Erik Palitsch

Erik Palitsch has a diverse and extensive work experience in the aerospace industry. Erik began their career as a Field/Laboratory Technician at CME Associates in 2000. Erik then worked as a Solid Propulsion Systems Cooperative Education Student at NASA in 2004 and as a Junior Engineer at Plug Power from 2003 to 2005.

In 2005, Erik joined NASA again, this time as a Solid Propulsion Systems Engineer. Erik then moved on to an internship at SpaceX in 2006, where they gained valuable experience as a Propulsion Development Intern.

Erik continued their journey at Purdue University as a Research Assistant from 2006 to 2007. During their time there, they conducted research on liquid rocket engine injectors and played a vital role in the design, development, and testing of ground support equipment and vehicles for the Purdue sounding rocket team.

Returning to SpaceX in 2008, Erik began a successful career in propulsion development. Erik started as a Propulsion Development Engineer, responsible for designing and building necessary engine systems. Erik went on to become a Propulsion Development Responsible Engineer (RE), leading the design, development, and launch of the Merlin 1C Vacuum engine and Falcon 9 v1.0 second stage. Erik then led the Merlin Vacuum team and played a key role in the redesign efforts to support the upgraded F9 v1.1 vehicle program. Finally, they served as the Propulsion Development Manager, leading the Merlin Vacuum Full Thrust engine upgrade, which significantly increased engine thrust, performance, and reliability for the Falcon 9 Full Thrust vehicle.

Most recently, in 2018, Erik co-founded Freeform and became the CEO, demonstrating their leadership and entrepreneurial skills. Overall, Erik Palitsch's work experience showcases their expertise in propulsion development, engineering, and leadership roles within the aerospace industry.

Erik Palitsch has a strong educational background in the field of aeronautics and astronautics. Erik first obtained an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from Hudson Valley Community College in May 2002. Erik then went on to pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Dual Major, Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 2005. During their undergraduate years, they also obtained several additional certifications including "Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Fundamentals" from Orbital ATK in September 2005, "Nitrox SCUBA" and "Open Water SCUBA" from PADI in August 2005, and "Techniques of Non-Destructive Testing" from NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration in April 2004.

To further enhance their expertise, Erik pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Purdue University, completing it in 2008. Additionally, they obtained "Advanced Fluent Training" from ANSYS, Inc. in November 2006 and "Design and Construction of Solid Propellant Rocket Motors" from the University of Tennessee Space Institute in March 2004.

Erik Palitsch's education history demonstrates their commitment to acquiring knowledge and developing skills in the field of aeronautics and astronautics.