Tom Hess
About Tom Hess
Tom Hess is a Production and AI&T Engineer at Astranis Space Technologies, where he leads the design of spacecraft assembly, integration, and test processes. He has a background in mechanical engineering and physics, with previous roles at General Motors and Washington University in St. Louis.
Work at Astranis
Currently, Tom Hess serves as a Production / AI&T Engineer at Astranis Space Technologies, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he plays a key part in the development of Block 2 vehicles. His responsibilities include leading the design of spacecraft assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) processes. He specializes in designing and conducting acoustics and RF/OTA tests for spacecraft, contributing to the company's mission of advancing satellite technology.
Experience at General Motors
Tom Hess has extensive experience at General Motors, where he held several engineering roles. He worked as a Lead Project V (Ventilators) Test Engineer for three months in 2020 in Kokomo, Indiana. He also served as a Lead Electric Drive Units Test Engineer from 2020 to 2021 for nine months in Pontiac, Michigan. Additionally, he was a Battery Development Researcher for five months in 2020 in Warren, Michigan, and completed a three-month internship as a GM Excel Intern in 2018 in Pontiac. His early experience includes a three-month internship in Manufacturing Engineering in 2017 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Education and Expertise
Tom Hess holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, where he studied from 2016 to 2018. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Loyola University Chicago, studying from 2013 to 2016. His educational background has equipped him with a strong foundation in engineering principles, which he applies in his current role in spacecraft development.
Research Experience
Before joining Astranis, Tom Hess worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at Washington University in St. Louis from 2017 to 2018. This role involved conducting research that contributed to his understanding of mechanical engineering concepts and practices, further enhancing his capabilities in the engineering field.