Jonathan Sauder

Jonathan Sauder has extensive experience in technology infusion and mechatronics engineering. Jonathan is currently working as the Group Lead of the Technology Infusion Group at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where they are responsible for infusing technology into flight missions. Jonathan has also served as the Deputy to the Maturation Office Manager at NASA.

Prior to joining NASA, Sauder worked as a Chief Mechanical Engineer for DOLCE at Caltech as a Visiting Research Associate. Jonathan has also worked as a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of Southern California.

Before their academic and research positions, Sauder worked as a Product Design Consultant as a freelancer from 2009 to 2013. Jonathan also gained industry experience as a Field Engineer at Precision Planting and as a Program Management Intern at Microsoft.

Sauder's early career includes internships as a Mechanical Engineering Intern at Mattel and as an R&D Engineering Intern at Precision Planting. Jonathan also served as a Team Leader and REE Fellow at Stanford University's Technology Ventures Program.

Throughout their career, Sauder has successfully led and managed various technology projects, including serving as the Mechanical Lead on the RainCube Spacecraft and Ka-band Parabolic Deployable Antenna. Jonathan has also been a Principle Investigator/Task Manager on $3.5M of technology proposals, including the highly competitive NASA Innovative Advanced Concept (NIAC) Phase 1 & 2.

Jonathan Sauder earned their Associates degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Central College in 2007. Jonathan then went on to earn their Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University in 2009. Jonathan continued their education at the University of Southern California, where they received their Masters of Science degree in Product Development Engineering in 2011. Finally, they completed their education at the University of Southern California, earning a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Product Development in 2013.