Chris Cochran
About Chris Cochran
Chris Cochran is a Composite Structures Engineer at Joby Aviation, where he has contributed to the development of advanced composite structures since 2018. With a background in yacht design and extensive expertise in composite materials, he applies his knowledge to innovative aviation projects.
Work at Joby Aviation
Chris Cochran has been employed at Joby Aviation as a Composite Structures Engineer since 2018. In this role, he has contributed to the development of advanced composite structures, applying his extensive knowledge of composite materials to innovative aviation projects. His work is based in Santa Cruz, California, where he has been part of a team focused on advancing the capabilities of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Education and Expertise
Chris Cochran holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the University of Michigan College of Engineering, which he completed from 1999 to 2003. He furthered his education at the University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School, earning a Master of Science in Engineering in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from 2003 to 2004. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his expertise in composite materials, which he applies in the aerospace sector.
Background in Yacht Design
Before transitioning to the aviation industry, Chris Cochran spent over a decade in yacht design. He began his career at Morrelli Melvin Design & Engineering Inc. as a Naval Architect and Marine Engineer from 2004 to 2005. He then worked at Farr Yacht Design, where he served as a Design Engineer from 2005 to 2015 and later as a Senior Design Engineer from 2015 to 2018. This extensive experience in marine engineering and design has informed his approach to composite structures in aviation.
Career Transition to Aviation
Chris Cochran transitioned from yacht design to the aviation industry, bringing over ten years of experience in composite materials with him. This shift allowed him to apply his skills in a new context, focusing on the development of advanced composite structures for aerospace applications at Joby Aviation. His background in naval architecture and marine engineering has provided him with a unique perspective in the field of aviation.