Austin Phoenix

Austin Phoenix

Interim Assistant Director, Mission Systems Division  Hypersonic's, Smart Structures, Space 

Austin Phoenix is an Interim Assistant Director in the Mission Systems Division Hypersonic's, Smart Structures and Space field at the National Security Institute. His research interests include multifunctional structures, adaptive structures, advanced thermal management, structural dynamics, spacecraft design, and first-order analysis of complex systems.

Before joining Virginia Tech, he was employed for three years by Booz Allen, supporting the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), working as both a science advisor to the director and deputy director of TTO and as a Subject Matter Expert in TTO, DSO, and MTO working to develop and support multiple programs. Previously, Austin was a Research Scientist working at the Naval Research Lab for nine years, supporting numerous satellite development programs and performing research on precision satellite structures, advanced satellite thermal control, morphing hypersonics, advanced UAVs, and underwater propulsion.

Austin Phoenix holds a Ph.D. and BS in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2016 and 2010.