ABOUT US:
Smith Engineering Hyperloop (formerly Queen's Hyperloop Design Team) is an internationally acclaimed student team that seeks to innovate the future of green transportation. Each year, we push ourselves and the boundaries of global transformation. We seek a path of continuous growth and are constantly searching for new talents to build our team. If you are curious, learning-driven, and looking to make real change in the world, SHDT is the place for you.
Our team consists of 4 unique branches:
Technical Branch – Work on designing and building our Hyperloop pod prototype.
Research and Development Branch – Develop and publish Hyperloop technologies beyond just the Hyperloop pod.
Business and Logistics Branch – Strategically grow and manage the team’s assets.
Tunneling and Boring Branch – Design and build a tunnel-boring machine (TBM) for Hyperloop infrastructure development.
Each branch consists of multiple subteams which focus on specific aspects of the branch.
At SHDT, we believe that anybody can be a part of any branch. Our learning-first culture enables members to develop the skills necessary to succeed in any branch regardless of their academic background. If you have curiosity and passion for any area of Hyperloop, we have the resources to help you develop them!
Position Description
The Director of Research & Development is responsible for leading the team's research initiatives and identifying innovative technologies that support the long-term goals of the Smith Engineering Hyperloop Design Team. This role oversees research projects, coordinates technical investigations, and works closely with technical branches to explore emerging concepts related to hyperloop transportation, infrastructure, tunneling, automation, and advanced engineering systems. The Director recruits and mentors team members, manages project timelines and deliverables, maintains technical documentation, and facilitates the development of research papers, reports, and competition submissions. They are responsible for fostering a culture of innovation, ensuring research activities align with the team's strategic objectives, and promoting the transfer of research findings into future design and development projects.
Position Qualifications
- Collaborative
- Leadership
- Detail-oriented
- Strong Communicator
- Passionate
- Motivational
- Strong time management
- Inclusive
- General technical knowledge/understanding of cross-functional team management
We do not look at your resume as a deciding factor. We weigh it the least compared to your written application, interviews, and previous involvement on the team.
The Application & Interview
DEADLINE TO APPLY: July 27th, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT)
Interviews will occur in-person or online after the deadline for all applicants. We are very happy to provide accommodations for these interviews, so please reach out to us and let us know how we can make the process more accessible for you! Based on number of applicants, group interviews or multiple rounds of interviews may occur.
Contact Information
Don't hesitate to contact us at hyperloop at engsoc.queensu.ca. or @queenshyperloop on Instagram!
'Dare to dream and design the future. We were not on top of the world because of our strength or intelligence. Rather, we were on top of the world because we cared - about our members and their dreams.'