Tristan Maneja

Chief Technology Officer

Tristan Maneja is a highly accomplished technology and engineering leader with extensive expertise in aerospace systems, product development, systems engineering, and technical program management. Over nearly three decades of professional experience, Tristan has successfully driven critical engineering initiatives, from leading complex space propulsion programs to developing innovative solutions for spacecraft mechanisms. His disciplined, systems-thinking approach and commitment to engineering excellence have consistently delivered significant advancements in aerospace technology and product reliability.

Academic Credentials:

• B.S., Mechanical Engineering, City College of New York

• Professional Certificate in Architecture and Systems Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Professional Experience:

• Blue Origin – Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead & Interim Lead Systems Engineer
  Provided technical leadership for the BE-3PM engine program supporting the New Shepard human spaceflight vehicle. Established robust Systems Engineering frameworks, optimized engineering workflows, and implemented incremental upgrades, significantly accelerating return-to-flight schedules and enhancing overall program reliability.

• Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense Company – Senior Development Engineer & NEA Mechanisms Product Development Lead
  Directed advanced engineering programs, including launch vehicle release mechanisms, missile termination systems, and ordnance initiation systems. Led the redesign and successful deployment of the James Webb Space Telescope release mechanisms, overseeing critical single-point failure solutions that flawlessly executed in space. Established Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices, significantly improving system reliability, manufacturability, and compliance management.

• Amphenol Corporation – R&D Engineer
  Designed and developed ruggedized fiber optic products, expanding sales through targeted innovation in military-grade tactical cable technology. Established ISO-9000 compliant quality systems, implemented advanced product lifecycle databases, and streamlined product development workflows.

• Federal Mogul Corporation – Manufacturing Project Engineer
  Delivered lean manufacturing initiatives, optimizing processes, and significantly reducing machine downtime, scrap rates, and rework through targeted capital improvements and equipment redesigns.

• Pirelli Cables & Systems – Development Engineer
  Led fiber optic cable development projects, optimizing production processes that resulted in substantial throughput and quality improvements.

• Phelps Dodge Industries – Quality Assurance / Process Engineer
  Managed quality systems, process improvement initiatives, and implemented cellular manufacturing across multiple facilities, significantly enhancing production efficiency and reducing scrap and rework.

Technical & Leadership Highlights:

• Expert in systems engineering, verification & validation, risk management, and technical integration across aerospace propulsion and spacecraft mechanisms.

• Successfully managed complex engineering programs with multinational coordination, rigorous quality standards, and critical schedule adherence.

• Proven leader in capital equipment procurement, installation, commissioning, and lifecycle management, resulting in measurable improvements in production efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.

• Established mentor and advocate for team empowerment, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

Tristan Maneja continues to leverage his deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and systems engineering acumen to drive Sentinel Space Systems’ technological advancements, ensuring robust, innovative solutions that enable mission success in the most challenging aerospace environments.