David Wolfe

About David Wolfe

Lead Systems Engineer on advanced development programs, specializing in systems engineering management of highly complex launch vehicles and both crewed/uncrewed spacecraft. Currently responsible for- Architecting design of individual satellites in AST\'s operational direct to cellular constellation- Architecting design of constellation to maximize service coverage within the technical and business constraints of AST- Managing the international technical team towards product launch in the areas of technical work planning, systems engineering management, interface management, configuration management, CONOPs development, verification planning and execution, and closure of trade studies- Managing launch vehicle interfaces.Previously responsible at Blue Origin for- Architecting design of reusable launch vehicles, reusable crewed spacecraft, and orbital habitats- Managing small, advanced development team towards gated design reviews in the areas of technical work planning, systems engineering management, interface management, configuration management, CONOPs development, verification planning, and closure of trade studies.Significant areas of expertise include: system architecture design for crewed and uncrewed space systems; system architecture design for reusable launch vehicles; first order system sizing and design of structures, fluid systems, aerodynamic surfaces, structures and pressure vessels, propulsion systems, electrical power systems, and mechanical systems; first order trajectory analysis (both in-atmosphere and exo-atmospheric); space systems concept of operations and mission design.Specialties: Launch Vehicle DesignSpace Systems DesignTrade Study AnalysisSystems Engineering ManagementRequirements Decomposition Mission Concept of OperationsTrajectory and Mission DesignMass Properties Testing and ManagementTest Fixture DesignTest Planning

Experience

1. Senior Principal System Engineer

   AST SpaceMobile

   Oct 2025 — Present

Education

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

  Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering

  2005 — 2009

Skills

• Flight Test
• Mass Properties
• Mechanical Analysis
• Test Planning
• Aerospace Engineering
• Integration
• Aerodynamics
• Test Design
• Propulsion Systems
• Test Director
• Spacecraft
• Space Systems
• Mission Design
• Pro/Engineer
• Pro Engineer
• Program Management
• Trajectory Analysis
• Msc.patran
• Systems Engineering Process
• Nastran
• Engineering Management
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Executing Test Plans
• Requirements Management
• Fortran
• Aircraft
• Concept of Operations
• Requirement Specifications
• Systems Engineering
• Patran
• Trade Studies
• Ptc Creo
• Computer-Aided Design (Cad)
• Spacecraft Design
• Finite Element Analysis
• Structural Analysis
• Aviation
• Launch Vehicles
• Testing