Student Leadership Positions
Project Manager
The project manager is in charge of the team’s schedule and finances. They run the weekly full team meetings and are expected to be present for all squad meetings. While not a technical role, they are responsible for providing perspective from other squads’ requirements and have the final say on design decisions. They also plan travel and are the main contact point for those outside of the club.
Chief Engineer
The Chief Engineer builds the optimization code (scoring analysis) at the start of the year. From that code, they distribute requirements to the squad leads to apply to the detailed aircraft design. Throughout the year, they ensure those design goals are being met and that squads are all heading in the same direction.
Chief Technical Editor
The Chief Technical Editor manages the completion of the proposal and report, assigns sections to squads and other leadership, leads the editing process, and ensures all sections appear professional.
Aerodynamics Squad Lead
The Aerodynamics Squad Lead heads weekly aero squad meetings, selects the aircraft configuration and wing and tail geometry, performs stability analysis, and creates the CAD of the wings and tail.
Structures & Manufacturing Squad Lead
The Structures & Manufacturing Squad Lead runs weekly structures meetings, creates the CAD of the fuselage and junction points, performs FEA on aircraft components, and selects materials for all aircraft components.
Payload & Propulsion Squad Lead
The Payload & Propulsion Squad Lead designs the systems necessary for mission success, is responsible for electrical systems, determines the internal layout of components, and is expected to rapidly prototype all mission payloads at a faster rate than flight tests are conducted.
Squad Sub-lead
Squad Sub-leads are the “right-hands” to the squad leads, and they reliably complete squad tasks without supervision and are expected to be available to complete those tasks outside of structured meeting times.
Creative Director
The Creative Director runs the DBF social media pages (Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok) and designs and procures merchandise
Faculty Advisor
The Faculty Advisor provides guidance to the team throughout the year, authorizes official club decisions and purchases