Seminar: Mars—You Can Get There From Here

Abstract

Did you know a Buckeye is behind the Mars landings?

Alumnus Tim Priser, space exploration expert, will describe his career trajectory in an engaging presentation. Learn how an engineering degree from Ohio State can evolve and grow into a rewarding career in industry.

Priser will discuss choosing his degree, selecting his first job and how his career path “chose him”. He will also highlight how the engineering code of conduct learned at Ohio State is applicable to any industry, company, discipline and endeavor.

Known as a leader in deep space exploration for over 40 years, Lockeed Martin’s space portfolio includes strategic and missile defense, advanced technology, military space, mission solutions, commercial civil space, special
programs and more.

About the speaker

Tim Priser has over 30 years of aerospace industry experience spanning Launch Vehicles to Planetary Spacecraft and from new pursuits to mission operations. He joined Martin Marietta in 1987 after earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering from The Ohio State University. Martin Marietta and Lockheed merged to form today’s Lockheed Martin in 1995.

After 13 years of launch vehicle design, verification, and operations he transitioned to the planetary spacecraft side of the business where he placed three orbiters around Mars and two landers successfully on the surface. Tim is credited with innovating the first successful direct-injection, powered descent, soft landing on Mars. He is also credited with architecting the first image of a Mars entry vehicle to be taken by a Mars orbiting asset.

Tim began his career as a Software Systems Engineer and methodically evolved his responsibilities through roles such as Launch Operations Engineer, Entry-Descent-Landing Mission Phase Lead, Chief Systems Engineer, and Program Manager. He recently held the position of Quality Director for the Commercial Civil Space line of business and currently is the Quality Director for both the Military Space and the Mission Solutions lines of business.

His experience with the Commercial Space, Civil Space, and Department of Defense customers brings a relevant perspective to the topic of Mission Assurance in Commercial Space versus Government Space - A Suppliers Perspective.

Hosted by Prof. Ran Dai.