Ryan Umstattd

Ryan Umstattd has extensive work experience in various roles related to product development, technology commercialization, and engineering. Ryan is currently serving as the VP of Product Development at Zap Energy since May 2022, after previously working as the Director of Product Development from September 2021 to May 2022. Prior to their current role, Ryan worked at Fusion Industry Association as the Director of Tech-to-Market from December 2018 to September 2021. Ryan also held the position of Director of Engineering at Transient Plasma Systems from July 2018 to September 2021.

Before joining Fusion Industry Association and Transient Plasma Systems, Ryan worked at ARPA-E, where they served as the Deputy Director for Commercialization (Acting) from July 2017 to June 2018. Ryan also worked as a Senior Commercialization Advisor from July 2014 to July 2017, leading the path-towards-market efforts for alternative fusion concepts developed in the ALPHA program.

Prior to their work at ARPA-E, Ryan served as the Deputy Director of Space & Sensor Systems at the Office of the Secretary of Defense from July 2013 to July 2014.

Ryan also has a background in the United States Air Force, where they held various positions including Space Based Infrared Systems, Oak Ridge National Lab, Director of Policy & Integration, Program Manager, and Assistant Professor from 2001 to 2013.

Ryan Umstattd has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Physics from Santa Clara University. Ryan also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Applied Science (Plasma Physics) from the University of California, Davis.