Dan Summers

About Dan Summers

Founder and CEO at 1872 AI, leveraging over a decade of experience in production management, new product introduction, and product launch. Formerly held leadership roles at SpaceX, contributing to the development and manufacturing of the Raptor engine. Skilled in integrating engineering, production, and supply chain functions to deliver complex, high-impact products. Known for fostering cross-functional collaboration and implementing efficient manufacturing processes, while driving sustainable production. Committed to delivering long-term value and supporting teams in achieving operational excellence. Experienced in managing complex technical projects and ensuring quality outcomes for mission-critical systems.

Experience

1. Founder and CEO

   1872

   Sep 2025 — Present · Cincinnati, OH, US

Education

• North Carolina State University

  Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering

  2007 — 2012

Skills

• Six Sigma
• Supply Chain
• Operations Management
• Product Development
• Analysis
• Aviation
• Lean Manufacturing
• Kaizen
• Business Process Development
• Quality System
• Green Belt
• Engineering Management
• Supply Chain Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Supplier Quality
• Quality Assurance
• Engineering
• Aerospace
• Change Management
• Root Cause Analysis
• Manufacturing Operations Management
• Training
• Aircraft
• Project Management
• Solidworks
• Certified Green Belt
• Management
• Value Stream Mapping
• Aerospace Engineering
• Minitab
• Process Improvement
• Continuous Improvement
• Dmaic
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Leadership
• Manufacturing
• Powerpoint
• Quality System Compliance