Jeff Megivern grew from a Launch Operations background at Kennedy Space Center. He has extensive experience developing large chemical rocket engines like the Oxygen/Hydrogen J-2X and the Oxygen/Kerosene AR1. Mr. Megivern led development testing of the Sampling and Caching Subsystem for the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover. Further, he leads the Materials Development, Testing, and Failure Investigation organization at JPL, which manages the Materials Labs including Extraterrestrial (Simulant) Materials. He enjoys ska and hip hop, board and video games, and finding fun and humor in any situation.

• M.S in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Southern California with a concentration on Propulsion and Product Development
• B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology
• B.S. in Mathematical Science from the Florida Institute of Technology

• Supporting the transition from mid TRL (prototype) to high TRL (flight) of any R&D activities
• Chemical propulsion
• Materials development
• Sampling mechanism development

• Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing  | Smart And Novel Materials/Processes
• Propulsion Systems  | Electric/Chemical In-Space Propulsion
• Robotic Systems  | Manipulation And Sampling Systems

• materials systems  
• chemical propulsion  
• materials testing  
• extraterrestrial materials  
• launch vehicle  
• launch operations  
• environmental testing  

Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, CA Sep 2017 – Present

Group Supervisor, Materials Development, Testing, and Failure Investigations, 353H

• Driving continued success in a cohesive and fun team environment
• Failure investigations lead for various mechanical failures

Mars 2020 SCS System and MSR Sample Transfer Mechanical Lead, 352M

• Led and cost account manager for the System test activities for Mars 2020 Sampling and Caching Subsystem (SCS) and SCS actuator test lead

Aerojet Rocketdyne Los Angeles, CA Oct 2015 – Sep 2017

Combustion Devices Cognizant Engineer & Project Lead

• Cognizant engineer and cost account manager for AR1 LOX / RP-1 500K-lb thrust booster engine combustion devices team
• Cognizant engineer, AR1 Additively Manufactured subscale injector

Academia: Adjunct Professor NH & CA Jan 2014 – May 2022

• Southern New Hampshire University: Physics for non-science majors
• University of New Hampshire/ Nashua Community College: Redesigned UNH Manchester's fluids lab, taught Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer

Jetboil, Johnson Outdoors Manchester, NH May 2013 – Sep 2015

Product Development and Global Certification Lead

• Cognizant engineer for several outdoor cooking systems
• Led requirements verification and certification for all global markets
• Built processes for development, marketing, knowledge management

Innate Innovations Inc. Los Angeles, CA Aug 2010 – Mar 2015

Founder, Chief Operating Officer and Engineering Lead

• Analyzed and designed alternative energy systems

Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne Los Angeles, CA Aug 2007 – May 2013

Systems Test & Performance Engineer

• Systems test engineer planning tests, analyzing data, resolving anomalies for J-2X LOX / LH2 300K-lb thrust engine development
• Performance analyst for Space Shuttle Main Engine flight operations
• Development Engineer for Coal Gasification Dry Solids Pump

NASA Kennedy Space Center KSC, FL June 2003 – June 2007

Student Engineering Co-Op in Launch Services Program

• Sat on launch console and performed a number of vehicle trade studies

• National Science Bowl Moderator
• Ocean Sciences Bowl Moderator
• American Institute of Astronautics and Aeronautics (AIAA) Space Systems Technical Committee
• California State University Northridge Engineering Senior Design Judge
• FIRST Robotics Northern LA Judge
• National Science Project Judge
• Public Outreach talks

• JPL Voyager Award | Leading Mars 2020 Qualification Model Dirty Testing (QMDT) (2021)
• Professional Society and External Organization Awards | Johnson Outdoors Group (JOG) | Sustainable Community (2014)
• Professional Society and External Organization Awards | Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) | Stellar Early Career Award (2013)