Upper Stage Tech Lead - Senior Mechanical Engineer
Current- Primary responsible engineer and team lead for the upper stage of Astra’s Rocket 4 launch vehicle- Architected the system, mission profiles, and conops to satisfy performance, launch cadence, cost, and reliability requirements. Successfully presented the system designs to the Space Force during design reviews - Designed the upper stage propellant tank, feed lines, helium and nitrogen systems - Analyzed mechanical and thermofluid subsystems using NX NASTRAN, Simcenter AMESIM, testing and hand calcs - Negotiated requirements with engine supplier, satisfied customer needs where possible and required changes when not - Conducted ATP of multiple upper stage vehicles. Optimized data review tools to support high launch cadence - Performed mission control duties on the upper stage and engine team for multiple static fires and rocket launches - Designed payload plates around customer and vehicle needs. Integrated customer payloads in collaboration with NASA - Qualified welding and forming manufacturing methods. Created work instructions to ensure reliability