Dominic Zelenak
About Dominic Zelenak
Dominic Zelenak is a Propulsion Thermal Analyst at Blue Origin, with a background in aerospace and mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University and Trine University.
Company
Dominic Zelenak is currently employed as a Propulsion Thermal Analyst at BLUE ORIGIN. Based in Huntsville, Alabama, Dominic transitioned to this role in 2022, contributing his expertise to Blue Origin's Blue engines and ensuring efficiency and thermal integrity in propulsion technologies.
Title
Dominic Zelenak holds the title of Propulsion Thermal Analyst at BLUE ORIGIN. His role entails performing detailed thermal analysis on propulsion systems, aiding in the development and optimization of engine performance through precise thermal management techniques.
Education and Expertise
Dominic Zelenak obtained his Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Trine University from 2010 to 2014. He later pursued Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University from 2014 to 2018, specializing in Laser Diagnostics for Reacting Flows. He developed advanced spectroscopic techniques using krypton planar laser induced fluorescence and Rayleigh scattering for measuring thermodynamic properties in reacting flows. His deep understanding of thermal-fluids processes is a cornerstone of his professional competence.
Background
Dominic Zelenak has a diverse background in thermal and propulsion systems. He began his career as an Undergraduate Researcher at Purdue University in 2013, followed by a Mechanical Engineering Internship at Exelis Geospatial Systems in 2014. His tenure at North Carolina State University was marked by roles such as Research Assistant, Thermal-Fluids Laboratory Experimental Designer, and Engineering Statics Teaching Assistant. His professional progression includes a significant role as an Aerospace Engineer at NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center from 2019 to 2022, transitioning afterwards to BLUE ORIGIN in a propulsion thermal analysis capacity.
Achievements
Dominic Zelenak performed crucial thermal analysis work at NASA/George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, focusing on infrared thermography and propulsion thermal systems. His innovative use of krypton planar laser induced fluorescence and Rayleigh scattering for spectroscopic techniques has been significant in advancing measurement accuracy of thermodynamic properties in reacting flows. His contributions have been instrumental in sustaining the thermal efficiency of various propulsion projects throughout his career.