Getting Started
Welcome to the team - we’re glad to have you on board! Here at Midnight Sun, we try to onboard you quickly so that you get working on the car ASAP! Please read through this page to make sure you have everything you need to get started!
OUR TOOLKIT
We use 3 softwares for updates, communication and project management. Please note that there may be additional tools depending on the subteam that you join.
As a new member, please sign up for each - no application is necessary.
Confluence & Jira
Confluence is a wiki where you will find most of our documentation, project information and resources.
GENERAL TIPS
1. Familiarize yourself with our team
Once you join Confluence, start with the “Overview” page in the General Space. This is a good starting point for learning more about the team and what we do.
2. Pick a sub-team and attend meetings
Please attend our general meetings every Wednesday at 7:30pm. Subteam meetings will be scheduled by their respective leads so be sure to find out when those are (easiest way is to join the #meetings channel in our Slack)!
We recommend that you talk attend different sub-team meetings and get a feel for what each one does before making your final decision!
3. Ask questions
Feel free to send anyone a message over Slack or send us an email! Due to COVID-19, we will not be working in our work-bay (E5 2001), so please do not drop by!
After meetings, approach team leads (or anyone that looks like they know what they’re doing) and ask them how you can get involved!
MEETINGS
Our weekly meetings consist of team updates for the week, and defining project goals. It’s okay if you are a little lost during this portion - we know you’ll pick things up as you go along!
Weekly Meetings (EDT)
Aerobody Tuesdays @ 7:00 pm
Hardware Tuesdays @ 8:30 pm
Firmware Wednesdays @ 8:00 pm
Business Wednesdays @ 8:00 pm
Battery Box Wednesdays @ 9:00 pm
Dynamics Thursdays @ 7:30 pm
Interiors Saturdays @ 2:00 pm
Sponsorship Saturdays @ 2:00 pm Strategy Saturdays @ 3:00 pm
Working Sessions
These working sessions occur are subteam specific and dates will posted in each respective subteam’s slack channel. This is dedicated work time for each sub-team where you can ask for help on anything you were assigned for that week.
Which Sub-team(s) Should I join?
This decision can be quite daunting at first and we want to help you find your fit! We recommend you start with one, but you are welcome to join more!
MECHANICAL
The Mechanical team is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and validation of all non-PCB systems of the vehicle. This includes the design of the vehicle structure, aerodynamics and aesthetics, electrical integration, interiors, and suspension.
Join If…
You are interested in mechanical engineering, industrial design, aerodynamics, and/or working with your hands to turn ideas into physical products.
HARDWARE
The Hardware team is responsible for all custom PCBs and off-the-shelf electronics in the vehicle. These include the low voltage system, solar, powertrain, and batteries
Join If…
You are interested in electronics, PCB design, validation, and integration.
FIRMWARE
The firmware team writes C-based code to enable communication between various electrical systems in the car. We write device drivers for micro-controllers in our driver display, battery management system, power distribution and more.
Join If…
You are interested in programming and you love to see your code do cool things.
BUSINESS
The Business team is responsible for fundraising, marketing and keeping track of team finances. The car’s success is reliant on great sponsor relations, marketing, funding and project management.
Join If…
You are interested in building communication skills, graphic design, videography or financial management
FAQs
Does your team have an application?
No, you don’t need to apply to join Midnight Sun! Just show up and ask how you can contribute - that’s all it takes to join the team.
Is it okay if I don’t have any experience?
We are strong believers that being a great team member doesn’t always mean having the most experience. The only things you need to bring to our team are:
1. Enthusiasm to get involved
2. A willingness to learn
Am I able to join several teams/ change teams?
Yes, we encourage you to find what you enjoy doing and use that to make the vehicle great! Learning about different sub-teams can give you the overall perspective of vehicle engineering.
