HuskyWorks Seeks Students to Help Develop NASA-Funded Technology


The Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL), nicknamed “HuskyWorks”, needs talented students to help develop our technology for Lunar and Martian In-situ Resource Utilization technologies for a recent contract with NASA. You may have heard from us in the beginning of September, however we have a new position available. If you want to help us develop space technology, please read below:

[Application Link]

Application Closes at 9/29 11:59 PM!

Who We Are

The PSTDL is a research lab based out of Michigan Tech that was founded by Dr. Paul van Susante in 2019. We build cutting-edge solutions for planetary surface exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We train the next generation of engineers that will bring humanity back to the moon and further into the solar system. We support NASA’s Artemis missions with our state-of-the-art environmental testing facilities. R&D is funded by grants from NASA and contracts from industry partners. Grossing over 2.5 million dollars of funding in the last 2 years, our lab is growing fast! We need more talented student engineers and scientists to help us put our technology on the Moon.

[Website Link] [Linkedin Link][Lab News Link]

Position Description

We are looking for a student to support the LuSTR program. Engineers will aid in the development, testing, and maintenance of the Field Rover mobile testing platform (HOPLITE). This chassis will be used to test a percussive heated cone penetrometer and ground-penetrating radar, to survey craters in the Moon’s polar regions. Work will include developing and supporting software development related to our science instrument payloads as well as future HOPLITE features including but not limited to, further system integration, autonomy, etc. This program is funded by NASA and we are partnered with Honeybee Robotics, a company that has made hardware for the Curiosity and Perseverance Mars rovers.

Logistics

  • Pay: $14/hr undergrad, $16/hr graduate. 10 hrs/wk
  • Start: October 2021

Requirements

Required

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-motivated & fast learner.
  • Linux experience.
  • C/C++
  • Python 

Preferred

  • Major: CpE, EE, or CS.
  • ROS
  • OpenCV
  • Basic Electronics
  • Basic Microcontrollers
  • Motor controller & encoder experience.

Preferred Courses

  • CS 3411 – Systems Programming
  • CS 3331 – Concurrent Programming
  • CS 4411 – Operating Systems
  • CS 3421 – Computer Organization
  • EE 2174 – Digital Logic
  • EE 3173 – Hardware/Software System Integration 

Responsibilities

  • Continued software development in C++ and Python, supporting all operations of HOPLITE.
  • Produce slides and technical papers for teleconferences with NASA.
  • Contribute to publications we write about this program (you will be a co-author).

How to Apply:

  1. Start by applying online using your MTU email by [Application Form Link].
  2. Note: APPLICATION CLOSES AT 9/29 11:59 PM!
  3. We will then go through 2 rounds of down-selection by reviewing your submitted material. If selected we will proceed with conducting an in-person interview between yourself and the lab staff.
  4. We aim to fill all hiring positions by Oct 1, 2021, at the latest.
  5. Apply ASAP to secure limited interview time with the team. 

Additional Questions

Direct additional questions related to one or more of the following individuals:

Thank you for your time. We look forward to hearing from you,

Elijah Cobb