Literally Out of This World
I worked with people of all different backgrounds and experiences at PIA, and that helps me communicate better with my coworkers and teammates.
Chris Hofmann
Pittsburgh Campus, PA
Programs:
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT)
Employment:
Astra, Senior Manager of Launch Operations
If you wonder what kinds of jobs can be earned with an A&P license from PIA, you may not think of spaceships. But as former race car mechanic Chris Hofmann’s work at SpaceX and Astra proves, the possibilities for PIA grads are truly limitless.
Prior to his aeronautics career, Hofmann was a mechanic for National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and NASCAR vehicles. “My background in car racing and my time spent doing heavy aircraft maintenance as an A&P showed aerospace hiring managers that I understood technical drawings and documentation, and that I could work under pressure and deadlines.”
From 2013-15, Hofmann helped build the Merlin Vacuum engines for the Falcon 9 rocket at SpaceX. Today, Hoffman wears many hats at rocket startup Astra, including Sr. Manager of Launch Operations, Flight Director, and overseeing Spaceport development and Launch Licensing. His efforts help Astra maximize optimal performance conditions while keeping their entire team safe. “I worked with people of all different backgrounds and experiences at PIA, and that helps me communicate better with my coworkers and teammates,” says Hofmann.