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Get Involved! PoliTo Rocket Team has numerous positions available for undergraduate and graduate students of Politecnico di Torino. Here you can find our Open Positions and some Frequently Asked Questions about our recruitment process or about the Team. If you still have some questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on social media or at recruitment@politorocketteam.it
Open positions
Full-Stack Developer
OPS-ITC-001 Department: Operations Division: Information Technology
Description
We are looking for a Full-Stack Developer to join our team and help build and maintain our new website using Next.js, Supabase, and ShadCN. Our biggest goal is to develop a recruitment management system directly on our platform, making it easier for leads and chiefs to handle applications and organize team information.
What You'll Do:
- Develop and maintain the team website using Next.js, Supabase, and ShadCN
- Implement and expand the admin section, where team leads manage recruitment and team data
- Enhance the website with smooth UI/UX improvements, animations, and interactions
- Improve existing pages and develop new ones as needed
- Work with Three.js to create engaging 3D elements and visualizations
Required skills
- Strong fundamentals in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Problem-solving skills and ability to work independently on development tasks
Desirable skills
- Experience with Next.js and TypeScript
- Familiarity with Supabase (authentication, database, storage)
- Knowledge of ShadCN/UI for building modern and accessible interfaces
- Knowledge and previous use of the Three.js library
- Previous experience with Git and GitHub
- Previous experience with PostgreSQL
- Basic knowledge of Accessible Rich Internet Applications (ARIA)
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Sponsoring Specialist
OPS-LGS-002 Department: Operations Division: Logistics
Description
The Sponsor Manager plays a vital role in securing and managing relationships with sponsors to ensure the necessary resource support for the team's projects. This position involves identifying potential sponsors, organizing presentation meetings, negotiating sponsorship and licensing agreements, and fostering long-term partnerships. The Sponsor Manager also ensures that the team fulfills its obligations to sponsors, maintaining strong and mutually beneficial relationships.
Required skills
- Effective communication
- Negotation
- Attention to details
Desirable skills
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Events Specialist
OPS-LGS-003 Department: Operations Division: Logistics
Description
The Events Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing events that align with the organization's goals, whether they are promotional events, team-building, celebratory, or educational. This role involves managing all aspects of the event, from the idea to the execution, ensuring smooth operations and achieving the desired outcomes for both attendees and the organization.
Required skills
- Effective communication
- Attention to details
Desirable skills
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Embedded Software Engineer
ELT-FMW-002 Department: Electronics Division: Firmware
Description
As an Embedded Software Engineer within the Electronics department, Firmware Division, your responsibilities will include:
- Developing and optimizing the DaVinci flight computer software, with a focus on both our current system and the next-generation flight computer;
- Enhancing the software for the Marconi telemetry board, specifically managing data flow between ground, the flight computer, and GPS.
- Writing software interfaces for various sensors and high-quality structured software for embedded processors;
- Developing the core software for the Engine Control board;
- Testing and ensuring the software can effectively retrieve and transmit data, control actuators, and accomplish specific mission tasks;
- Conducting extensive hands-on work, including research, reading datasheets, writing, testing, and debugging;
- Working and developing all projects in close cooperation with other department members and other divisions in the team.
Required skills
- General knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers
- Proficiency in C/C++ programming language
- Experience with software development tools such as IDEs, compilers, debuggers and version control
- Basic/Intermediate English writing and speaking skills
- Basic knowledge of LaTeX
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of flight computer software architecture and design patterns
- Experience with software testing and verification tools
- Experience with STM32 platform
- Advanced knowledge of the git version control system
- Good interdisciplinary communication skills
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Desktop Application Developer
ELT-GNS-003 Department: Electronics Division: Ground Station
Description
Altitude, acceleration, speed, and most importantly for recovery, GPS location sent by our flight computer on the rocket during flight and retrieved by ground antennas must be processed, displayed, and saved in real-time.
You will design an application with a logical, clean, and aesthetic user interface, ensuring that mission operators have immediate and clear insights into the vehicle's performance. Since this role requires integration with various avionics systems, a deep understanding of communication protocols is crucial for success.
Projects will be developed in close collaboration with other division members.
Required skills
- Strong proficiency in Python, as the primary language for the application, and a solid understanding of C/C++ to effectively interface with embedded systems.
- Solid understanding of serial communication protocols (UART/USB) and experience with byte-level data parsing.
- Proficiency with Git and collaborative development workflows for version control and teamwork.
- Excellent interdisciplinary communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with avionics team members.
Desirable skills
- Familiarity with microcontrollers (like STM32) and embedded development principles.
