Recruitment Process

Pre-Application - A list of positions the team is recruiting for is provided in the following section. Please review the list to see which sub-teams and positions are of interest to you.
Application Submission - Please fill out this form. This form allows the team to learn more about your skills and experiences. In order to gain a better understanding of your experiences, we request a cover letter and Resume/CV. Although not required for all positions, applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio with past work/relevant projects.
Application Review - Following submission, MIST will review applications. Applicants of interest will be invited to attend an interview to assess compatibility for the team. Applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript. For those with grade points below 4.0 on the McMaster grade scale, please submit additional supporting documents such as project files, portfolios, etc.
Applicant Acceptance - Successful applicants will be notified via email and given a time period to accept the offer and begin the onboarding process.

Application Form

Recruiting will be open from April 28th to May 12th at 11:59 P.M.

Current Openings

Updated 2025-04-28

(Click on the team name to view detailed descriptions)

Operations Team

Webmaster (1 position, posted 2025-02-18)
Event Coordinator (1 position, posted 2025-02-18)

Altitude Determination & Control System Team

Simulation Specialist (1 position, posted 2025-02-18)
Mechanical Specialist (1 position, posted 2025-02-18)

Command and Data Handling Team

Flight Software Specialist (2 positions, posted 2025-04-28)

Electrical and Power System Team

Jr. Power Electronics Specialist (1 position, posted 2025-04-28)
Jr. Solar Power Specialist (2 positions, posted 2025-04-28)
Sr. Power Electronics Specialist (2 positions, posted 2025-04-28)
Sr. Solar Power Specialist (2 positions, posted 2025-04-28)

Mission Operation and Control Team

Software Developer (1 position, posted 2025-02-18)

Mechanical Team

Jr. Mechanical Specialist (2 positions, posted 2025-04-28)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the deadline?

A: MIST recruits on a bi-monthly basis (ie. every other month), where the form will be open for a week. If the positions are listed above, it means that we are still actively recruiting for the role!

Q: What is the time commitment for the team?

A: You will be required to join weekly meetings with your designated sub-team (1-2 hours), where the sub-team leader(s) will assign tasks to you and check in on your progress. You will also be encouraged to join weekly general and/or systems engineering meetings (1-2 hours), which consist of team-wide discussions and decision-making. As you get to know more about the team projects, your tasks will become more complex, which will require additional time commitments outside weekly meetings.

Q: Do I need to available on campus?

A: No. Weekly meetings are either fully virtual or hybrid, allowing members to join from anywhere. Sometimes our members will need to access our labs and facilities for in-person development and testing, but this can be arranged for those who are available.

Q: Do you recruit lower/upper year students?

A: We recruit a mix of upper and lower year students. While upper year students bring more experience, lower year students are able to stay on longer and grow with the team. All passionate students are welcome to apply! However, we do require that you have finished your first year of studies to ensure that you can keep up with your academics.

Q: What can I do to increase my chances of being selected?

A: We are always looking for passion, commitment, problem solving and critical thinking skills, so make sure you demonstrate that in your application! For example, this means that we look for personal projects and experiences in addition to coursework. Also, research into the team's goals and projects goes a very long way, especially if you can come up with good questions to ask of the team.

Q: What is the interview process?

A: If selected, you will be interviewed by two or more team leaders for 30-60 minutes depending on the requirements of the role. You will be asked several non-technical questions related to your interest and availability, then several technical questions based on your past projects and experiences. Finally, you will get a chance to ask any questions you may have for the team.

Q: Will I receive support and mentorship after I join?

A: Absolutely! Your sub-team leaders will introduce you to the rest of the team and guide you through the onboarding process. As a team, we write extensive documentation and training materials to facilitate knowledge trasfer. And if you have any questions, everyone on the team will be eager to help you out!

Operations Team

The Operations Team is responsible for the management of internal and external communications for the NEUDOSE team. Our focus is on maintaining a strong social media presence, running events to share our love for space with the McMaster community, and ensuring that the team has what they need for a successful launch. We are also responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, and offboarding of all team members.

