Andrew Churchill

Andrew Churchill, Mission Systems Engineer, EIT @ MDA Space

B.A.Sc. Engineering Physics, Mechanical Option

Vancouver, BC, Canada 🍁

I work on synthetic aperture radar satellites — spacecraft that image the Earth through cloud and darkness — following the hardware from concept through assembly, test, and launch. Outside of work I build FPV drones, shoot photography, and make things that probably didn't need to be made.

Experience

Where I've worked

  1. Mechanical Systems EIT — MDA Space

    Jun 2022 – Present · Richmond, BC · Hybrid

    • Mission-level systems engineering of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) spacecraft, through all program phases from concept to design, assembly, integration, test, and launch.
    • Responsible for requirements specifications, technical analysis, CAD modelling, flight environments, hardware procurement, test planning, and communication with subcontractors and launch service providers.

  2. Research Assistant — Royal Military College of Canada

    May 2021 – Aug 2021 · Kingston, ON

    • Used ArduPilot to program the control system of a rover for automatic GPS waypoint following.
    • Designed and 3D printed a magnetic angle of attack sensor to enable in-field measurements of stall in aircraft.
    • Supported subsonic, transonic, and supersonic wind tunnel tests and helicopter blade deflection analysis.

  3. DPHM Engineering & Analytics Intern — Pratt & Whitney Canada

    Jan 2020 – Apr 2020 · Mississauga, ON

    • Diagnostics, Prognostics & Health Management engineering: analysis of present state, future performance, and health trends across turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft engines.

  4. Content Developer — Queen's University, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

    May 2018 – Aug 2018 · Kingston, ON

    • Combined engineering and video content creation to showcase Queen's teaching and research, the faculty of engineering, professors, and student-run design teams.

  5. Freelance Photographer & Owner — Churchill Digital

    Dec 2014 – Aug 2018 · Toronto, ON

    • Sole proprietorship photography business, registered at age 19.
    • Clients included F1 driver Lewis Hamilton and singer Keshia Chante.
    • Also shot fashion brands, family, wedding, architecture, and corporate events.

Education

Where I studied

  1. Queen's University

    Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Engineering Physics, Mechanical Specialization · Sep 2017 – Apr 2022 · Kingston, ON

    • Queen's Space Engineering Team (QSET) Satellite Mechanical Team Lead.
    • Stratospheric Weather Balloon Launch Integration Lead (QSET × Canadian Space Agency).
    • APSC 162 Engineering Graphics Teaching Assistant.
    • Queen's Engineering Competition Design Challenge Lead.
    • Engineering Society Orientation Week Leader (FREC).
    • Solar UAV thesis under Dr. Perez, Royal Military College of Canada.
    • Awarded the J. Mason Cup for the top project in APSC 100, Engineering Design & Practice.

  2. George Brown College

    Introduction to Machining Program · Jan 2017 – May 2017 · Toronto, ON

    • Learned to interpret engineering drawings, develop process plans, and use tools such as vertical mills, lathes, drill presses, and more.
    • Developed skills in precision machining and metal cutting in a machine shop environment, using a wide range of tools.

  3. Humberside Collegiate Institute

    Secondary School · 2012 – 2016 · Toronto, ON

    • FIRST Robotics Competition team member.
    • French-immersion honours certificate.
    • Sound and lighting for school assemblies and performances.
    • Community service award for 400+ volunteer hours.
    • Senior volleyball, varsity ultimate frisbee.

Honours

Awards & recognition

J. Mason Cup

Queen's Faculty of Engineering & Applied Science · Apr 2018

Awarded for outstanding achievement in APSC 100, Engineering Design & Practice, the first-year design course. Team designed and built an Arduino-based self-levelling system for an autonomous sailboat, mimicking a crew's ability to shift weight in a manned sailboat.

Community Service Award

Sep 2016

Recognized for 400+ hours of community service.