Alan Louie is a Senior Project Team Lead and Technical Project Engineer at Blue Origin, a private space exploration company. He is responsible for managing product lines, particularly working on the design, build, and testing of rocket turbo pumps. Louie's expertise lies in supporting the development of advanced rocket propulsion systems, with a particular focus on the second-stage engine of Blue Origin's new rockets. His work plays a vital role in enabling the company's mission to build a road to space and facilitate human exploration beyond Earth.
As part of Blue Origin, Alan's work is integral to human space exploration, specifically in the development of the rocket turbopumps that power the engines. His contributions to product design, development, and testing are crucial for the successful launch of spacecraft, as Blue Origin works towards making space more accessible.
Alan chose to pursue a graduate degree in the Masters in Engineering Management program because he wanted a challenge that would support his future career path. As he neared the end of his time working as an engineer for the Navy in 2021, he knew he wanted to transition into a more technical and leadership-oriented role. He saw the graduate program as a way to refine his skills. The opportunity to balance the technical and managerial aspects of engineering was particularly appealing.
The decision to pursue the program was also influenced by Tom Edwards, Ph.D, the mentor and creator of this program, who sold Alan on the value of program management and staying close to the technical aspects of engineering. One of the key lessons Alan took from Tom was the importance of trust in leadership: "Without trust, you can't build anything." This insight became a foundation for his leadership approach, along with the three pillars of leadership: Availability, Integrity, and Benevolence (AIB). Alan credits his growth as a leader to the guidance he received during the graduate program. These lessons have shaped his approach as a leader at Blue Origin, where trust and empathy are central to fostering collaboration and success.
In 2022, Alan made a personal resolution to avoid complacency and keep pushing forward. His advice for others is to "grow to be comfortable with the uncomfortable” and embrace challenges and step outside of your own comfort zone. Despite the challenges of managing both work and school, Alan found the graduate program enjoyable, aligning well with his personal and professional goals. He acknowledges that no one enjoys writing papers or essays, but the degree helped him sharpen his skills and provided valuable knowledge that complemented his career trajectory.
Alan Louie's journey reflects a commitment to excellence, continuous learning, and a dedication to building trust and leadership skills. Alan’s path serves as an inspiration for those looking to challenge themselves and make a meaningful impact in the technical and leadership realms.