- Experience with data plotting and visualization libraries (e.g., Matplotlib) to create clear and informative real-time graphs.
- Experience writing clear technical documentation for software architecture and usage.
- An interest in AI and its applications in real-time systems. Knowledge of TensorFlow Lite or STM32Cube.AI is a significant plus.
- An eye for UI/UX design, with the ability to create interfaces that are both functional and intuitive.
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
RF Specialist
ELT-GNS-004 Department: Electronics Division: Ground Station
Description
The integrity of wireless communication systems is fundamental to every phase of our missions, from pre-launch diagnostics to post-flight recovery. These systems provide the essential data link for monitoring vehicle health, evaluating operational risks in real-time, and transmitting critical telemetry such as altitude, acceleration and velocity. Furthermore, they are indispensable for locating the vehicle via GPS data to ensure successful recovery.
To address the critical nature of this function, our team is seeking a dedicated engineer focused on the physical layer of the rocket-to-ground communication link. The position will entail a comprehensive approach to system development, including the design and simulation of RF hardware. Key responsibilities will involve rigorous research into applicable technologies, analysis of communication protocols, and the optimization of both onboard and ground antenna configurations to maximize data throughput and link stability.
This role requires close coordination with other divisions, ensuring that all communication systems are developed as integral components of the overall avionics architecture.
Required skills
- A good understanding of analog/RF circuit theory and fundamental electronics.
- Familiarity with wireless communication principles, including concepts like modulation, propagation, and antennas.
- Good communication skills and a collaborative mindset, enabling you to work effectively with team members from different engineering backgrounds.
Desirable skills
- Interest in embedded systems, microcontrollers, and hardware interfaces.
- Familiarity with low-power, long-range communication protocols, with experience in LoRa considered a significant plus.
- Experience performing link budget analysis to predict and validate system performance.
- Hands-on experience with RF test equipment, like Vector Network Analyzers (VNA) or Spectrum Analyzers.
- Experience with LaTeX for creating technical reports.
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Hardware Engineer
ELT-HDW-001 Department: Electronics Division: Hardware
Description
As an Hardware Engineer within the Electronics Department, Hardware Division, you will be responsible for the design, prototyping, and manufacturing of the core electronic systems for the rocket, the ground station, and the engine.
Starting from the previous team's designs whenever possible, your main responsibilities will include:
- Utilizing CAD tools to create electrical schemes that will be converted into circuits and PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards);
- Optimizing and enhancing DaVinci, our discrete flight computer, based on an STM32 microcontroller, by adding new features and ensuring its ultimate safety and reliability;
- Working on maintaining and evolving our telemetry board, Marconi, which integrates GPS and long-range communication modules;
- Designing and developing the dedicated Engine Control circuit and PCB;
- Conducting essential hands-on work, including: research, reading and analyzing datasheets, soldering, testing, and debugging of systems;
- Developing all projects in close cooperation with other members of the Electronics Department and other divisions within the team, ensuring seamless integration between all system components.
Required skills
- Knowledge in circuit theory and electronics
- Familiarity with welding
- Basic programming skills
- Basic/Intermediate English writing and speaking skills
- Basic knowledge of LaTeX
Desirable skills
- Prior experience with microcontrollers
- Familiarity with hardware testing and debugging tools
- Familiarity with PCB CAD softwares (e.g. Altium Designer and KiCAD)
- Good interdisciplinary communication skills
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Control System Engineer
CAS-FCS-001 Department: Controls and Systems Division: Flight Control Systems
Description
As a Control System Engineer in the Flight Control Systems division, you will be responsible for developing the algorithms and software that govern the rocket’s dynamic behavior. Starting from first principles, you will design, model, and implement guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems, with a strong focus on reliability and real-time performance. You will use simulation tools to analyze flight dynamics, tune controllers, and validate system stability before deployment. Your main tasks will include designing control laws for actuators and propulsion, integrating sensor feedback (IMUs, GPS, altimeters), and ensuring robust fault tolerance. Projects will be carried out in close cooperation with hardware, software, and systems engineering teams.
Required skills
- General knowledge of control theory
Desirable skills
- Basic knowledge of MATLAB and Simulink software suite
- Basic knowledge of Python programming language
- Basic knowledge of GitHub and version control
- Basic knowledge of LaTeX
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Design & Additive Manufacturing Engineer
STR-DAM-001 Department: Structures Division: Design & Manufacturing
Description
The responsibilities of a DAM engineer can be grouped into three main areas. First, they model, design, and position each component of the rocket, considering both traditional and additive manufacturing methods. Next, they focus on manufacturing, turning designs into real parts using appropriate techniques and a range of materials, from high-performance polymers to metals. Finally, they oversee the final assembly of the rocket and ensure efficient on-site assembly during launches and competitions.