Webmaster

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-02-18

Do you enjoy working on websites? Are you looking for website management experience? The MIST team uses our website to post a whole array of team information. We're looking for someone who's interested in helping us manage, update, and improve our website platform. You may also help with IT projects and collaborate with other sub-teams. If that's you, this position could be yours. If you have neat ideas to improve our website platform, they're always welcome for consideration too!

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Attend weekly meetings
Work with the team to make updates and changes to the website
Manage our team roster, recruitment, and blog pages
Re-design our website to encompass the scope of our missions
Share progress and handle website updates

Requirements

Website coding experience
Project management experience
Well-organized, highly motivated, and willing to learn!
Works well with others
Minumum starting level 2 academic year - any program at McMaster University

Preferences

Experience working with Squarespace or equivalent
Website design

Event Coordinator

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-02-18

Do you enjoy coordinating events and leading outreach activities? The MIST Team needs someone who can help organize team socials, events involving the wider McMaster community and large-scale outreach activities. If this sounds like something you'd like to be a part of, then consider applying to join the team.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Attend weekly meetings
Coordinate minimum twice a semester team socials
Work with Team Lead to coordinate larger events

Requirements

Well-organized, and demonstrates strong time management skills
Good communication skills
Works well with others
Minimum starting level 2 academic year - any program at McMaster University

Preferences

Experience working in leadership on clubs/teams/volunteer activities
Experience with outreach and event coordination

Systems Team

Systems Engineering is the most critical subteam of a space mission. We oversee all high-level design and implementation decisions and guide other subteams through each mission phase: concept development, preliminary design, critical design, AIT (assembly, integration, and testing), launch and operation. We focus on maintaining technical documentation and standards along with reviewing and approving design submissions (mechanical, electrical, and software) to ensure that subteams are working together towards a polished and consistent final product that meets all requirements and constraints from internal and external sources.

Attitude Determination & Control System Team

The Attitude Determination and Control System (ADCS) Team is an integral part of the university CubeSat team. Members of the ADCS team are responsible for designing, implementing, and operating a robust attitude control system for the CubeSat. With work in engineering, control systems, and astrodynamics, the ADCS Team ensures accurate pointing, stabilization, and other capabilities to fulfill the mission objectives. Furthermore, other tasks include system design, attitude determination, control algorithm development, calibration, validation, real-time monitoring, and collaboration with other subsystems.

Simulation Specialist

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-02-18

Join our Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) subteam as a simulation specialist and contribute to the cutting-edge development of our school's satellite project! ADCS is crucial for maintaining and adjusting a satellite's orientation in space, relying on principles of physics, such as dynamics and kinematics, as well as advanced engineering techniques. This role requires a solid understanding of control theory, rotational mechanics, orbital physics, and sensor fusion, alongside proficiency in MATLAB for simulating and testing our control and determination algorithms. If you're passionate about space technology, eager to apply your analytical skills, and excited to work in a collaborative environment, our ADCS subteam is the perfect place for you to make a significant impact. Previous experience is not required but is highly desirable.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Use Simulink and Matlab to perform simulations of maneuvers to be performed by the satellite while in orbit using magnetic actuators
Engineer and design control algorithms
Communicate simulation techniques and test results to the team

Requirements

Enrolled in Software Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Mathematics, or have other relevant experience
Minimum starting level 2 academic year (preferred level 3+)

Preferences

Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink
Proficiency in Python
Experience with scientific computing, simulations, analysis
Strong foundation of rotational and orbital dynamics, electromagnetism, linear algebra, and numerical methods
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines.
Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation

Mechanical Specialist

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-02-18

Are you a Sci-Fi fan? Have you ever wondered how your spacecrafts are controlled? Look no further; Attitude Determination and Control Systems (ADCS) could be the right team for you! ADCS is an interdisciplinary sub-team that works on attitude determination in orbit, control algorithms for satellite stabilization, mechanical design, manufacturing, as well as software and hardware development/testing.

As an ADCS Mechanical Specialist, you will be involved in the development of a mission-critical project involving deployable solar panels for satellite deorbiting. You will help fabricate and design mechanical systems for facilitating the storage, restraint, and deployment of this hardware, and will work with other ADCS and MIST members to receive feedback and integrate your designs. You will also be involved in testing and manufacturing ADCS-specific hardware like magnetic torquers.

