TECC 296: From SpaceX Engineer to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Career Transition

In this episode, we speak with Brian Mejeur, the founder of AdAstra and a former SpaceX engineer, who shares his insights on transitioning from engineer to entrepreneur, networking, taking risks, and building a successful team. ***You can view the video version of this episode here*** Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About From SpaceX Engineer to Entrepreneur: A Journey of Career Transition: The “New Space Industry” is seeing a surge in startups founded by ex-SpaceX engineers looking to create new industries in space. AdAstra fills the need for top talent in the industry with founders who have both technical SpaceX backgrounds and startup experience. Engineers possess a valuable skill set for breaking down complex problems and identifying optimal solutions for specific circumstances. However, theoretical knowledge alone is insufficient. To create something truly remarkable and profitable, practical applications are crucial. Hiring someone is not just about understanding the theory behind it, but about piecing together various elements to solve a genuine problem. Networking is a critical aspect of business growth. By connecting and building partnerships with the right people, you can reap mutual benefits and advance your work. Therefore, it's very important to prioritize networking and connect with as many individuals as possible to achieve success. Networking involves building trust with warmth and respect, conveying the potential for mutual benefits. Start with your team and attend events/meetings outside work. Recognize the importance and take advantage of opportunities to expand your network. As an owner looking to expand your business, it's vital to take a hands-on approach and immerse yourself in every aspect. Rather than hiring right away, it's important to study industry needs, candidate and client profiles, and identify client demands firsthand. By understanding these aspects, you can deliver exceptional value and continue to learn, grow, and gain referrals. With this approach, you can expand your business and move forward successfully. Building a strong reputation requires putting yourself out there and taking calculated risks. By carefully considering smart risks and then proceeding with confidence once a decision is made, you can move forward without fear. It's important to recognize the value of taking risks in building your reputation and moving toward success. To achieve growth, it's necessary to develop new solutions, identify your product market fit, find your niche, and determine what you'll deliver to meet customer needs. This translates into creating a clear product development roadmap, mapping out milestones, and identifying achievable tasks for fundraising efforts. By taking these steps, you can pave the way for growth and successfully bring your product to market. As a founder, it's essential to recognize that your job is to inspire people to believe in your idea and work toward its success. However, it's also important to acknowledge that not everyone shares the same passion as you. Grounding yourself in this reality and finding people who share the same level of dedication is essential. By doing so, you can build a team that shares your vision and is motivated to work toward achieving your goals. More in This Episode… In the Take Action Today segment of the show, Brian talks about taking a breath, connecting with those around you, listening, and reflecting in your next meeting. About the Guest, Brian Mejeur Brian Mejeur is an Aerospace Engineer with a BS & MS in aerospace from the University of Michigan (Go Blue!). After working mainly as a Propulsion Engineer at SpaceX spanning 7 years, he worked at an early-stage start-up in the Bay Area before founding AdAstra Talent Advisors where he serves as ...