John Sweetser

I grew up in Loveland, Colorado, in a family of engineers, so problem-solving and figuring out how things work were part of everyday life. I was also heavily involved in sports and competed nationally and internationally in snowboard cross as a member of the Steamboat Springs Snowboard Team. Those experiences taught me discipline, resilience, and how to perform under pressure.

I attended Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat Springs before earning both my bachelor's and master's degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2012. After graduation, I began my career at Sandia National Laboratories, where I worked on modeling and simulation projects supporting national security missions. From there, I moved to Lockheed Martin and spent several years focused on space vehicle design. Later, I joined Sierra Space, where I eventually became Chief Engineer. Today, I work as a Mission Architect, helping develop and guide complex aerospace systems and missions.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, programming, and ice racing. I also volunteer in education, support my local volunteer fire department, and participate in sustainability-focused activities. I'm passionate about engineering because it allows me to tackle difficult challenges, work with talented teams, and contribute to projects that can make a meaningful impact. As I prepare to become a father, I'm also focused on building a life that balances professional achievement with family, service, and continuous learning.