Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Degree Program: B.S., Robotics Engineering
“I had little interest in aerospace engineering before coming to UCSC, but joining the Rocket Team became one of the best decisions of my life. There is nothing cooler than working on the machines that take us to space.”
Qingyuan Cao is a fourth year robotics engineering student who is passionate about aerospace engineering. After joining the UC Santa Cruz Rocket Team in 2021, Cao has played a crucial role in the club’s success.
Why did you choose to study at Baskin Engineering?
Like many students, I fell in love with the environment at Baskin Engineering. The idea of walking to class through nature was refreshing, and I didn’t think I would get this experience anywhere besides UC Santa Cruz.
Why did you get involved with the Rocket Team?
In 2021, the UCSC Rocket Team consisted of a small handful of students. This felt like an opportunity to get involved and help grow the club. Our team learned and developed our entire process for building rockets from independent research, and by watching how other teams operated. Our team would build, design, fail, and succeed with each other all within the span of eight months leading up to a launch. The people I’ve met and the life lessons that I’ve learned are what has kept me in the club. Three years later, our team has twice successfully competed in NASA’s University Student Launch Initiative, which is a competition that challenges university-level students to design, build, and launch a reusable rocket. This year, our team hopes to make a big first impression at the globally-recognized Spaceport America Cup – Intercollegiate Rocket Competition.
Tell us more about your internship experience.
Since joining the UCSC Rocket Team, I’ve always had a goal of working with SpaceX. After many interviews over the years, I finally got an offer. I’m currently working with the Starlink GNC, Launch Operations, and DevOps teams on two key projects: launch collision avoidance and launch range surveillance. These projects require me to work closely with the teams at Vandenberg Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. While my background is primarily in mechanical and hardware engineering, most of my work with SpaceX has been software-based, which has broadened my skills and helped me grow as an engineer. Interning here has been an incredible experience — every intern is given the opportunity to truly add value to a space launch.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
I hope to return to SpaceX after graduation and play a role on the team that finally gets us to Mars. Later on in my career, I hope to teach students and inspire another generation of aerospace engineers.
What advice would you give students who are interested in a similar path?
My advice is to immerse yourself in hands-on experiences. I had little interest in aerospace engineering before coming to UCSC, but joining the Rocket Team became one of the best decisions of my life. There is nothing cooler than working on the machines that take us to space. The practical experience and sense of accomplishment I’ve gained from building something that can actually fly is invaluable. If you’re interested in joining our amazing team of aerospace engineers, you can find us on Instagram at @ucscrocketry.
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