If you have a mechanical background and are interested in learning more about ADCS, please apply!

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Assist in mechanical design using SolidWorks and Bild
Source components from various manufacturers
Assist in any manufacturing projects, which may involve attending the MIST lab
Attend weekly meetings and take part in group discussions

Requirements

Enrolled in Mechanical Engineering or have equivalent mechanical design and modeling experience.
Must have experience creating engineering drawings and CAD modeling
Must have good teamwork, communication, and presentation skills and provide updates on work when needed
Basic understanding of statics and dynamics

Preferences

Have some experience using Solid Works
Previous involvement in mechanical projects
Previous manufacturing and testing experience

Radio Communications Team

The Radio Communications Team is the backbone of establishing and maintaining a communications link between MIST on Earth and the spacecraft. A communication link allows for the wireless transfer of data through electromagnetic waves, specifically in the radio and microwave frequency bands. Establishing this link enables the team to obtain data from the scientific payload, monitor the health of subsystems on the spacecraft, and send telecommands to the satellite to update its operational state. Join now to learn how we make space communication possible with our custom-designed UHF/VHF radio and ground station on the McMaster Campus. You will also get the opportunity to train and obtain an Amateur Radio Operator Certificate, which will allow you to operate our radios in the amateur frequency bands.

Command and Data Handling Team

The CDH team oversees the handling of the satellite’s data. This includes processing, storing and moving data around to various subsystems. CDH is the interface between ground crews and all other components of the satellite in addition to monitoring the health and state of the satellite.

Flight Software Specialist

2 POSITIONS

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

The Flight Software Specialist position is an integral role within our satellite project, bridging the Command and Data Handling (CDH) and Communications (COMMS) teams. This role focuses on developing and integrating software for the satellite's flight computer and communication systems. This role will involve all aspects of software design, development, and testing in order to ensure reliable functionality of the satellite while in orbit.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

You will be involved in writing applications, device drivers, and designing the software architecture for a satellite flight computer using C.
Create testing plans and execute tests to ensure software & system validity.
Following the coding standard developed by the CDH and COMMS team in all software development.
Documenting understanding of software applications and functionality, as well as documenting own written code.
Attend weekly meetings.

Requirements

Enrolled in Mechatronics Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
C/C++ coding experience
Must have good teamwork and communication skills, presentations and updates on work is required

Preferences

Highly recommended to have experience in C programming and embedded system design (Preferably taken a Intro/Intermediate to C programming course)
Preferentially experience with Git (or similar version control software), understanding of OS structure and design
Side projects showcasing initiative and software experience
Experience/interest working with Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) specifically FreeRTOS is an asset
Ability to work independently and problem solve

Electrical Power System Team

A fundamental aspect of every space mission is the generation and management of on-board electrical power. The EPS system must generate, store, and distribute adequate power for all electrical systems on the satellite. This includes ensuring a stable power supply throughout the lifetime of the mission and monitoring consumption and state to ensure continued operation as well as completion of tasks crucial for the mission.

Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!

Jr. Power Electronics Specialist

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Jr. Power Electronics Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft. You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that manages the flow of power across our spacecraft. Your focus will be on sourcing, testing, and characterizing our Power Distribution Module (PDM) to NASA standards, and designing electrical redundancies to ensure our satellite stays alive. At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission. Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include...

Writing and performing advanced test procedures for the validation of the PDM to industry standards
Developing critical test equipment and software for hardware systems.
Integrating the power system into the CubeSat.
Documenting test results to justify the reliability of our system to the CSA
Developing firmware and hardware for custom power electronics

Requirements

To succeed in this role, we require that you... Note: We do not expect strong technical skills from lower-level applicants (level I/II) but we do expect a strong willingness to learn, interest, and dedication.

Are enrolled in one of either Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Have experience with basic electrical components and circuit theory
Have the demonstrated ability to troubleshoot problems in electrical systems
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed

Preferences

We prefer that you...

