Chris Grapsas

About Chris Grapsas

An accomplished business development professional in the aerospace and defense sector, Chris Grapsas marries his rich technical acumen with his business strategy insights to orchestrate growth and amplify value creation in dynamic corporate environments. Armed with over 17 years of international sales and marketing experience, Chris deftly navigates the fast-paced world of corporate business, setting compelling growth visions, and meticulously crafting go-to-market strategies that underpin success.Currently, Chris serves as the Vice President of Business Development at Thaler Defense Systems, where he spearheads initiatives across program management, estimating, sales, marketing, and contracts. He is dedicated to advancing Thaler\'s reputation as a trusted partner in the defense manufacturing sector, leveraging proprietary machining techniques, system level integration, and fostering collaborative customer partnerships to maintain a competitive edge.Previously, Chris held the same title at FMI Aerostructures, where he demonstrated his expertise in aerospace, defense, chain. His tenure was marked by a proven ability to drive revenue growth, secure strategic partnerships, and navigate complex market landscapes with precision.Chris is a master at cultivating high-performance teams and strengthening customer relationships. His unique blend of business development expertise, knowledge of commercial contracts, and a passion for leadership create environments where innovation thrives, and customer trust is paramount.Before his roles at Thaler Defense Systems and FMI Aerostructures, Chris served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Valence Surface Technologies, where his contributions significantly advanced the company’s objectives. His career also includes pivotal roles at Hixson Metal Finishing, Calnetix Technologies, and Dresser-Rand (A Siemens Business), where he consistently delivered impactful results.A mechanical engineer by training, Chris\'s transition to business leadership underscores his adaptability and visionary approach. He is a catalyst for change, redefining the future of aerospace and defense through innovative strategies and transformative leadership.

Experience

1. Board Member

   Southern Pacific Aero-Defense Alliance

   Dec 2025 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Board Member of the Southern Pacific Aerospace & Defense Alliance (SPADA), leading marketing and communications strategy to support the organization’s launch, brand positioning, sponsorship engagement, and industry outreach across Southern California’s aerospace and defense ecosystem.

Education

• Sandia High School

  High School Diploma

  1997 — 2001

• Colorado State University

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  2001 — 2006

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Sloan School of Management

  Certificate, Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application

  2018 — 2018

Skills

• Natural Gas
• Electric Motors
• Crm Databases
• Commissioning
• Oil/Gas
• Instrumentation
• Energy Industry
• Energy
• Compressor
• Engineering Management
• Contract Negotiation
• Generators
• Intellectual Property
• Power Generation
• Engineering
• Steam Turbines
• Green Technology
• Business Development
• Mechanical Engineering
• Six Sigma
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Petrochemical
• Sales Management
• Oil & Gas
• Materials
• Marketing Strategy
• Long Term Business Relationships
• Fuel Cells
• Gas Turbines
• Power Electronics
• Magnetic Bearings
• Project Engineering
• Turbines
• Root Cause Analysis
• Waste Heat Recovery
• Turbomachinery
• Product Development
• Power Plants
• Air Compressors
• Technical Sales Presentations