Join Solar Devils
Solar Devils gives students the opportunity to work on a real, complex engineering system outside the classroom. Members collaborate across disciplines to design, build, test, and race a solar-electric vehicle, gaining experience that mirrors professional engineering environments. Whether you are interested in technical design, hands-on fabrication, software development, or business operations, Solar Devils offers a place to contribute meaningfully while developing practical skills and leadership experience.
Teams & Roles
Mechanical
Focus areas include chassis and frame design, suspension, steering, braking systems, and manufacturing. Mechanical members work hands-on with design, fabrication, testing, and integration.
Electrical
Responsible for power electronics, battery systems, solar integration, wiring, safety systems, and vehicle electronics. Electrical members design and test both high-voltage and low-voltage systems.
Software
Develops embedded systems, telemetry, data acquisition, and user interfaces. Software members work with vehicle control logic, CAN communication, and real-time data analysis.
Aerospace
Focuses on aeroshell design and fabrication to minimize drag and improve overall vehicle efficiency. Aerospace members apply aerodynamic analysis, CFD modeling, materials selection, and manufacturing methods to create a lightweight, low-drag body that integrates with the chassis and solar array.
Business
Handles sponsorships, budgeting, outreach, media, logistics, and team coordination. Operations members ensure the team can function effectively and compete successfully.
What You Gain
Technical Experience
Apply classroom knowledge to real engineering problems involving tradeoffs, constraints, and system-level thinking.
Leadership
Opportunities to lead subteams, manage projects, and coordinate across disciplines as the team grows.
Portfolio Projects
Concrete design, build, and testing work that can be showcased in resumes, interviews, and portfolios.
Mentorship
Learn from peers, team leads, faculty advisors, and industry professionals who support the team.
How to Join
Students interested in joining Solar Devils are encouraged to attend a general body meeting within the first four weeks of the semester. These meetings provide an overview of the team, current projects, expectations, and available roles, and allow prospective members to meet the leadership team and ask questions.
FAQ
Do I need prior experience to join?
No. Motivation, reliability, and willingness to learn matter more than prior experience.
What is the time commitment?
Time commitment varies by role and season, but members should expect to participate consistently each week.
Can non-engineering majors join?
Yes. Business, marketing, finance, digital design, computer science, and operations roles are critical to the team’s success.
When can I join?
Recruitment typically occurs at the start of each semester, but motivated students are encouraged to reach out at any time.