Stephen L. Merkley
About Stephen L. Merkley
Stephen L. Merkley is a Propulsion Test Engineer II at Blue Origin with extensive experience in hybrid rocket propulsion testing platforms.
Current Role at Blue Origin
Stephen L. Merkley currently serves as a Propulsion Test Engineer II at Blue Origin in Van Horn, Texas, United States. He has been in this role since 2021. Merkley's responsibilities include maintaining the health of test articles and ensuring reliable testing schedules for the company's propulsion systems. His contributions are fundamental to the development and testing of the BE-3 and BE-3U engines, integral to the New Shepard and New Glenn vehicles.
Previous Experience at Gilmour Space Technologies
Stephen L. Merkley worked at Gilmour Space Technologies as a Propulsion Engineer II from 2017 to 2020. During his three-year tenure in Brisbane, Australia, he focused on propulsion engineering tasks that contributed significantly to the company's projects in the aerospace sector. This role honed his skills in hybrid rocket propulsion testing platforms, laying a solid foundation for his future endeavors in propulsion systems.
Research Fellowship at NASA
In 2016, Stephen L. Merkley held the position of Graduate Research Fellow at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Over a seven-month period, he engaged in cutting-edge research that bolstered his expertise in aerospace technologies. This experience provided him with invaluable insights and practical knowledge that have benefited his professional growth in the industry.
Academic Background and Research Experience
Stephen L. Merkley is a well-educated professional, having completed a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Utah State University between 2014 and 2016. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the same institution, studying from 2008 to 2014. Additionally, Merkley served as a Departmental Researcher at Utah State University from 2014 to 2016, where he was involved in various research projects that further deepened his understanding and expertise in engineering disciplines.
Experience in Hybrid Rocket Propulsion Testing
Stephen L. Merkley boasts over five years of experience in hybrid rocket propulsion testing platforms. His extensive knowledge in this specialized area underpins his contributions to major propulsion projects. Merkley's work is crucial in ensuring the performance and reliability of the propulsion systems he develops and tests, making him a valuable asset to his current role at Blue Origin.