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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 Subteam: 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 Subteam: 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.
Graphic Designer
OPS-MDA-002 Subteam: Operations Division: Media
Description
As a Graphic Designer, you will be in charge of designing the Team’s mission patches, logos and uniforms, and help design the external coating of the Team’s rockets. You will design social media posts and website UI & UX in tight collaboration with photographers, video makers, rendering specialists, and web developers, leveraging modern design styles and patterns.
Required skills
- Knowledge of prototyping softwares and graphics softwares
Desirable skills
- Attention to details and being up to date on the latest trends
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.
Photographer & Videomaker
OPS-MDA-003 Subteam: Operations Division: Media
Description
As a Photographer & Videomaker, you will be responsible for creating visual content that showcases the team’s work, particularly during missions abroad, testing phases, and other key events. In addition to photography, video editing will be essential to the team's success in competitions and presentations. You will work closely with designers to ensure the team’s efforts are presented in the most compelling and visually appealing way.
Required skills
- Knowledge of photo and video editing softwares such as Adobe Photoshop and Davinci Resolve
Desirable skills
- Past experience for this position is desirable but not necessary
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.
Social Media Manager
OPS-MDA-004 Subteam: Operations Division: Media
Description
The Social Media Manager is responsible for creating, scheduling, and managing the team's online content across various platforms. He/she works on consistent branding, engage with the audience, and promote the team's activities, achievements, and events to boost visibility and outreach.
Required skills
- Knowledge of photo and video editing for Social Media
Desirable skills
- Past experience for this position is desirable but not necessary
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
VES-FMW-002 Subteam: Vittorio Emanuele II Division: Firmware
Description
As an Embedded Software Engineer, your job will be the development and optimization of the first flight computer software, and you will also take part in the initial design phase for the next-generation flight computer, built in the STM32 platform. You will write sensors’ drivers and high-quality structured software for the embedded processor in order to retrieve and transmit data, control actuators and accomplish specific mission tasks. This will involve extensive research, writing, testing and debugging. Projects will be developed in close cooperation with other division members.
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
- 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
VES-GNS-003 Subteam: Vittorio Emanuele II Division: Ground Systems
Description
Altitude, orientation, speed, and most importantly for recovery, GPS location sent by the rocket during flight and retrieved by ground antennas must be processed, displayed, and saved in real time.
As a ground station developer, your job will be to develop a desktop application with a logical, neat, and aesthetic structure that can perform the tasks mentioned above. This task involves interacting with all the different avionics systems, so communication protocols play a critical role. Projects will be developed in close collaboration with other division members.
Required skills
- Knowledge of software engineering principles and practices
- Familiarity with communication protocols and interfaces
- Good programming skills
- Basic/Intermediate English writing and speaking skills
- Basic knowledge of LaTeX
Desirable skills
- Previous experience with the QtQuick framework and QML language
- Experience with data processing and visualization tools
- Experience with embedded systems and hardware interfaces
- 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.
RF Specialist
VES-GNS-004 Subteam: Vittorio Emanuele II Division: Ground Systems
Description
Wireless communication plays a fundamental role before, during, and after the flight. It allows the ground station to monitor system status and evaluate potential risks, transmit data in real time to track the rocket's altitude, speed, and other critical parameters, and facilitate recovery by communicating the rocket's GPS location. Due to its critical importance, our team needs a specialized engineer to design, simulate, and develop the rocket-ground station communication system at the physical layer. The role will involve extensive research, investigation of technologies and protocols, and positioning and pointing of ground and onboard antennas to optimize data transmission. Projects will be developed in close collaboration with other division members.
Required skills
- Knowledge in circuit theory and electronics
- Knowledge of wireless communication principles and technologies
- Basic/Intermediate English writing and speaking skills
- Basic knowledge of LaTeX
Desirable skills
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as ZigBee, LoRa and Wi-Fi
- Prior experience with embedded systems and hardware interfaces
- 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.
Hardware Engineer
VES-HDW-001 Subteam: Vittorio Emanuele II Division: Hardware
Description
As an Hardware Engineer in the Avionics division, you will design, prototype and manufacture the electronic systems for both the rocket and the ground station, starting from scratch. You will use CAD tools to create electrical schemes that will be converted into circuits and PCBs. Your main tasks will include optimizing and enhancing our first discrete flight computer by adding new features, ensuring safety and reliability, and designing the next-generation flight computer, a single-board integrated solution that uses STM32 microcontrollers. You will also conduct practical work, such as research, reading datasheets, design, simulations, soldering, testing and debugging. Projects will be developed in close cooperation with other division members.
