Ground Support Engineering - Structures & Integration
Ground Support Engineering Member
Role overview
The Texas A&M Sounding Rocketry Team is competing in IREC 2027 with a 30,000 ft apogee SRAD hybrid rocket. The Ground Support Equipment (GSE) subteam is responsible for designing, upgrading, and maintaining the vital physical infrastructure and launch hardware needed to safely operate and test our rocket engines. In this role, you will take hands-on ownership of Test Cell structural upgrades and repairs, focusing on the heavy physical framework, mounting systems, and launch pad hardware. You will work directly alongside team leads to build robust, reliable physical structures that support both propulsion testing and field operations.
What we are looking for
(Note: These are preferred backgrounds, but all technical skills specific to rocketry and ground infrastructure are taught on the job.) Preferred Skills: Basic CAD experience (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar) Hands-on manufacturing or basic shop tool experience Strong problem-solving mindset and comfort working around physical hardware _____________________________________ Additional Skills (helpful but not required): Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) experience Metalworking, fabrication, or welding background Basic exposure to field hardware or mechanical assembly
Project context
As a GSE Structures member, you ensure that our test stands and launch pad systems can physically withstand the structural and environmental loads during rocket testing and launch operations. You will focus on upgrading and repairing the physical Test Cell structure to prepare for static hot-fires as well as building and optimizing the launch rail and pad equipment that will support the vehicle in the field at IREC.