About
Space and flight solutions for the next generation
From hypersonics to human lunar exploration, SpaceWorks is continuously working to strengthen our national defense, and to support the commercialization of spaceflight concepts.
Our Story
SpaceWorks was founded in 2000, on the cusp of the NewSpace revolution, with a vision of accelerating novel aerospace design methods, technologies, and business models. Our company has steadily grown to match our broad aspirations, and we are recognized for the unique combination of capabilities, products, and engineering experience that we leverage every day to deliver for our customers.
Our Mission
Now more than ever, the aerospace domain is at the forefront of addressing compelling questions for our nation and our species. From securing our national defense to understanding our dynamic planet, connecting our global economy to sustaining exploration of the solar system, innovative aerospace solutions are rapidly advancing the state of the art.
SpaceWorks is committed to bringing our expertise and energies to bear on these pressing issues to contribute to a better future for humankind.
Leadership Team
John Bradford, Ph.D. | CEO
Dr. Bradford has served as Chief Executive Officer of SpaceWorks since 2022. He has been with the company for more than 20 years, with previous executive leadership roles including President and Chief Operating Officer. In his role as CEO, he applies the lessons of that experience to shape an integrative vision across the company’s various lines of business, guiding strategic business development and forging strong customer and partner relationships. Dr. Bradford’s technical expertise lies in human space exploration, space access vehicles, and hypersonic propulsion. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Brad St. Germain, Ph.D. | CTO
Dr. St. Germain has served as SpaceWorks’ Chief Technical Officer since 2022. He has more than 20 years of experience managing complex technical programs and high-performing engineering teams, having previously served as the firm’s Director of Engineering and Advanced Concepts Group lead. As CTO, he is responsible for maintaining industry-leading technical excellence within SpaceWorks and aligning engineering resources with corporate objectives. Dr. St. Germain is a recognized expert in aerospace systems analysis and design. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Jon Wallace | COO
Mr. Wallace has served as Chief Operating Officer of SpaceWorks Enterprises since 2019. Building on 17 years of prior experience as an engineer and engineering manager, he now plans and executes corporate strategy for the human resources, facilities, tools, and processes that enable the firm’s ground-breaking R&D. Mr. Wallace holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Chris Stroumpis, CPA | CFO
Mr. Stroumpis has served as the Chief Financial Officer of SpaceWorks since 2019. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Georgia and Maryland. Mr. Stroumpis received his MBA and his Bachelor of Science in Accounting, both from Berry College. He is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Tyler Kunsa | VP of Defense & Space Systems
Mr. Kunsa is the VP of Defense & Space Systems at SpaceWorks and is the technical lead for the company’s entry, descent, & landing initiatives. His background includes both technical and program leadership roles on several SpaceWorks prototyping and flight test projects for DoD and NASA partners. Mr. Kunsa holds an MBA from Georgia Tech in Management of Technology, an M.S. in Mechanical Systems from the University of Central Florida and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in CS from the University of Pittsburgh.
Mark Schaffer | VP of Advanced Development
Mark Schaffer is the Vice President of Advanced Development at SpaceWorks. His background includes both technical and program leadership roles on the company’s hypersonic flight, space launch system, and space exploration projects. Mr. Schaffer serves as the design lead for SpaceWorks’ engineering support of AFRL and NASA hypersonic technology maturation programs. Mr. Schaffer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
John Olds, Ph.D. | Founder and Chairman of the Board
Dr. Olds co-founded SpaceWorks in 2000 and served as the corporation’s first CEO from 2000 to 2022. He navigated the growth of SpaceWorks from a small startup to today’s diversified group of collaborative business units. While at SpaceWorks, he was founder or co-founder of several spin-off ventures including Generation Orbit Launch Services, Blink Astro, and Terminal Velocity Aerospace. Previously, he served on the aerospace engineering faculties at NC State University and later the Georgia Institute of Technology. Dr. Olds currently serves as Managing Principal of Tyger River Capital LLC, a family-managed fund focused on early-stage and seed investments, and is a member of the NC State University MAE Graduate Advisory Board. He holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from NC State and an M.S. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University.
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