Alexander Cagnola

Alexander Cagnola currently serves as the Propulsion Test IPT Lead and Test and Launch Operations Engineer at Firefly Aerospace since November 2022, focusing on executing test and launch plans, optimizing operations, and developing automated scripts. Previously, Cagnola worked at NASA from September 2018 to November 2022 in various roles, including Test Integration Lead for aerospace flight systems, where responsibilities included overseeing test requirements and managing multi-disciplinary professionals. Other roles at NASA involved serving as a Materials Engineer for Thermal Protection Systems and as an Aerospace Engineer for liquid propulsion systems. Prior to NASA, Cagnola held the position of MEP Engineer at The Brandt Companies, leading development and design projects, and worked as a Design Engineer for GHD, focusing on hazardous protection systems and public infrastructure. Cagnola holds a Master of Science in Energy Resources Engineering from UNSW and a Bachelor of Science in Biological/Biosystems Engineering from Louisiana State University, alongside ongoing education at MIT xPRO.