Jobs

I've sent out an email on jobs, but I'll post it here as well.

I basically stole this list from last year. We still need these roles filled. I'm not including the payload protection person, becasue we have a working model that I think we were all extremely pleased with. Please tell me what you would like to do before Tuesday so we can talk about this. My notes are added in parenthesis at the end.

1. Launch Operations-this person is responsible for making sure that all items necessary for flight (test flights and qualification/competition flights) are packed and ready. He also supervises rocket preparation to make sure nothing is forgotten. Checklists must be developed to accomplish this which include the task description and who is to perform the action. They may ask someone to bring something, but they need to verify that it isn't forgotten. This also includes delegating someone to retrieve the rocket and to make sure that participants know the rules relating to their tasks so that all requirements for the flight operations are met. (I'm thinking this isn't a really time consuming job, so the person who does this will most likely be asked do something else as well. On the other hand, if you don't really have time for anything but a small job, this is the thing you for.)

2. Data Retrieval and Analysis - This person is responsible to make plans for recording flight duration, arming the altimeter, and retrieving barometric data from the altimeter. This person also accurately records payload and vehicle weight and the engine type before a given flight. He also maintains a log book of all the flights and configurations of the project so that data can be easily accessed as needed. This person is also responsible to recruit observers who can officially record the qualification attempts per the competition rules. Also records temperature and barometric pressure at launches to determine the impact of atmospheric density.

5. Flight Performance - Maintains design and simulation files to guarantee that the vehicle will hit the target altitude at the flight weight. Verifies that proper stability is maintained. Determines how much ballast must be added to the vehicle if required due to being assigned a smallish egg. Tries to anticipate the effects of cross-winds and determine the appropriate launch angle if needed. (Combine this Launch Operations perhaps?)

6. Vehicle Design and Integration - Receives inputs from team members regarding their needs. Makes decisions as to what vehicle configuration will best accommodate all requirements and will be durable enough to fly multiple times. Ensures that the altimeter is mounted correctly to give accurate results. Finds parts to build the rocket. Maintains a parts list and tracks cost of the rocket. Oversees assembly. (This person is going to have to do some serious research on rocket engines, Mr. Bartel had some concerns)

7. Recovery - Reviews various parachute configurations and defines a plan to characterize parachute performance. Selects the parachute to use during qualification and competition flights. (Another job that is going to really involve some research. Last years parachute did not work really at all. Mr Bartel told us to think about using an electric ejection thingamabob)

8. Safety and Quality - Reviews design and flight operations for conformance to NAR Safety Code. Verifies that spectators are not interfering with the team during preparation and launches. Reviews project for conformance to competition rules. Involved with rocket assembly to make sure that construction is sound.

9. Manufacturing - Reviews design to make sure that the rocket can be assembled. Primary assembler even though the entire team should be participating. Stores vehicles in a safe manner between flights. Orders parts and supplies to make sure that the rocket can be built on time.