Ryan Benson

Background

About Ryan Benson

I am a dedicated and seasoned professional and have been exploring the field of engineering for the past decade. Currently serving as the Director of Engineering at ThinkOrbital, I have found a perfect intersection for my skills in leadership, design for manufacture and test, and systems engineering. I now spearhead our engineering efforts, driving the team towards pioneering advancements in in-space welding and manufacturing. I try to leverage my diverse background in all that we do at ThinkOrbital with an ultimate goal of supporting a fun and effective engineering team. My journey in aerospace began as a Quality, Safety, and Test Engineer where I transitioned into a Systems Engineering role and was exposed to the gambit of engineering disciplines in the field. I then advanced to a program engineer role, leading spacecraft power systems from inception to delivery. In my role as an Integrated Product Team Lead, I was entrusted with the life support systems of the halo module of the Lunar Gateway program. I have also acted as a program manager on several programs throughout my career. I have overseen design, manufacturing, testing, integration, and all other aspects of the spacecraft engineering lifecycle. Prior to my career in aerospace, I spent time working on terrestrial power systems engineering. I supported solutions-based R&D efforts, starting with applications engineering, I saw the projects from cradle to grave. Before embarking on my engineering journey, I served as a firefighter in the U.S. Army for 8 years. This experience instilled in me a deep respect for safety protocols and effective emergency management - skills that I continue to utilize in my current leadership position. As a noncommissioned officer I gained a deep respect for my team and the duties of a leader; without a capable, fully equipped, well trained team, no mission will result in success, and if that team feels disrespected or undervalued, they will never live up to their potential. It is for this reason I place a great deal of value in continued education, employee support, work life balance, and a respectful work environment. My diverse background, coupled with my commitment to excellence and relentless drive for innovation, equips me with a unique perspective and broad skillset. As I continue to lead and work to inspire my team, I look forward to confronting the challenges of tomorrow and pushing the boundaries of what is possible on Earth and in space.