# Raj Sadafule > SWE @ NGC, Grad Student @ JHU Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/rajsadafule Hi! My name is Raj and I'm a software engineer at Northrop Grumman and recent graduate from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott. When I gaze up at the vast expanse of the night sky, my fascination with the mysteries of the universe drives my desire to uncover its secrets. But, while space captivates me, it is my inclination to make the world a better place that inspires me to create and solve. I want to be at the forefront of understanding the universe, whether that be helping build the next planetary lander, researching star systems, or stepping foot on Mars. ## Work Experience ### Associate Software Engineer @ Northrop Grumman Jan 2024 – Present | Redondo Beach, California flight dynamics ground systems software for satellite program ### Software Engineering Intern @ Northrop Grumman Jan 2023 – Jan 2024 ### Software Engineering Intern @ Northrop Grumman Jan 2023 – Jan 2023 | Redondo Beach, California ### Design Team Lead @ Embry-Riddle Senior Capstone Project Jan 2023 – Present led a team of seven to design an upgrade to ERAU - Prescott’s rocket engine test stand enabling testing of regeneratively-cooled rocket engines and other greater-thrust engines ### Flight Vehicle Testing Operator @ Rocket Development Lab Jan 2021 – Present | Prescott, Arizona, United States led testing efforts of a liquid bi-propellant flight vehicle for pressure/wet/cold flow tests ### Rocket Engine Test Stand Operator @ Rocket Development Lab Jan 2021 – Present led testing efforts of multiple rocket engines for pressure/wet/cold flow/hot fire tests ### President @ Rocket Development Lab Jan 2021 – Jan 2022 | Prescott, Arizona, United States led club of 300+ members through growth and outreach initiatives ### Space Systems Project Lead @ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Jan 2023 – Jan 2023 led a team of ten in the preliminary design of a space mission ### Rocket Test Complex Technician @ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 | Prescott, Arizona, United States modified, repaired, and upgraded a damaged cryogenic propellant pressure-fed rocket engine test stand at Embry-Riddle Prescott's rocket testing facility ### Group Lead @ VCHS International Space Station Program Jan 2016 – Jan 2020 led groups to send two scientific experiments to the ISS from idea conception to flight hardware assembly ### Mechanical Team Lead @ VCHS International Space Station Program Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 - Designed mechanical schematics of structure framework - Created diagrams of part layout - Engineered and built prototypes using Autodesk Inventor and 3D printers - Assembled test/flight chambers based on various design iterations - Tested final flight chamber configuration that flew on the International Space Station - Conducted comprehensive data analysis of flown flight chamber - Presented experiments at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research Conference ### President @ Valley Christian High School Physics Club Jan 2017 – Jan 2020 - Coordinated educational workshops and presentations on physics topics for club members and school community - Organized and led club meetings to perform physics projects ### President @ Valley Christian High School Environmental Club Jan 2017 – Jan 2020 - Coordinated educational workshops and presentations on environmental topics for club members and school community - Organized and led club meetings to discuss environmental initiatives, projects, and events - Collaborated with school administration and teaching staff to promote environmental awareness and seek support for club initiatives - Engaged with club members through various channels, such as email, social media, and bulletin boards, to share information, updates, and opportunities for involvement - Led bake-sale fundraising efforts to support club activities - Promoted club during club fairs and school open houses, representing its values and goals to the school community and beyond ### Research Intern @ Intrinsyx Bio Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 | NASA Ames Research Center - Researched and created solutions for the phytoremediation project to remediate pollutants in soil, groundwater, and surface water - Created conference presentations for scientists and briefed managers of contaminated areas to promote project findings - Collaborated with a team of students to design a low-cost, reproducible random positioning machine (microgravity simulator), tackling the problem of traditional, expensive RPMs ### Recovery Team Lead @ Valley Christian High School Rocketry Program Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 - Built model rocket that flew 1500 feet at the Tripoli Rocketry Association launch site - Built dual-deployment rocket that flew 2700 feet - Designed flight vehicle recovery plan - Verified safe procedure of flight vehicle part recovery ### Vice President @ Valley Christian High School Makers Club Jan 2018 – Jan 2019 - Collaborated with club officers to create STEM learning projects for students - Helped students with their own STEM projects that were presented at the annual Bay Area Maker Faire - Presented projects at the Bay Area Maker Faire ### Chief Design Officer @ Silicube Co. Jan 2018 – Jan 2018 - Created startup company to sell the Silicube product - Prototyped product from CAD models - Research product efficacy in diverse environments - Conducted market research to gauge product appeal - Created pitch deck and presented in front of judges at regional and national competitions - Designed logo and directed/edited promotional videos ## Education ### MS Space Systems Engineering The Johns Hopkins University ### BS Aerospace Engineering (Focus: Astronautics) + Computer Science Minor Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ### High School Diploma Valley Christian Schools (San Jose) ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/rajsadafule --- Source: https://flows.cv/rajsadafule JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/rajsadafule/resume.json Last updated: 2026-03-29