Daniel Zehr

Daniel Zehr has a strong background in engineering, with a focus on mechanical and propulsion design. Daniel currently holds the role of Staff Mechanical Engineer at Freeform, a position they have held since January 2023. Prior to that, they worked at Ursa Major Technologies as a Staff Propulsion Design Engineer from June 2020 to January 2021, and as a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer from July 2019 to June 2020.

Daniel's most extensive experience comes from their time at SpaceX, where they worked for over a decade. Daniel started as a Structures Engineering Intern in June 2008 and later moved on to roles such as Propulsion Development Engineer, Senior Propulsion Engineer, and Propulsion Engineering Intern. Daniel'sresponsibilities at SpaceX included designing, analyzing, manufacturing, testing, and flying various components and systems related to thrust chambers and rocket engines. Daniel played a significant role in the design and development of the Merlin 1D and MVacD thrust chambers, which have been successfully used in numerous Falcon 9 missions.

Prior to SpaceX, Daniel gained experience as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the University of Kansas, working on carbon composite wings and piezoelectric flight control actuators for cruise missile applications.

Overall, Daniel Zehr has a diverse and extensive work history, showcasing their expertise in mechanical engineering, propulsion design, and aerospace technologies.

Daniel Zehr earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from The University of Kansas, where they studied from 2006 to 2010. Daniel later pursued a Master of Science degree in the same field at Caltech from 2010 to 2011.