Chad Franke

I was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona. As a desert kid I grew up under the shadow of the Catalina Mountains along with rattlesnakes, javelinas, cacti, and the relentless summer sun. As a young kid in Tucson I decided to become an engineer, and achieved that goal at the University of Arizona with dual degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace engineering. After graduation, I was offered an opportunity to hone my skills while building products that protect America and its Allies. At Raytheon Missile Systems I dedicated three years to manufacturing the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) and Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) systems. These missiles are the nation’s first line of defense against long-range ballistic missile attacks. Nothing compares to the challenge and reward that comes from building a world-class product with such a profoundly important mission. I feel lucky to have been a part of it.

Four years ago my fiancée, now wife, and I moved to the capitol city so she could pursue her Master’s as a Longhorn. Together, we have become barbeque connoisseurs, married, and started a family of our own. I have also engaged with the local maker community and have grown professionally by embracing leadership opportunities in my field.

Although nothing can compare to the majesty of the desert mountains backdropped by a Sonoran sunset, I am proud to call Austin my home now – with its friendly people, active downtown, and world class University – it is the perfect stage for this next phase in my life.