A Space Talent Spotlight Series Interview with Daniel Meinzer, Head of RF at Northwood, former RF Engineering Manager at SpaceX with experience on Starship, Crew Dragon, and more.
What is your background?
My journey into engineering and space technology is rooted in a lifelong fascination with the unknown. As a child, I was captivated by the idea of space as the final frontier, a concept that was solidified when I had the chance to meet an astronaut in elementary school. I still have his autograph, and it serves as a reminder of what can be achieved. While I couldn’t work on space stuff at a young age, I spent a significant amount of time on game development and programming. This creative curiosity carried with me into high school, where I began experimenting with hobby electronics. I was that kid who learned programming in BASIC, not because I had to, but because it was fun.
When I arrived at the University of Michigan, I was determined to dive deeper into engineering. I knew that Michigan had a strong tradition of student-led engineering projects, and I quickly sought out those opportunities. I joined a student group focused on aerospace engineering and soon found myself building spacecraft hardware—an experience that was both challenging and exhilarating. Back then, CubeSats were not quite as accessible as they are today; we had to design and construct most subsystems ourselves, which meant spending countless hours in the lab, soldering boards, and troubleshooting designs. This hands-on experience, entirely outside the classroom and without any academic credit, was instrumental in shaping my path. It was in these moments, working alongside my peers to solve real-world problems, that my passion for space and engineering solidified.
After my master studies, I had the opportunity to join SpaceX and contribute to some of the most ambitious projects in modern space exploration. Starting in hardware development, I joined the RF team at a pivotal moment as we transitioned from procuring to building our own in-house technologies. This hands-on work allowed me to grow with the team, tackling challenges head-on as we developed cutting-edge communications systems for various missions. My role evolved from an individual contributor to a leadership position, where I managed multiple teams across hardware, FPGA, DSP, and RF systems. The breadth of experience I gained at SpaceX—from deep technical problem-solving to managing complex projects—has been invaluable, shaping my approach to engineering and leadership.
After 11 years at SpaceX, I felt it was time for a new challenge. I wanted to experience the dynamics of a new company, with an agile and talented team, so I made the decision to transition to Northwood. At Northwood, I’m leading the RF efforts to build next-generation ground stations as a service, improving the data infrastructure for the rapidly expanding satellite industry. It’s an exciting time for the team, with new hardware coming in and new company culture being created every day.
Here were my top lessons learned from my career so far:
What have been your top career accomplishments so far?
Throughout my career, there have been several key decisions that have propelled me forward. The first critical step was during my time at the University of Michigan, where I made a conscious choice to immerse myself in extracurricular engineering projects. These weren’t just hobbies; they were real-world applications of the theories I was learning in the classroom. By dedicating my time to these projects, I gained practical experience that set me apart from my peers and gave me a deeper understanding of engineering principles.
In the professional world, the choice to prioritize learning and growth over other factors has been a consistent driver of my career progression. I’ve always sought out roles and projects that challenged me and allowed me to develop new skills. For instance, after my first internship at SpaceX, I realized that while it was a valuable experience, it didn’t give me the same freedom as working on research projects in school. The next summer I spent working on satellite hardware on Michigan, which I felt I could learn from even more - before returning to interview at SpaceX for a full time role after graduation. Every significant career move I’ve made has been guided by a desire to grow and learn.
What were the critical steps/choices that helped you get ahead?
The most impactful part of my education was not found in lectures or textbooks, but in the hands-on experience I gained through student projects. At Michigan, I was fortunate to be part of a community where students were encouraged to take on ambitious engineering challenges outside the classroom. Professor James W. Cutler’s Michigan Exploration Lab allowed me to build spacecraft hardware by hand - and gain experience you can’t fully grasp from theory alone—it required practical application, collaboration, and a lot of trial and error.
These projects taught me how to think like an engineer, to approach problems systematically, and to innovate when standard solutions weren’t available. I spent countless hours working on these projects, often during weekends or school breaks, because I was driven by a genuine interest in what we were doing. It wasn’t just about learning the technical skills; it was about developing the mindset to tackle complex unknowns.
Where do you see the most promising career opportunities in the future?
The future of career opportunities, especially in the tech and space sectors, lies in solving the complex problems that are critical to the advancement of any industry. For instance, my current focus is on improving data infrastructure for satellites—a field that is becoming increasingly important as we rely more on satellite technology. The need for robust, reliable communication back to Earth is growing, and the solutions we develop now will have a lasting impact.
What advice/resources would you share with the next generation?
For the next generation of engineers and builders, my advice is to immerse yourself in communities of passionate individuals. The value of being part of a community where people are genuinely excited about what they’re doing cannot be overstated. Whether it’s joining a student group, internet community, or engaging with professional networks, surround yourself with people who are driven by curiosity and innovation. These are the environments where you’ll learn the most and grow the fastest.
In terms of resources, while the specific tools and platforms may evolve over time, the underlying principle remains the same: seek out opportunities to collaborate, experiment, and push your boundaries. The communities you engage with will shape your perspective and provide you with the support and inspiration needed to tackle even the most challenging problems.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Don’t let yourself get jaded or resentful. When you buckle down, make a commitment to yourself that you are willing to accept the chance of a negative outcome from your investment - otherwise don’t do it. Once negativity sets in, it can be difficult to recover, so it’s essential to stay mindful of your emotional and mental well-being. Remember, the people you work with today have a very high chance of being your future collaborators, so maintaining good relationships and a healthy mindset is critical for a sustainable and fulfilling career.
