • Basic knowledge of electronics and analog and digital circuits
  • Knowledge on signal acquisition and related conditioning
  • Ability to use multimeter and bench power supply
  • Familiarity with PCB design software (Eagle, Altium designer, etc…)

Advanced

  • Ability to weld THT and SMD
  • Previous experience in the production of printed circuit boards
  • General knowledge and/or experience on STM32 microcontrollers
  • Knowledge on basic RF theory, transmission lines, analog and digital modulations, dipole and yagi antennas
  • Use of smith chart, knowledge of filters and amplifiers, design with FEM software (CTS, hfss)
Department of

Logistics

Overview

The Logistics Department was established to deal with logistical matters, which include affairs pertaining the procurement of resources and organizational oversight

Requirements

Base

  • Basic knowledge of G-Suite & Microsoft Office
  • Teamwork & Interpersonal skills
  • Proactive approach to problem solving
  • Able to manage high-intensity environments
  • Good knowledge of the English language

Advanced

  • Advanced Excel Skills
  • Management skills
  • Organizational & Critical-thinking skills
  • Strong attention to detail
Department of

Media

Overview

The Multimedia Communications Department develops and divulges all rocket content to our various media platforms in a passionate and engaging manner

Requirements

Base

  • Basic knowledge of photo & video editing programs
  • Experience in the use of cameras and equipment for photo and video documentation
  • Ability to work under a tight schedule.

Advanced

  • High knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite
  • Eye for detail and artistic skills to successfully understand how to manipulate the environment
  • Unity Developer skills
  • 3D Modeler skills
Department of

Mission Analysis

Overview

The Mission Analysis IPT is part of the Aerodynamics and Flight Dynamics Department and is responsible for all computational rocket calculations, ranging from the rocket’s trajectory to aerodynamic optimization, and including sensitivity analysis, risk area assessment and engine choice

Requirements

Base

  • Basic knowledge of flight mechanics and dynamics;
  • Basic knowledge of Matlab;
  • Critical thinking and desire to engage in challenging, interdepartmental research activities.

Advanced

  • Mastery of Matlab tools - i.e. vectorization and OOP
  • Knowledge of Fortran, Python and/or Simulink
  • Knowledge of fluid dynamics and aerodynamics
  • In-depth knowledge of numerical optimization methods applied to different types of problems
Department of

Propulsion

Overview

The propulsion team is in charge of designing, developing, and testing a hybrid rocket engine for participation in EuRoC ‘23 using SRAD thruster

Requirements

Base

  • A proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Basic knowledge of physics, thermodynamics and chemistry
  • Basic knowledge of a rocket engine
  • Interest in coding and software-aided thermal simulations
  • Basic knowledge of CAD
  • Strong team-work capabilities

Advanced

  • Good dexterity (experience in the use of tools and / or in the assembly and disassembly of components)
  • Knowledge of finite element analysis software (Abaqus and Ansys)
  • Experience in 3D printing
  • Knowledge of Matlab and CEA
Department of

Recovery System

Overview

The Recovery Department is responsible for the design, production and testing of all systems tasked with the rocket’s safe return to ground or of some specific part

Requirements

Base

  • Βasic knowledge of parachute and their dynamics
  • Basic knowledge of flight mechanics
  • Proactive approach to problem solving
  • Willingness to work in presence at our site
  • Strong team-work capabilities

Advanced

  • Engineering experimentation
  • Dynamics of aerospace systems
  • Basics of aerodynamics
  • Basics of sewing techniques
  • Basic knowledge of guided parachutes
  • CAD modeling
  • MATLAB simulation
Department of

Software

Overview

The Software IPT is a part of the Avionics Department and is in charge of developing both the on-board software and the ground station system which collects and displays the telemetry throughout the mission

Requirements

Base

  • Ability to work independently and proactively
  • Availability for in-person work in Milan
  • Proficiency in the C language (including pointers, memory management, and bitwise operations)
  • Understanding of object-oriented programming concepts
  • Solid knowledge of computer architecture fundamentals
  • Experience with developing graphical interfaces or web applications

Advanced

  • Proficiency in C++ and/or Rust
  • Knowledge of software engineering principles and design patterns
  • Basic understanding of embedded systems
  • Previous experience with platforms such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, STM32, or similar
  • Understanding of operating systems and concurrency concepts
  • Basic experience with Git and collaborative development workflows
Department of

Structure

Overview

The Structures Department is in charge of the entire design and practical implementation of the rocket’s airframe, and is divided in a series of sub-teams, each in charge of a different bay

Requirements

Base

  • Proactive problem-solving attitude – the ability to face challenges with initiative and critical thinking.
  • Strong working autonomy – confidence in managing tasks independently and responsibly.
  • Technical drawing proficiency – ability to read and produce detailed technical drawings and tables.
  • Good command of CAD software – experience with 3D modeling tools
  • Basic understanding of mechanics and aerospace principles – a foundation in structural behavior and physical constraints.

Advanced

  • Good manual dexterity – experience with tools, mechanical assembly, or disassembly of components.
  • Theoretical background in structural analysis – familiarity with mechanical component sizing and structural calculations.
  • Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) software – such as Abaqus, Femap, or MSC Nastran.
  • Experience with 3D printing – including design adaptation and printing process management.
  • General understanding of implementation mechanisms – knowledge of how systems are physically integrated and made functional.
Department of

Structural Dynamics

Overview

The Aeroelasticity Analysis IPT was founded in September of 2021 to better study the structural dynamics and the aeroelasticity field of the rocket, as we also improved our knowledge regarding the internal stresses during both the main and drogue parachute opening phases

Requirements

Base

  • Theoretical knowledge of structural mechanics (with particular attention to composite materials)
  • Basic knowledge of aerodynamics
  • Basic knowledge of Matlab, Python or similar programming languages for scientific computing

Advanced

  • Solid knowledge of structural mechanics and dynamics
  • Solid knowledge of aeroelastic phenomena
  • Experience with finite element commercial softwares such as Abaqus, Femap, Nastran…