Ryan Howard
About Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard is a Manufacturing Engineer with experience in designing and analyzing eVTOL vehicles. He previously worked at Purdue University as a Research Assistant and held various engineering roles at ATA Engineering and Supernal.
Work at Supernal
Ryan Howard currently serves as a Manufacturing Engineer at Supernal, a position he has held since 2024. Prior to this role, he worked as a Structural Design Engineer at Supernal from 2021 to 2024. In both positions, he contributed to the design and development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. His work focuses on enhancing safety, reducing noise, ensuring affordability, and promoting human-centered design in aviation technology.
Education and Expertise
Ryan Howard earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University, where he studied from 2016 to 2021. During his time at Purdue, he also served as a Research Assistant at the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics from 2020 to 2021. His academic background includes a strong emphasis on modeling and analyzing Urban Air Mobility (UAM), which complements his professional experience in eVTOL vehicle design.
Background
Ryan Howard completed his high school education at McCutcheon High School, graduating with an Honors with Distinction Diploma in 2016. He began his engineering career as an Engineering Assistant at ATA Engineering from 2017 to 2020, where he participated in a co-op program that involved solving design, test, and analysis challenges across various applications. This foundational experience set the stage for his subsequent roles in aerospace engineering.
Leadership Experience
Ryan Howard served as President of Vertical Flight Systems during his academic tenure. In this leadership role, he oversaw the design, construction, and flight testing of a passenger-capable, all-electric vehicle. His experience in this position highlights his ability to manage complex engineering projects and lead teams in innovative aerospace initiatives.