Meet Giovanni Lenguito, a Principal Engineer based in Arlington, Va., who works on the electric propulsion system for the Arrow 450.  

Dr. Lenguito has worked at Airbus U.S. Space & Defense for nearly a year, and in space technologies for more than 15 years. 

His fascination with engines and machinery initially drew Dr. Lenguito to the aerospace field. But proliferation in space and the need for advanced propulsion technology that will allow people to travel throughout the Solar System is what drives him today. 

“We are at the tipping point to make Space more accessible and take full advantage of its dominant position,” he said. “Now is the most exciting time to work in the space industry.” 

Prior to coming to Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Dr. Lenguito worked at Maxar Technologies (Space Systems Loral), where he designed, developed, tested, and operated propulsion systems for LEO constellations, GEO Telecommunication, and Deep Space spacecraft. Before that, he developed bioengineered devices to study Type II Diabetes and worked in rock salt mining.  

When asked his advice to those starting their careers in the space industry, Dr. Lenguito recommends hanging in there through the ups and downs.  

“Give yourself time to sink your teeth in and absorb the vast knowledge that the field offers,” he said. “There are no shortcuts in engineering, and one must learn how to manage risks while still delivering a functional product.” 

Going forward, he looks forward to helping deploy hundreds of satellites in Low Earth Orbit.