Required skills
- Good knowledge of CAD programs such as SolidWorks
- Knowledge of manufacturing methods
- Knowledge of fundamentals of mechanical phenomena
- Basic knowledge of machine elements
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of materials
- Knowledge of topology optimization and generative design
- Knowledge of tolerances and technical drawings
- Rendering skills
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
Structural Engineer
STR-SAN-001 Department: Structures Division: Structures Analysis
Description
The Structural Engineer will be responsible for evaluating the resistance, strength, and overall performance of each rocket component. This includes the application of Finite Element Method (FEM) simulations to assess structural integrity under flight loads, complemented by experimental testing when required to validate results. The engineer will also perform material characterization to define accurate mechanical properties, ensuring that numerical models reflect real operating conditions.
Required skills
- Basic knowledge of Structural Mechanics
- Basic knowledge of Materials Science
Desirable skills
- Basic knowledge of FEM software (ANSYS)
- Basics of MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS
- Writing on LATEX
Please be informed that your work will be entirely voluntary. As we are a student team of Politecnico di Torino, we do not offer any paid employment.
FAQs
How can I join the Team?
If there are open positions, there is the possibility of joining the Team. More details can be found by reading the open positions' descriptions and apply procedures.
The main recruitment process is generally held at the beginning of the academic year, but some positions might be open in other time periods too: look out for any updates on our social media and on our website.
Are there any requirements for joining the team?
Candidates must have time to dedicate to our projects, and an intermediate English proficiency level is preferred. We accept all PoliTo students regardless of program and year (undergraduate, graduate and PhD).
Can I join as a first-year student?
Yes, and we encourage you to! Theoretical knowledge and previous experience are appreciated, but they are not everything. Young and motivated students can learn and acquire real experience while working on our projects.
As of Summer 2023, more than half of the Team's members are Bachelor's students, and many of them are first-year students!
Can I join the team as an international student?
Of course! As of Summer 2023, more than 25% of the Team's members are international students. The selection process is the same for international and Italian students. As for any other student, good English knowledge is preferred. Italian language proficiency is not required, but appreciated.
Can I join the Team with a low level English proficiency?
The Team's official language is English, and it is preferred that candidates have at least an intermediate language proficiency. Candidates with advanced English proficiency will have an advantage. Exceptions can be made for candidates with a particular set of skills or with important prior experience.
How much time do I need to put into the team every week?
There is not a rule for how much time you need to put in. There can be weeks where you will not work at all, but there will be days where you will need to work many hours. The Team is young and does not have a large number of members, so it is expected that the members of the Team put a considerable amount of work into our projects.
In general, we expect that students can provide at the very least 6 hours of work for the Team per week. Exceptions can be made for particular positions, such as those which require particular skills or prior experience.
Can I join the Team if I am not an engineering student?
Yes, the Team accepts students coming from all programs offered at Politecnico. There are many positions available in the Team, especially in the Operations subteam, which are suited also for students coming from non-engineering programs.
Do you recruit only aerospace engineering students?
Of course not! Even if as of now the majority of the Team's members come from the aerospace engineering program (around 68% as of Fall 2022), some of the Team's positions are suited for students of the computer science, electronic, mechanical, management, or energy engineering programs, as well as many others.
Furthermore, due to competition, the acceptance rate for aerospace engineering students is probably going to be lower than the one for students coming from other programs. This means that if you do not study aerospace engineering, you might face less competition in your application for certain positions than your aerospace engineering colleagues.
What is the acceptance rate onto the team?
Fall 2022 was the first general recruitment of the Team and we had an acceptance rate of around 15%. As much as we would love to accept every application, the Team can not manage the work of hundreds of members. Do not let this discourage you: we are always looking for motivated and talented young students.
Do you recruit at the beginning of the 2nd semester?
We do not know yet, but it is unlikely. Training new members takes time, and if students join in the winter semester they will start working towards the end of the academic year, which is not ideal.
Students could be recruited at the beginning of the 2nd semester if they possess a particular set of skills or experience which matches the Team's needs.
Can I join the Team if I am not a Politecnico di Torino student, or if I am a high school student?
PoliTo Rocket Team is a student team which gets its resources from the Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace engineering of Politecnico di Torino. For this reason, we can't accept students outside Politecnico. However, it is possible to cooperate and work together on some particular projects. If you are working on a rocketry-related project and you want to collaborate with us, contact us.