Chad Schepel

About Chad Schepel

I am an experienced engineering leader that excels in collaborating with teams in the hands on development of integrated hardware and software systems for demanding applications. I have twenty-five years of experience ranging from the Space Shuttle Main Engines to the design and development of four different Blue Origin rocket engines and two launch vehicles. I prefer operating in a startup type environment that demands a rapid pace and agile mentality. I am experienced in interviewing, hiring and managing the top engineering talent that is required to excel at tackling challenging missions. I have a proven ability to think tactically and from new angles to develop approaches to solve problems and reduce technical risk. I understand the value of systems engineering and the efficient application of its principles. I am passionate about the design and fabrication of hardware across a wide range of manufacturing disciplines including machining, additive manufacturing, castings and composites.

Experience

1. Principal Engineer

   Panthalassa

   Dec 2021 — Present

   Designing and developing demanding hardware and technology at a start-up creating the lowest-cost source of energy on Earth.

Education

• UCLA

  MSME, Composites Design and Fabrication

  2003 — 2005

• Purdue University

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  1993 — 1998