James Stoffel
About James Stoffel
James Stoffel is the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Lead at BLUE ORIGIN and a NASA Human Test Subject for the Human Research Program, with a diverse background in rocket propulsion, emergency medical services, and EVA flight training.
Title
James Stoffel holds the title of Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Lead at BLUE ORIGIN, a position he has occupied since 2022. In addition, he is currently serving as a NASA Human Test Subject for the Human Research Program (HRP) at NASA's Johnson Space Center, a role he has fulfilled since 2015.
Professional Experience at NASA
James Stoffel joined NASA's Johnson Space Center in 2015 as a NASA Human Test Subject for the Human Research Program (HRP). His role involves participating in essential research aimed at enhancing human health and performance in space. This role emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration to push the boundaries of human space exploration.
Professional Experience at KBR, Inc.
From 2015 to 2022, James Stoffel served as the Deputy Lead for Space Suit & Exploration Operations Technical Area at KBR, Inc. in Houston, Texas. In this capacity, he worked on critical projects related to space suit technology and exploration operations, contributing significantly to advancements in human spaceflight and extravehicular activities.
Professional Background at Sierra Nevada Corporation
James Stoffel worked as a Rocket Propulsion Engineer at Sierra Nevada Corporation from 2008 to 2014. Based in Poway, California, his responsibilities included the development and testing of rocket propulsion systems, playing a vital role in the innovation of aerospace propulsion technologies.
Education and Expertise
James Stoffel earned a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Space Studies, with a dual focus on Human Factors and Life Sciences, from the University of North Dakota, completing his studies from 2017 to 2020. He also holds two Bachelor's degrees from the University of Washington—one in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and another in Physics. Additionally, he obtained an Associate's Degree in Arts & Sciences/Science Track #2 from Pierce College from 2000 to 2003.
Diverse Professional Background
In addition to his roles in aerospace and technology, James Stoffel has an extensive background in emergency medical services. He has worked as an Emergency Department Technician at Swedish Medical Center, an Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) at Rural/Metro Corporation, and a Laboratory Assistant & Phlebotomist at MultiCare Health System. This diverse experience equips him with unique skills valuable to multidisciplinary teams focused on advancing human space exploration.