Explore the essential contributions of each sub-team and gain insight into the responsibilities of each role along with the skills members develop through their work at Washington Superbike.
Technical members can expect to commit 10 hours weekly, inclusive of meetings and independent tasks, with workload intensifying during the manufacturing and testing phases. B&M members can expect to commit 2-3 hours per week.
The Aerodynamics Team is dedicated to optimizing Superbike's performance through innovative design and engineering. Members primarily focus on creating aerodynamic fairings, bodywork, mudguards, and wing elements to minimize drag and enhance straight-line speed while generating downforce to ensure superior grip during high and low-speed cornering. Additionally, they design advanced cooling systems to maximize the efficiency of the powertrain.
Technical skills taught and utilized within this team includes 3D modeling and design (CAD), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), 3D printing, comprehensive data evaluation, and the engineering and manufacturing of composite materials.
The firmware division within Washington Superbike's electrical team brings the bike’s electrical systems to life. Members focus on writing low-level code that allows the motor, charging boards, and safety systems to work together seamlessly. In addition to writing the firmware to run the bike itself, members also write software to rigorously test each hardware component.
Team members will gain hands-on experience with microcontroller programming, sensor integration, and CAN bus protocols, while also learning about Hardware-in-the-Loop testing procedures.
The hardware division within Washington Superbike's electrical team focuses on designing, building, and testing the critical electrical systems that power our race bike. This includes working on battery management systems, power distribution, motor controllers, PCB design, and high-voltage safety systems.
Team members gain hands-on experience with circuit design, PCB layout (Altium), soldering, debugging, and system integration, while also learning about embedded systems and power electronics. The team’s work ensures the bike operates reliably under race conditions, balancing power delivery, safety, and efficiency.
The Powertrain Team gets the bike up to speed. Powertrain members are responsible for designing and manufacturing the battery pack's modules and enclosure to drive the motor and motor controller. They iteratively work on optimizing battery efficiency and thermal management, both of which are essential for ensuring longevity and peak performance. Powertrain also works with Electrical to integrate the BMS and low-voltage systems, making it one of the more collaborative teams by nature.
Technical skills taught and utilized by this team include SolidWorks, mechanical and battery pack design, battery testing, electrical engineering fundamentals, and high voltage training. Furthermore, members gain hands-on experience in machining and battery spot-welding, along with waterjet and plasma cutting.
The Structures Team holds everything together. Members design, analyze, and fabricate structural components of the bike. Specifically, they're focused on developing the trellis frame, rear swingarm, handlebars, and footpegs, ensuring compatibility with suspension components and wheels. All projects are essential for ensuring overall structural integrity, safety, and performance which allows the bike to withstand the stresses of high-speed racing while maintaining stability.
Technical skills taught and utilized by this team include SolidWorks and ANSYS as members acquire proficiency in CAD modeling and structural analysis. Additionally, they gain hands-on experience in manufacturing, such as machining and welding.
The Business Team at Washington Superbike plays a key role in securing the finances and materials needed to build our competitive bikes. This team creates and foster relationships with sponsors, and ensures that our technical staff have the resources to bring their innovative designs to life.
Members of the Business Team gain vital skills in strategic communication, time management and leadership, making this role ideal for those interested in being at the intersection of engineering and business.
If you're interested in being in the middle of where technical meets financial, then join the Business Team.
The Marketing Team focuses on fostering engagement and visibility both within and outside the University of Washington through the management of social media channels, organization of fundraisers, and the coordination of events. Additionally, the Marketing Team contributes to internal team dynamics by planning team bonding activities, designing merchandise, and supporting other initiatives that strengthen our organization’s culture.
Given the flexible nature of the team's responsibilities, the workload varies on a weekly basis. Members are assigned to projects that align with their interests and skill sets.
Graphic design, website maintenance, photography, videography and project management are all technical skills that marketing members have the opportunity to develop.
The Business & Marketing Director attends their respective subteam meetings and aligns the B&M teams' financial and outreach efforts with each other and the team's overall timeline and goals. They are also responsible for managing the team's part orders in the BOM.
The Technical Director attends the engineering subteams' meetings and reviews, providing critical questioning to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. They also bring knowledge across subteams and spearhead cross-team collaboration.
The Operations Director of Washington Superbike oversees the entire team, making sure that high level goals, budgets, and schedules stay on track. They also run general and leads meetings, keep up with each sub-team's progress, and step in where needed to keep morale and productivity high.
Together, they coordinate resources, timelines, and priorities so the team can efficiently meet its milestones.
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