Jonathen Lafontaine

Jonathen LaFontaine has extensive work experience in the aerospace industry. Jonathen started their career as a Summer Research Intern at the Air Force Research Laboratory in 2013 and continued to work there for subsequent summers. During their time there, they programmed material subroutines and assisted in testing and validating material models.

In 2014, LaFontaine worked as a Summer Research Intern again at the Air Force Research Laboratory, where they developed a coupling algorithm and wrote a program for 3D transient heat transfer in plates.

LaFontaine then joined The Ohio State University as a Teaching Assistant in 2012 and later became a Graduate Research Associate. In this role, they quantified the influence of material plasticity and creep on aerospace structures and developed a framework using finite element analysis software.

In 2017, LaFontaine joined Damping Technologies, Inc. as an Engineer I. Jonathen was involved in developing the vibration damping system for the NASA-Lockheed Martin Orion Launch Abort System fairing and conducted modal testing on aerospace structures.

Lastly, LaFontaine worked at SpaceX, starting as a Dynamics Engineer in 2017 and progressing to the role of Lead Dynamics Engineer. Their responsibilities included leading the dynamic environments team for various projects, mentoring engineers, and conducting vibroacoustic analyses. Jonathen played a crucial role in the qualification of the Flight Termination System and Range Tracking System for Starship's first orbital flight.

Jonathan LaFontaine completed their education at The Ohio State University. Jonathen obtained a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering in 2013. Jonathen subsequently pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from 2013 to 2016. In addition to their formal education, they also acquired certifications, including the Fundamentals of Engineering in Mechanical from NCEES in November 2023 and attended the Navcon Hands-On Modal Testing & Analysis Seminar at the Navcon Engineering Network in November 2017.