Xavier Zapien

About Xavier Zapien

New challenges and new ideas in space exploration are where I thrive. From electrical and an up and coming mechanical and software knowledge, I give a systems view problem solving perspective to any challenge.

Experience

1. Chief Engineer

   Oligo Space

   Jun 2025 — Present · Hawthorne, CA, US

   Leading the technical delivery of bespoke satellite buses based on customer payloads while leveraging advancements in AI to speed up the design and manufacturing process- Lead cross-functional engineering teams (EE, ME, SW, Systems) to deliver complex flight hardware and software on aggressive timelines with high reliability and mission assurance- Set the standard for systems engineering design and system decomposition.Own technical decision-making, architecture definition, and interface control across multi-disciplinary efforts, balancing innovation with program risk- Building a high-performance culture by directly hiring top-tier engineers, sourcing talent through targeted recruiting efforts, and driving structured technical interviews- Spearheaded technical onboarding and mentorship programs, ensuring rapid team ramp-up and consistent engineering standards across domains- Served as a career development advocate by conducting regular growth conversations, coaching engineers on technical leadership, and identifying emerging leaders within the team- Developed the onboarding and training for new employees, including documentation practices, team calendar, purchasing guidelines, and professionalism training.

Education

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Bachelor’s Degree, Electrical Engineering

  2015 — 2019

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology

  Masters of Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering