William Wilkins
About William Wilkins
William Wilkins is a Propulsion Analyst at BLUE ORIGIN with a background in aerospace and mechanical engineering, having previously worked at Aerojet Rocketdyne and Nelson Engineering Co.
Company
William Wilkins is currently employed at BLUE ORIGIN as a Propulsion Analyst since 2018. BLUE ORIGIN, based in Kent, WA, is known for its advancements in aerospace engineering and space exploration.
Title
William holds the position of Propulsion Analyst at BLUE ORIGIN. This role involves conducting detailed analyses of propulsion systems to optimize their performance and efficiency, contributing to the company's innovative projects.
Education and Expertise
William Wilkins earned two Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Florida, one in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical/Space Engineering and another in Mechanical Engineering, between 2012 and 2016. He specialized in Solidworks and is proficient in technical software such as Abaqus CAE, PTC Creo, and Simflow. He was dedicated to his studies, receiving Magna Cum Laude honors and consistently making the Dean's list.
Professional Background
William's professional journey began as a Design Specialist at Nelson Engineering Co. in 2013, where he modeled and produced engineering drawings for payload groups at Kennedy Space Center. He then served as a Research Assistant at the UF Propulsion and Combustion Lab from 2014 to 2016, working on projects such as developing a hydrogen burn control method for a hypersonic wind tunnel. In 2016, he interned as a Project Engineering Intern at Aerojet Rocketdyne, later becoming an Aerothermal Engineer from 2017 to 2018 before joining BLUE ORIGIN.
Key Projects and Initiatives
During his tenure at the University of Florida, William led three undergraduate propulsion research teams focusing on solid, liquid, and hybrid rocket propulsion. His work included engine design, propellant optimization, and motor testing. At Nelson Engineering Co., he worked on design projects to reduce boundary layers in hypersonic wind tunnels. These experiences have equipped him with the technical skills necessary for his role as a Propulsion Analyst at BLUE ORIGIN.