Methodology
How we build a champion
A disciplined, review-driven process takes the machine from a blank page to the winner's circle. Here's how every season runs.
Research & Requirements
We study the competition rules, the geology, and last year's lessons to set hard requirements before a single part is drawn.
Design & Review
Every subsystem iteration is thoroughly analyzed and simulated, then reviewed by fellow team members and industry mentors in formal design reviews.
Fabrication
We weld, CAD model, wire, and program the machine our team-managed lab — owning the manufacturing process end to end.
Integration & Testing
Subsystems come together on the bench and in the dirt, where we instrument everything and evaluate the machine against real data.
Compete & Reflect
We bore for the title, then debrief every run to feed the next year's design cycle.
Membership
Open doors, real work from day one
We don't run tryouts or cut anyone. Recruitment is open throughout the year — show up curious and ready to learn, and you're on our team. New Diggeridoos start contributing to a live subsystem in their first weeks, not after months of orientation. And we make sure your unique skill sets and passion for innovation is showcased on the world stage.
Open recruitment
We have no application or interview gauntlet, any Hokie who wants to build is welcome — regardless of major or year. What matters is your openness and commitment to excellence.
Immediate hands-on work
New Diggeridoos join a real subsystem right away and ship work that ends up on the machine — learning by doing.
Interdisciplinary by design
Mechanical, electrical, software, and business students sit side by side, so everyone learns beyond their own discipline.
Want to build with us?
We recruit engineers, designers, and operators across all four subteams every semester.