Michael Grant

CTO @ 1872

United States

About

I’m a builder who enjoys working on software and hardware that has real-world consequences. At SpaceX, I worked on distributed flight software and engineering infrastructure supporting Starship, including core systems used to configure, test, and fly the vehicle. In addition to writing vehicle control software, I spent a lot of time on internal tooling to significantly accelerate the pace of development, testing, and simulation. I’m now taking that mindset into manufacturing, robotics, and large steel fabrication, with a focus on software that enables fully automated planning and execution. I’m especially interested in agentic workflows and tools that meaningfully increase engineering leverage rather than adding abstraction for its own sake. I value clarity, ownership, and building things that actually ship. I love working with and learning from excellent people!

Experience

  • CTO at 1872 AI
    Dec 2025 - Present · 7 mos

  • SpaceX (Los Angeles, California, United States)
    • Sr. Flight Software Engineer - Starship
      May 2021 - Dec 2025 · 4 yrs 8 mos

      Built distributed software systems to test and fly the world's most powerful rocket.

    • Sr. Vehicle Software Automation Engineer
      Mar 2020 - May 2021 · 1 yr 3 mos

      Full stack software engineering with a focus on reliably automating engineering tools and processes for all SpaceX launch vehicles and spacecraft.

    • Vehicle Software Automation Engineer
      Aug 2018 - Mar 2020 · 1 yr 8 mos

  • GE Aviation (4 yrs 7 mos)
    • Lead Data Systems Software Engineer
      May 2016 - Dec 2016 · 8 mos

      Develop and maintain suite of software tools to facilitate jet engine data processing and monitoring.

    • Data Systems Software Engineer
      Aug 2014 - May 2016 · 1 yr 10 mos

      System owner, architect and developer of site-wide jet engine data processing and distribution systems written in Python. Led transition from monolithic system architecture to service oriented - facilitating sustainable development of new applications. Increased system reliability and transparency, while greatly reducing the system's overall learning curve.

    • Operations Management Leadership Program (OMLP)
      Jun 2012 - Jul 2014 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      OMLP is a two-year program consisting of four six-month rotations that allow members to build leadership and functional skills through challenging rotational assignments and world-class training. Typical rotations include one or more of the following: Manufacturing Shop Operations Supervisor (leading a manufacturing team in the production of products), Sourcing/Materials (supervising suppliers to improve product quality and negotiate price) and Technical (Lean Leader/ Manufacturing Engineering/Quality/Process Engineering) (improving efficiency of supply chain management through LEAN/cost reduction). 4th Rotation - Materials/ERP Engineer - Butte, MT (January 2014 - July 2014) 3rd Rotation - Supply Chain Strategy - Cincinnati, OH (July 2013 - January 2014) 2nd Rotation - Production Supervisor - Rutland, VT (January 2013 - July 2013) 1st Rotation - Product Quality Engineer - Madisonville, KY (July 2012 - January 2013)

  • Engineering Intern at GE Aviation
    Jul 2009 - Jan 2012 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    Project Engineering: Automated manual tasks and performed data analysis using the Visual Basic programming language. (July 2009 - January 2010) Test Engineering: Applied lean manufacturing principles to numerous projects supporting jet engine testing. (July 2010 - January 2011) Flight Test Engineering: Authored test engine installation instruction documents for the first GEnx flight test engine. (July 2011 - January 2012)

  • Resident Assistant at Northeastern University
    Aug 2010 - Jun 2011 · 11 mos

    Managed a Computer Science living-learning community of 47 students