Douglas Hofmann

Douglas Hofmann has extensive work experience in the field of materials and manufacturing for space exploration. Douglas began their career at UC San Diego as a Graduate Student in 2001 and later joined Liquidmetal Technologies as a Research and Development Scientist in 2008. In 2010, they started working at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a Technologist V, where they focused on designing new materials and manufacturing technologies for spacecraft. Douglas also served as a Core Team Member for Technology Infusion on the Architecture Team, leading early mission formulation studies related to technology infusion on mission concepts. During their time at JPL, they were recognized for their contributions to space exploration research and received the Presidential Early Career Award from President Obama. In 2014, they co-founded Amorphology Inc., a spinoff company from JPL and Caltech, to commercialize amorphous metal gear technology. Douglas licensed 30 patents from Caltech for this purpose. Douglas also co-founded Metallic Glass Consulting, LLC in 2015, providing consulting services for those interested in metallic glasses and metal additive manufacturing. In 2016, they founded BMG Inc., another spinoff company from JPL and Caltech, which received $5 million in funding from Kairos Ventures. In addition to their work at JPL and the spinoff companies, they served as a Visiting Associate and Lecturer at Caltech, instructing courses in Applied Physics and Materials Science and conducting research. Overall, Hofmann's expertise lies in metals, manufacturing, 3D printing, alloy development, composites, micrometeoroid shielding, and amorphous metals, with a focus on their application in the extreme environments of space.

Douglas Hofmann completed their education in a chronological manner. Douglas first attended Santa Rosa Junior College from 1999 to 2001, where they obtained an Associate of Arts (AA) and an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Engineering. Douglas then enrolled at UC San Diego from 2001 to 2004, earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree followed by a Master of Science (MS) degree in Mechanical Engineering. Finally, between 2004 and 2008, they pursued higher education at Caltech, where they obtained both a Master of Science (MS) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Materials Science.