Are a Level 2 student or above
Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, C, or C++.
Have experience with microcontroller-based electronics projects
Have experience with hardware testing and validation

Jr. Solar Power Specialist

2 POSITIONs

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Jr. Solar Power Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft. You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that acquires and stores power for our spacecraft. Your focus will be on designing and assembling solar panels that work seamlessly with our batteries and Power Distribution Module (PDM) to ensure that we operate at peak efficiency. At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission. Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry!

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include...

Developing critical test hardware and software for the solar array and other components.
Integrating the Solar Array into the CubeSat.
Writing test procedures and documentation up to industry standard
Contributing to the design, assembly, integration, and testing of our flight solar panels in our clean room facility

Requirements

Are enrolled in one of either Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Be familiar with electrical design and circuit simulation software
Have a basic understanding of solar panel physics
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed

Preferences

We prefer that you...

Are a Level 2 student or above
Have experience with electronic projects and troubleshooting electrical problems

Sr. Power Electronics Specialist

2 POSITIONS

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Sr. Power Electronics Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft. You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that manages the flow of power across our spacecraft. Your focus will be on sourcing, testing, and characterizing our Power Distribution Module (PDM) to NASA standards, and designing electrical redundancies to ensure our satellite stays alive. At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission. Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Your main tasks and responsibilities will include...

Developing advanced test procedures for the validation of the PDM to industry standards
Integrating the power system into the CubeSat.
Developing critical test equipment and software for hardware systems.
Performing the functional acceptance, integration, and validation of our PDM
Documenting test results to justify the reliability of our system to the CSA
Developing firmware and hardware for custom power electronics

Requirements

To succeed in this role, we require that you...

Are enrolled in one of either Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or Mechatronics, or have an equivalent background
Have a strong understanding of switch mode power supply concepts and electrical design for high current applications.
Have experience with hardware testing and validation
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills

Preferences

We prefer that you...

Are a Level 3 student or above
Are familiar with programming languages such as Python, C, or C++.
Have experience with Altium for PCB design

Sr. Solar Power Specialist

2 POSITIONS

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

Attention all talented and driven students with a passion for space and electronics! We are seeking a Sr. Solar Power Specialist to join our Electrical Power Systems (EPS) subteam. As a member of this team, you will be responsible for generating, storing, and distributing power across all MIST spacecraft. You will play a crucial role in creating a reliable system that acquires and stores power for our spacecraft. Your focus will be on designing and assembling solar panels that work seamlessly with our batteries and Power Distribution Module (PDM) to ensure that we operate at peak efficiency. At MIST, we don’t just talk about putting satellites into space, we make it happen! This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the theoretical and practical aspects of electrical power systems for space applications. We are looking for someone who shares our strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to achieving our mission. Are you ready to take your passion for electronics and space to the next level? Apply now to join the EPS team and be a part of an exciting journey to revolutionize Canada’s space industry

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Designing novel solar panel PCBs to be used on the spacecraft
Integrating the Solar Array into the CubeSat.
Optimizing the spacecrafts power budget model for optimal performance in orbit
Writing and performing test procedures and documentation up to industry standard
Performing the assembly, integration, and testing of our flight solar panels in our clean room facility

Requirements

Have a solid knowledge of solar panel physics (e.g. P-N Junctions, IV-Curves, Power Calculations)
Have hands-on experience performing validation and test procedures
Have strong problem-solving and analytical skills
Have excellent communication and teamwork skills
Have the demonstrated ability to work independently and take initiative when needed

Preferences

We prefer that you...

Are a Level 3 student or above
Have taken any of the following courses: ENGPHYS 3PN4, ENGPHYS 4MD3, ENGPHYS 4X03, or ENGPHYS 4UM2
Have experience with electronic projects and troubleshooting electrical problems

Mission Operation and Control Team

The Mission Operations and Control team is responsible for building the software infrastructure for our ground station. This software will allow us to send commands to the satellite, and receive/visualize data transmitted from our satellite to the ground. All of the data received from the satellite will be displayed in our Grafana dashboard, along with data from a variety of sensors monitoring our ground station

Software Developer

1 POSITION

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-02-18

Have you ever imagined yourself in the NASA mission control room, waiting with excitement for the launch of a rocket or deployment of a satellite? Then this is the position for you!! Were building our very own mission control center right here on McMaster's campus and we need your help!!

