Shakeel Dalal

About Shakeel Dalal

I\'m a scientist with an unusually multi-disciplinary view of problem solving. People call me when there\'s a hard problem that needs to be solved. I work best in limited information environments (aka the real world).I\'m currently a Principal Scientist at Sierra Space working on solar array manufacturing process, propulsion chemistry, material and fluid compatibility and space vehicle ground and launch operations.Learning new skills is my most valuable skill - I\'m not limited by things I\'ve done before. I develop new expertise and solve problems for which there aren\'t easy templates and extensive manuals. Situations where new knowledge, technology and products are created.Skills learned along the way: Hydrogen peroxide propulsion chemistry, structural testing of a space ship, public communication, digital marketing, 3-axis CNC, business finance, how to read a law, people leadership

Experience

1. Principal Scientist

   Sierra Space

   Feb 2025 — Present

   Development of long term solutions and technology to solve Sierra Space\'s hardest problems. My time is focused on solving problems with outsized impact across the company. What they have in common is the need for deep investigation, the ability to balance technical considerations with cost and schedule, and customer focus- Manufacturing process improvement and troubleshooting support for Sierra Space\'s flight proven surface mount solar arrays- Hypergolic propellant material compatibility evaluations for new satellite programs- Fluid system design consultant balancing system needs, design constraints and contamination control- Component and assembly level outgassing evaluations to assess the long term survivability of space hardware

Education

• Purdue University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Applied Physics

  2005 — 2009

• Purdue University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Chemistry

  2005 — 2009

• University of Wisconsin - Madison

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Physical Chemistry

  2009 — 2014

Skills

• Coatings Technology
• Ellipsometry
• Data Analysis
• Dielectric Spectroscopy
• Chemistry
• Scanning Electron Microscopy
• Hplc
• Optical Coatings
• Microscopy
• R&D
• Physical Vapor Deposition (Pvd)
• Powder X-Ray Diffraction
• Oled
• Physics
• Materials
• Vacuum Chambers
• Solvent Casting
• Uhv
• Thin Films
• X-Ray Reflectivity
• Ultra-High Vacuum
• Glassy Dynamics
• Differential Scanning Calorimetry
• Amorphous Materials
• Wide-Angle X-Ray Scattering
• Thin Film Characterization
• Semiconductors
• Vacuum Deposition
• Pvd
• Ni Labview
• Materials Science
• Thermogravimetric Analysis
• Organic Semiconductors
• Organic Electronics
• Optics
• Tga
• Physical Vapor Deposition
• Afm
• Thin Film Coating
• Research and Development (R&D)