Derek Oung

Derek Oung is a propulsion engineer at Varda Space Industries, bringing over nine years of experience in mechanical, fluid, and propulsion systems. Their career includes significant roles at SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where they led the lifecycle development of complex hardware and managed small engineering teams. Major achievements include contributions to the Mars Sample Return Lander, the James Webb Space Telescope propellant loading system, and the Falcon 9 pneumatics regulators. Oung holds both a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University.