The Mission Operations & Control team is responsible for building the software infrastructure for our ground station. This software will allow us to send commands to the satellite, and receive/visualize data transmitted from our satellite to the ground. All of the data received from the satellite will be displayed in our Grafana dashboard, along with data from a variety of sensors monitoring our ground station.

As a MOC software developer and automation engineer, your role will involve developing scripts to automate the collection and processing of data from a variety of sensors on our ground station, as well as data from devices on the cubeSAT. You will be responsible for the development and maintenance of systems and tools related to the mission, with a focus on data visualization, scripting, and Linux server management.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Design and develop reliable, high quality software related to:

Data Collection and Processing
Automation of processes
Mission Control Dashboards
Simulations/test procedures
Ensuring all work is thoroughly documented !!!

Communicate updates at weekly meetings

Requirements

Enrolled at McMaster University
Experience with Python and Javascript/Typescript
Ability to effectively use git
Experience working in Linux environments
Experience with databases and backend API development

Preferences

Experience working in a Linux based environment
Experience with SQL / NoSQL databases
Familiar with docker
Experience with Grafana or similar data visualization tools
Proficiency in Bash scripting and other scripting languages
Experience with continuous-integration/development practices
Familiarity with software development best practices, including version control, testing, and documentation
Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Mechanical Team

The mechanical team is responsible for the design, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the mechanical structure of the satellite, the central payload, and its deployment mechanisms which include the satellite's antenna and deployable magnetometer.
Do you want to be part of a first-of-its-kind mission at McMaster University, working on a satellite that will launch into orbit and conduct meaningful science? Do you have a passion for mechanically designing elements that need to survive the space environment?

Jr. Mechanical Specialist

2 POSITIONS

Start Time: Immediately

Posted: 2025-04-28

Do you want to be part of a first-of-its-kind mission at McMaster University, working on a satellite that will launch into orbit and conduct meaningful science? Do you have a passion for mechanically designing elements that need to survive the space environment?

Then the Mechanical Team is right for you. We are responsible for housing and mounting the satellite components along with ensuring that the satellite structure will sustain the journey to space during launch and throughout its flight in space. We are currently looking for a Junior Mechanical Specialist who will assist the team with detailed computer-aided design, drawings, manufacturing, assembly, integration, and testing of the mechanical sub-systems. This is in addition to the new recruit participating in workshop and lab training along with presenting to the team or respective stakeholders.

McMaster Interdisciplinary Satellite Team is a student team that puts real satellites into space. We are looking for applicants who share our work ethic and commitment to aid us in this endeavor.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities

Attend weekly meetings (preferably in person at McMaster).
Create and implement design changes in SolidWorks.
Assist with manufacturing and testing projects.
Review mechanical drawings.
Ensure proper communication between sub-teams and the co-mechanical leads.
Work alongside other disciplines to ensure proper interfacing with mechanical parts.
Prepare and present at meetings with the Canadian Space Agency and stakeholders.

Requirements

Enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Bachelor of Technology, or equivalent mechanical experience.
Experience with Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Design.
Experience with Mechanical Drawings for review and manufacturing purposes.
Experience with manufacturing processes.

Preferences

Experience with SolidWorks.
Knowledge of GD&T and common drawing standards.
Finite Element Analysis.
Going into their 2nd or 3rd year of their studies (undergraduate or graduate studies).

Payload Team

The Payload team is responsible for the scientific payload of NEUDOSE, which is the Charged and Neutral Particle Tissue Equivalent Proportional Counter (CNP-TEPC). The CNP-TEPC is an advanced radiation monitoring instrument being developed to separately measure the interaction of charged particles and neutrons in low Earth orbit in real-time (for the first time). This is essential to our mission of studying the effects of ionizing radiation on the human body.

As a member of the team, you will have the unique experience of being part of a fully self-sustaining sub-system capable of functioning both within the satellite and as an independent instrument outside the satellite in places like a High Altitude Balloon.