Noel Godínez
About Noel Godínez
Noel Godínez is a Lead Propulsion Design Engineer with extensive experience in the aerospace industry, specializing in mechanical and propulsion engineering. He has worked for notable companies such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and Virgin Orbit, and holds advanced degrees in Astronautical Engineering and Engineering.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Noel Godínez serves as the Lead Propulsion Design Engineer at Rocket Lab. He has held this position since 2024, contributing to the design and development of propulsion systems. His role involves overseeing propulsion design projects and ensuring the successful integration of propulsion hardware into flight systems.
Previous Experience in Aerospace Engineering
Noel Godínez has a robust background in the aerospace industry. He previously worked at SpaceX as a Propulsion Engineer II from 2015 to 2018 and as a Mechanical Design Engineer from 2011 to 2015. He also held positions at Virgin Orbit, where he was a Senior Propulsion Design and Analysis Engineer from 2021 to 2022 and later a Lead Propulsion Design and Analysis Engineer from 2022 to 2023.
Education and Expertise
Noel Godínez holds a Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, which he completed from 2010 to 2012. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Harvey Mudd College, where he studied from 2004 to 2008. His expertise includes acceptance and qualification testing of flight hardware, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
Early Career and Research
Noel Godínez began his career in aerospace during his time at Harvey Mudd College, where he was involved in undergraduate research as an Experimental Engineering Rocket Developer from 2006 to 2008. He also participated in senior projects at the college, contributing to the development of engineering solutions.
Work History Overview
Throughout his career, Noel Godínez has accumulated diverse experience in propulsion and mechanical engineering. His work history includes roles at Microcosm, Inc. for four months in 2020, AeroVironment for three years from 2008 to 2011, and various positions at Virgin Orbit and SpaceX. This extensive experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of aerospace engineering principles.