Austin Phoenix

Director, Mission Systems Division

Hume Center
1311 Research Center Drive
Office Number 2019
Blacksburg, VA 24061
United States

Austin Phoenix

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

Austin Phoenix is the Director of the Mission Systems Division and an Associate Research Professor supporting the Hypersonics, Smart Structures, and Space portfolio 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.