Casey Harr
About Casey Harr
Casey Harr is the Director of Engineering for Space Systems Software at Rocket Lab, where he oversees multiple development teams and coordinates mission control software for the Globalstar constellation. He has extensive experience in aerospace and engineering, having held key positions at companies such as Bigelow Aerospace, Virgin Orbit, and Blue Origin.
Work at Rocket Lab
Casey Harr currently serves as the Director of Engineering for Space Systems Software at Rocket Lab, a position held since 2023. In this role, he manages six cross-functional development teams that focus on various aspects of aerospace software, including Spacecraft Flight Software, GNC Software, Mission Control Software, Hardware-in-the-Loop Test Group, DevOps, and Spacecraft Mission Operations. His leadership is characterized by a strong emphasis on collaboration and innovation within the engineering teams.
Previous Experience at Bigelow Aerospace
Casey Harr worked at Bigelow Aerospace from 2006 to 2009, where he held two significant roles. Initially, he served as an Electrical Engineer for the Genesis 1 & 2 sub-scale prototype programs for one year. Following this, he took on the role of Avionics Manager for the Sundancer Program, where he worked for two years. His experience at Bigelow Aerospace contributed to his foundational knowledge in aerospace engineering.
Experience at Virgin Orbit
At Virgin Orbit, Casey Harr held multiple positions from 2018 to 2023. He started as the Senior Avionics Hardware Manager for four years, where he managed avionics hardware projects. He then transitioned to the role of Director of Software Engineering for eight months before moving to Rocket Lab. His tenure at Virgin Orbit further enhanced his expertise in avionics and software engineering within the aerospace sector.
Background in Aerospace Engineering
Casey Harr has a robust educational background in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, having earned both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Master of Science (MS) from the University of Kentucky. His studies spanned from 1999 to 2006, providing him with a solid foundation in engineering principles. This academic background, combined with his extensive professional experience, has equipped him with a holistic systems view and effective communication skills in the aerospace industry.
Innovative Leadership and Team Management
Known for his decisive leadership style, Casey Harr has a proven track record of building accomplished and diverse teams. He has managed teams across various locations, including overseeing the global directorate of next-generation mission control software for the Globalstar constellation. His ability to coordinate teams across multiple locations demonstrates his skills in fostering collaboration and innovation in high-impact technology ventures.