Christopher Pelzmann, PhD

Christopher Pelzmann, PhD has extensive experience in mechanical engineering, specializing in machine design, material analysis, industrial ceramics, composites, robotics, and manufacturing for aerospace, nanotech, and biomedical industries. Christopher has worked for a variety of companies, beginning in 2006 as a Mechanical Engineer for Aktiv-Dry, LLC. From 2009 to 2012, they worked as a Research Assistant for the University of Illinois at Chicago, specializing in contact-based micro-/nano-manufacturing research. From 2012 to 2014, they were a Lead Research Engineer for Escape Dynamics, LLC, where they developed the fabrication and analysis capability for manufacturing Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) via Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP). In 2015, they were a Lead Roboticist for Altius Space Machines, Inc., where they proposed, managed, and executed a broad range of projects utilizing robotics and general automation. From 2016 to 2019, they worked for MMA Design LLC, first as Director, Programs, and then as Director, Deployable Antennas. From 2019 to 2021, they were a Principal Systems Engineer and then Director of Engineering for Dropworks, Inc. Christopher then worked as a Principal Project Engineer for Roccor, LLC from 2021 to 2023, before becoming the Director of Business Development for Fortius Metals Inc. in 2023.

Christopher Pelzmann, PhD obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2012. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2006. In 2001-2002, they pursued a B.S. in Engineering Physics at the University of Northern Colorado.