Daniel Wilde
About Daniel Wilde
Daniel Wilde is a Mechanical Engineer with a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. He has extensive experience in thermal solutions for spacecraft and launch vehicles, having worked at companies such as Firefly Aerospace, Tesla, and Redwood Materials.
Current Role at Redwood Materials
Daniel Wilde currently serves as a Mechanical Engineer at Redwood Materials, where he has been employed since 2021. His role involves designing and implementing mechanical systems that contribute to the company's mission of advancing sustainable materials and recycling technologies. Located in Carson City, Nevada, he applies his expertise in thermal solutions and engineering principles to support innovative projects within the organization.
Previous Experience in Aerospace Engineering
Prior to his current position, Daniel Wilde worked at Firefly Aerospace as a Thermal Responsible Engineer from 2020 to 2021. He also held the role of Thermal Engineering and Analysis Lead at the same company for a brief period in 2021. His experience in aerospace engineering encompasses significant roles at Tesla, where he worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer and later as a Senior Factory Systems Engineer, focusing on the development of advanced systems for electric vehicles.
Education and Academic Background
Daniel Wilde earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Aerospace Engineering from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. His undergraduate studies spanned from 2006 to 2010, followed by a five-year graduate program from 2010 to 2015. During his time at the university, he also served as a Graduate Student, engaging in research and academic projects related to aerospace engineering.
Specialization in Thermal Solutions
Daniel Wilde specializes in thermal solutions for spacecraft and launch vehicles. He focuses on applying the first principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to complex engineering systems. His expertise is particularly relevant in the aerospace sector, where efficient thermal management is critical for the performance and safety of vehicles.
Career Development and Early Experience
Daniel Wilde began his professional career with an internship at Bloom Energy in 2011, where he gained experience in computational fluid dynamics (CFD). He later joined QuEST Global as a CFD Team Lead, where he worked for four years. His career trajectory includes significant contributions to the development of utility systems at Tesla's Gigafactory 1, showcasing his ability to integrate engineering principles into large-scale projects.