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.
Hardware Engineer
AMV-AVN-001 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Avionics
Description
As an Hardware Engineer in the Avionics division, you will design, prototype and manufacture the electronic systems for both the rocket and the ground station. You will use CAD tools to create electrical schemes that will be converted into circuits and PCBs.
Your main tasks will include optimizing and enhancing our first discrete flight computer powered by STM32 microcontrollers by adding new features, ensuring safety and reliability. You will also conduct practical work, such as research, reading datasheets, design, simulations, soldering, testing and debugging.
Projects will be developed in close cooperation with other division members.
Required skills
- Knowledge in circuit theory and electronics
- Basic programming skills
Desirable skills
- Prior experience with microcontrollers
- Familiarity with hardware testing and debugging tools
- Familiarity with PCB CAD softwares (e.g. Altium Designer and KiCAD)
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
AMV-AVN-002 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Avionics
Description
As an Embedded Software Engineer, your job will be the development and optimization of the flight computer firmware, built in the STM32 platform. You will write sensors’ drivers and high-quality structured software for the embedded processor in order to retrieve and transmit data, control actuators and accomplish specific mission tasks. This will involve extensive research, writing, testing and debugging.
Projects will be developed in close cooperation with other division members.
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
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of flight computer software architecture and design patterns
- Experience with software testing and verification tools
- Experience with STM32 platform and Cortex M4
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
AMV-AVN-003 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Avionics
Description
Altitude, orientation, speed, and most importantly for recovery, GPS location sent by the rocket during flight and retrieved by ground antennas must be processed, displayed, and saved in real time.
As a ground station developer, your job will be to develop a desktop application with a logical, neat, and aesthetic structure that can perform the tasks mentioned above. This task involves interacting with all the different avionics systems, so communication protocols play a critical role.
Projects will be developed in close collaboration with other division members.
Required skills
- Knowledge of software engineering principles and practices
- Familiarity with communication protocols and interfaces
- Good programming skills
Desirable skills
- Previous experience with the QtQuick framework and QML language
- Experience with data processing and visualization tools
- Experience with embedded systems and hardware interfaces
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
AMV-AVN-004 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Avionics
Description
Wireless communication plays a fundamental role before, during, and after the flight. It allows the ground station to monitor system status and evaluate potential risks, transmit data in real time to track the rocket's altitude, speed, and other critical parameters, and facilitate recovery by communicating the rocket's GPS location.
Due to its critical importance, our team needs a specialized engineer to design, simulate, and develop the rocket-ground station communication system at the physical layer. The role will involve extensive research, investigation of technologies and protocols, positioning and pointing of ground and onboard antennas to optimize data transmission.
Projects will be developed in close collaboration with other division members.
Required skills
- Knowledge in circuit theory and electronics
- Knowledge of wireless communication principles and technologies
Desirable skills
- Familiarity with communication protocols such as ZigBee, LoRa and Wi-Fi
- Prior experience with embedded systems and hardware interfaces
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.
Mission Analyst
AMV-MSA-001 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Mission Analysis
Description
As a software engineer in the Mission Analysis Division, your role will consist of collaborating with the other divisions to design the geometry of the new rocket and running the first simulations to ensure that the mission goals are accomplished. Furthermore, you will focus on impulse estimations, Montecarlo simulations, and environmental analysis in order to obtain valuable data that will be fundamental during rocket launches. Finally, after launch, you will be responsible for data analysis which consists of the comparison of the flight computer data with the results of the simulations. You will use Matlab and Simulink scripts, together with custom Python scripts and other libraries.
Required skills
- Basic Knowledge of Matlab and Python
- Basic Knowledge of Body and Flight Dynamics
- Basic Knowledge of Latex
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of RocketPy library
- Basic knowledge of Aerodynamics
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.
Software Engineer
AMV-MSA-002 Subteam: Amerigo Vespucci Division: Mission Analysis
Description
As a Software Engineer, your task will be to improve the Team's Flight Simulators in a variety of ways. You will have to model and implement some rocket systems (engines, sensors, controls...) and look for efficient algorithms to do so. You will also have to support Mission Analysts when dealing with software issues.
Required skills
- Knowledge of Matlab
- Knowledge of Simulink
- Knowledge of Python
Desirable skills
- Knowledge of Latex
- Basic understanding of Flight Mechanics
- Basic knowledge of optimization algorithms
- Basic knowledge of lower-level programming languages
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.