Andrew Churchill

Andrew Churchill

Mission Team, Mechanical Systems - MTS @ MDA Space

B.A.Sc. Engineering Physics, Mechanical Option

Vancouver, BC, Canada 🍁

Mission design on MDA CHORUS™, a two-satellite commercial radar constellation launching on SpaceX Falcon 9. The spacecraft design was subsequently selected as the baseline for a C$688M follow-on satellite contract.

Experience

Where I've worked

  1. Mission Team, Mechanical Systems - MTS, MDA Space

    Jun 2022 – Present · Richmond, BC · Hybrid

    • Mission-level systems design 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.