TREL Team Directory
Engineering
Test and Launch Operations
TLO focuses on the development and operation of the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and all other infrastructure that validate our missions from prior to integration to launch. The Test and Launch department consists of test stands used to validate all the components that will eventually fly on our projects, requiring site work and activation/qualification tests.
Engineering
Avionics
Avionics is responsible for the electrical systems across TREL’s projects, including hardware, firmware, telemetry, and communications. The team works closely with harnessing, inner-tank avionics, and TREL’s in-house flight computers.
Engineering
Stage Propulsion
The Stage Propulsion team owns all the vehicle fluid systems, including the Engine Bay, LOx Press, RP press, and DP level sensing assemblies. They also own the propulsion model and the intertanks that house these assemblies.
Engineering
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
The GNC team owns the simulation of the vehicle for vehicle trajectory and dispersions. They develop 6-DOF simulations as well as controllers for the TVC and Canards systems. Work involves trajectory analysis, TAOS simulation, and controller development and analysis for Kestrel and Basilisk.
Engineering
Engine
The Engine team owns the propulsion system and engine assemblies, which includes the chamber, igniter, injector and nozzle. Involves processes involving design, manufacturing, and rigorous hardware testing.
Engineering
Mechanisms
The Mechanisms team owns all the actuated systems on vehicle and on ground, including Thrust Vector Control (TVC), Active Canards, Recovery Systems, Release Mechanisms / Hold-Downs, Propulsion Quick-Disconnects, and Lift Structures. The team owns all hardware for its entire lifecycle, being responsible for designing, manufacturing, testing, and integrating all assemblies.
Engineering
Structures
The Structures team owns the vehicle structure, including the COPVs, airframe, coupler, nosecone, and raceways. They also own the manufacturing of all of these structures, as well as the ablative nozzle. Structures involves work with rocket components, testing, CAD, and finite element analysis.
Operations
Corporate Development
Corporate Development plays a vital role in fostering and sustaining industry partnerships and corporate support for TREL’s initiatives. Responsible for organizing sponsor training and recruitment events, equipping lab members with skills aligned with the demands of the aerospace industry. Team members gain hands-on experience in professional communication, organization, leadership, and event planning.
Engineering
Software
The Software team owns all software, including our in-house flight and ground software. Their work deals with embedded software, application development, and TREL’s operation infrastructure.
Operations
Finance
Finance is responsible for allocating TREL’s financial resources across the laboratory based on the its needs and goals. Finance manages internal accounting, budgeting, and material procurement for the entire lab. Finance work involves budget analysis, managing fiscal responsibilities, and project management.
Operations
Marketing
Marketing is responsible for creating and maintaining the overall brand of TREL. Manages social media across platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Also manages branding and merchandise, photography, and promotional materials. Team members work with a variety of tools and gain experience in social media/digital marketing, technical writing, website development, graphic design, and creative content creation.
Engineering
Facilities Operation and Management
The FOAM (Facilities Operation and Management) team works to maintain TREL’s facilities and upkeep our safety standards at our lab site in Pickle Research Center and test stand in Briggs, TX.