Alumni Spotlight: Lauren Savage

Notes from Lauren Savage

OUR AEROSPACE ENGINEERING STUDENT WORKING ON FURTHERING HUMANITY’S FOOTPRINT INTO THE MOON.

I am currently working as a structural analysis & testing engineer at Blue Origin, Advanced Development Programs, I’m working on furthering humanity's footprint into deep space. I'm excited for this adventure in the commercial space industry, and I'm thrilled to share my experiences as an aerospace engineer.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

I've gotten to design several future aerospace vehicles at both the Lockheed Martin Skunk Works and Blue Origin. I am currently a senior structural analysis and testing engineer working on the development of two lunar landers, one of which is Blue Origin's pathfinder lunar vehicle and the other will land NASA's Artemis V mission on the moon with the National Team. Getting to be a key player on a small team making the decisions which will alter the course of humanity as a multi-planetary species is incredible. I've had the opportunity to work in conceptual design, preliminary design, detail design, manufacturing support, and testing. Previously, I was a testing and instrumentation lead and built a team for advanced programs at the launchpad in Cape Canaveral.

Describe your UTA, The College of Engineering experience. How did UTA help prepare for your career achievement?

I learned time management skills balancing engineering co-ops while being a full-time engineering student at UTA. These time management skills and a standard of excellence have propelled me very quickly into high-visibility programs, and I have gotten to work on so many incredible advanced projects - the stuff of sci-fi. Also, the mentorship program, summer camps, and resources from Career Development Center helped me professionally.

How did your education in the College of Engineering prepare you for what you are doing today?

The aerospace engineering curriculum provided a toolbox of resources and textbooks in the differing disciplines that have acted as a foundation for me in my career. I still refer to some of the same textbooks to design vehicles and build my personal knowledge.

What advice would you give current students interested in pursuing a career in your field?

It's going to be difficult, but don't give up. Look for every highly-technical opportunity you can, and learn as much as you can. Don't delay getting an internship or job because it isn't your dream job. Just get your foot in the door, learn as much as you can, take advantage of networking internally, and establish a good reputation for yourself. Get as much experience early on as you can and move around so you become a more well-rounded engineer.