Merek Chertkow
About Merek Chertkow
Merek Chertkow is the Director of Radiation Effects at Blue Origin, with a background in radiation effects and electronic piece parts from his tenure at SpaceX and a Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
Current Role at Blue Origin
Merek Chertkow is the Director of Radiation Effects at Blue Origin, a position he has held since 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the radiation effects on avionics systems and other critical components. His expertise ensures the integrity and safety of Blue Origin's aerospace missions.
Previous Experience at Blue Origin
Before assuming his current role, Merek Chertkow served as the Principal Manager of Avionics, Radiation Effects at Blue Origin from 2019 to 2020. During this 10-month period, he contributed significantly to the development and management of the radiation effects program, laying the groundwork for his current position.
Roles at SpaceX
Merek Chertkow has held multiple positions at SpaceX. From 2016 to 2019, he was the Senior Manager of Radiation Effects and Electronic Piece Parts. Before that, he served as Radiation Effects Manager from 2014 to 2016 and from 2012 to 2014, he worked as an EMC/EMI and Survivability Radiation Effects Engineer. His tenure at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, covered crucial aspects of radiation effects on aerospace components.
Academic Background
Merek Chertkow earned his Ph.D. and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, studying from 2006 to 2011. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona and The Collins College of Hospitality Management, studying from 2001 to 2006.
Early Career and Internships
In addition to his academic achievements, Merek Chertkow has gained diverse professional experience early in his career. He worked as a Research Assistant at the University of Tennessee from 2006 to 2012 and as an Astronomy Assistant at San Diego State University in 2005. His internship experience includes serving as Operations Engineer Intern at The Planetary Society from 2002 to 2006, and as a Draftsman at David Goldstein Architect from 2001 to 2002.