Andrew Chong ‘22
Mechanical Engineer
How did you get your role at LTA?
An opening for a 3D printing technician was posted through the Co-op and Placement Office. It was advertised as a part-time role which was perfect for my academic and career experience goals. 3D printing was a hobby of mine, so being able to gain industry experience while doing what I loved. I decided to go for a full-time position as a mechanical engineer because the energy and pace is unlike anywhere else I've worked.
What do you do, exactly?
I design flight hardware for both Pathfinder 1 and Pathfinder 3 airships but I also work on innovating some of our additive manufacturing infrastructure as needed.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I am given the freedom to be as creative and innovative as I want when designing. There are little to no limitations to what can be done when you work on a team with experienced engineers.
What did you learn at UA that you utilize in your role?
An engineer is more than just a smart person behind a computer screen. Engineering is an incredibly social discipline. In the real world you need to have a sharp mind, but you also need the social skills to communicate and sell your thoughts and ideas.
What is your best memory from UA?
Taking Calculus II with Dr. Lance Nelson. Although the course was tough, he found a way to make it a stimulating and interactive experience.
Amy Gravenstein ‘22
Chemical Engineer
How did you get your role at LTA?
I was referred by another chemical engineering student at UA. At the time, LTA's Akron location had a small group of student researchers. I was excited to work with other engineering students and see the Akron location grow into what it is today.
What do you do, exactly?
I work on the hydrogen systems team and do a lot of R&D as we explore transitioning to hydrogen powered systems on the airships.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy working on sustainable energy solutions at LTA. I think green hydrogen propulsion systems have a lot of potential in applications such as airships which call for weight minimization.
What did you learn at UA that you utilize in your role?
You learn about heat transfer, fluid and thermal operations, system controls and safety in your chemical engineering classes, which are very relevant to my job.
What is your best memory from UA?
Graduation with all my engineering friends! It was a nostalgic day but also felt very rewarding to see how all our hard work paid off.
Scott Eastbourn ‘10
Lead Mechanical Engineer
How did you get your role at LTA?
My wife and I grew up in Northeast Ohio but moved to California where I worked for Virgin Galactic for 10 years. We wanted to return to Ohio and I came across LTA during my search. It seemed like a really interesting aerospace company right here in Akron. Simultaneously, I had reached out to Deanna Dunn in the Co-op and Placement Office and asked if she was aware of any opportunities in the area that may be a good fit for my background. It just so happened she had been in talks with LTA the day prior, so she put me in touch with them. Pretty cool how it all came together!
What do you do, exactly?
I have only been with LTA for a short while. Much of that time has been focused on learning about the various subsystems and components of the Pathfinder 3 airship, the technical challenges to be overcome, and the lessons learned from the Pathfinder 1 airship in California.
What is your favorite part of your job?
It is exciting to be working at a historic location in Akron. I passed the airdock many times growing up but it never occurred to me that I would be working there someday! Working on a Mach 3 human spaceship at my last job was definitely a great opportunity, but I'm genuinely excited to be working on a machine of the magnitude that is the Pathfinder 3 airship. Being able to get involved with LTA this early in the life of Pathfinder 3, working for a company that has such a great culture, and helping build the aerospace sector in Northeast Ohio are all reasons I am loving this new job. Also, the people here at LTA are just fantastic. I have been so impressed by the knowledge of the team here and I have really enjoyed getting to know them.
What did you learn at UA that you utilize in your role?
The technical skills that I learned at UA are required in my current job, but an even more impactful skill I obtained at UA was how to learn. A degree does not teach you everything you need to function in an engineering role. It is important to be skilled at learning new concepts quickly when you arrive at a new job. My time at UA molded the logical, problem solving, and critical thinking mindset I currently have and continue to rely on.
What is your best memory from UA?
It is pretty tough to top graduation day. Being there with my group of friends and realizing we had made it through such a challenge was very rewarding. We spent so many hours working together and supporting each other to get through the program, so being able to celebrate our accomplishment on that day was something I will always remember.
Luke Held ‘19
Engineering Manager
How did you get your role at LTA?
I started at LTA as an intern in 2017. I was invited by my professor to join a small team tasked with building small-scale "baby airships". We went on to build —not just one—but two baby airships. Eventually I became more involved with the development of LTA's full-scale airships.
What do you do, exactly?
I oversee 13 engineers and interns. I make sure my team has the resources they need to succeed in their roles. I also manage the development of airship systems, parts, and assemblies and am responsible for managing 3D printing at the LTA Akron site.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy helping my team members grow. It is exciting to see people passionately work toward the completion of a project and succeed with flying colors. LTA fosters a spirit of creativity that brings me a lot of satisfaction. I also enjoy managing the LTA print farm, which allows us to rapid prototype thousands of parts per month for airship builds.
What did you learn at UA that you utilize in your role?
At UA, I was a part of the Zips Aero Design team where I learned how to lead a team and help others reach their greatest potential. I also learned how to identify critical-path obstacles that hold back success in any engineering project.
What is your best memory from UA?
My favorite memory is of my first Aero Design Team competition. We traveled to California to compete internationally and walked away with several first-place awards!
Ariel Snyder ‘22
Hangar Technician
How did you get your role at LTA?
I was searching for jobs in the field of research and development in the local area and found LTA. The idea of working in a field with so many ties to Akron’s history was really appealing. I also love that the company is focused on sustainability, humanitarian relief, and contributing to a better future.
What do you do, exactly?
Before we begin building an entire airship, we start by building test sections. These sections help us try out new materials and construction methods that we may eventually use on the airship itself. As a hangar technician, all of my work pertains to the building of these sections, including preparation, inventory, the build itself, and research and design.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Working with my hands and using my technical skills, as well as troubleshooting when improvements need to be made. I also love that LTA’s education stipend is helping me pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology.
What did you learn at UA that you utilize in your role?
Learning how to troubleshoot in my labs has been essential. When something goes wrong, you need to be able to think quickly and creatively to come up with a solution that works.
What is your best memory from UA?
Due to COVID, I didn’t get to walk across the stage to get my diploma. But when I eventually received it, the moment was so gratifying.