Sanjeev Sharma, an alumnus of IIT Roorkee, has become a source of inspiration for many as his LinkedIn profile goes viral. Beginning his career with the Indian Railways, he has now reached impressive heights by working for Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Career Beginnings with Indian Railways
After graduating from IIT Roorkee, Sharma took on the role of Divisional Mechanical Engineer with Indian Railways, where he dedicated four years of his life. In 1994, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Mechanical Engineer and continued his journey for over 11 years before moving on.
Pursuing Higher Education
In 2002, Sharma decided to expand his knowledge by enrolling in a one-year Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Upon earning his degree in 2003, he began working at Seagate Technology as a Staff Mechanical Engineer. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a Senior Mechanical Engineer in 2008, and spent five fruitful years at the company.
Multifaceted Skills and Experience
While at Seagate, Sharma also earned an MS in Management of Technology from the University of Minnesota in 2008, showcasing his commitment to broadening his skill set.
SpaceX: A New Frontier
Sharma’s journey took a significant turn when he joined SpaceX as a Dynamics Engineer. In this role, he led efforts in structural dynamics and collaborated with various teams in aerodynamics, GNC (Guidance, Navigation, and Control), propulsion, and thermal engineering. He played a crucial part in the recovery and reusability efforts of the Falcon 9 first-stage booster.
Leadership at Matternet
In 2018, he transitioned to Matternet Inc., a pioneer in commercial drone delivery systems. At Matternet, Sharma initially led vehicle engineering and later took charge of the technology division, holding this position for over two years.
Returning to SpaceX
In 2022, Sharma made his return to SpaceX, assuming the role of Principal Engineer for Starship Dynamics, where he continues to innovate in Hawthorne, California.
Inspiring Others in the Industry
In the “About” section of his LinkedIn profile, Sharma describes himself as an experienced Head of Engineering with a strong background in the aviation and aerospace industry. He highlights his skills in leading diverse hardware teams and expertise in electro-mechanical systems design across various domains, including railroads, computer hard disk drives, reusable rockets, and unmanned aerial vehicles. He considers himself a hands-on leader capable of building teams from the ground up.
Sharma’s impressive career trajectory serves as a testament to the potential of engineering professionals and their capacity to make significant impacts across industries.
