Shankar Menon
About Shankar Menon
Shankar Menon is a Propulsion Engineer II specializing in combustion devices at BLUE ORIGIN, with extensive experience in propulsion systems and a strong background in testing.
Current Role at BLUE ORIGIN
Since 2021, Shankar Menon has been serving as a Propulsion Engineer II - Combustion Devices at BLUE ORIGIN in Kent, Washington, United States. In this role, he is involved in the development and refinement of propulsion systems, with a specific focus on combustion devices. His contributions at BLUE ORIGIN leverage his extensive experience in propulsion engineering to advance the company's space exploration initiatives.
Previous Experience at Dynetics, Inc.
Shankar Menon worked as a Propulsion Component Development Engineer at Dynetics, Inc. from 2020 to 2021 in Huntsville, Alabama. During his 8 months at Dynetics, he was the lead engineer responsible for the main engine nozzle of the Dynetics Human Lander System. His role involved critical developmental tasks that contributed to the company's aerospace projects.
Firefly Aerospace Roles
Shankar Menon held multiple positions at Firefly Aerospace. From 2018 to 2020, he served as a Propulsion Engineer in Cedar Park, Texas, where he was responsible for the Lightning and Reaver Thrust Chamber Assemblies. Prior to this, he worked as a Test Engineer from 2017 to 2018 in Briggs, Texas. Earlier, he worked at Firefly Space Systems as an Associate Propulsion Engineer in 2016 in Cedar Park, TX. His roles at Firefly involved extensive testing and development of propulsion systems, bolstering the company's technical capabilities.
Educational Background
Shankar Menon earned a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from SRM University, completing his studies in 2013 after four years. Following this, he pursued a Master’s Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering at Purdue University, which he completed in 2015. His academic background provided him with a solid foundation in aerospace engineering principles and practices.
Early Career and Internships
Shankar Menon's early career includes various internships and trainee positions that provided him with hands-on experience in engineering and testing. In 2014, he was a Propulsion Analysis Intern at SpaceX in Hawthorne, CA, where he characterized water-flow system performance and conducted trade studies. Additionally, he interned twice at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in 2011 and 2012 in Bengaluru, India, and at Ashok Leyland in Chennai, India, from 2010 to 2011.