Ian Saunders

Ian Saunders has had a diverse range of work experience over the years. Ian began their career as an Aeronautical Engineer at Denel Dynamics, where they designed and tested drones, missiles, and other defense-related systems. Ian then worked at Johnson Research and Development, where they served as a Mechanical Engineer, focusing on developing high-tech environmental and energy products.

Ian also had a significant role at TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research. As a Project Manager and Mechanical Engineer, they contributed to the development of space satellites and telescopes for various clients.

Following their time at TNO, Ian joined InnovationXchange as an Innovation Consultant, helping companies participate in open innovation networks. Ian then became a Project Manager at the Australian Astronomical Observatory, managing the project proposal for a $15 million instrument to support Australian astronomy.

Ian's extensive experience in project management and engineering continued at Lycopodium, where they held roles as a Senior Project Engineer and later as a Lead Project Engineer. At Lycopodium, they led projects in mineral processing and process industries, overseeing various aspects such as geotech, surveying, drilling, and more.

Ian also worked as a Technology Centre Manager at Applus+, a global testing and inspection company, managing a vast network of offices and laboratories.

Most recently, Ian joined Ausenco as a Lead Project Engineer. In this role, they managed infrastructure and served as an acting interim project manager for a uranium deposit project in Namibia.

Overall, Ian's work experience spans multiple industries and countries, showcasing their expertise in project management, engineering, and innovation.

Ian Saunders has a diverse education background. Ian obtained a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand in 1994. Ian then pursued further studies and received a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Engineering Mechanics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1999. In 2003, they completed an MBA degree in Business from Kingston University. Additionally, Ian acquired several certifications throughout their career, including Professional Engineer certification from the Engineering Council of South Africa in 1998, and various specialized training programs in fields such as Precision Mechanics, Space Systems Engineering, and Advanced Lithography.