Andrew Alexaitis

Experience

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  United States Air Force Academy

  Jun 2011 - May 2015

  United States Air Force Academy Cadet

  As a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy, I pursued a major in Aeronautical Engineering while taking on several leadership and instructional roles that shaped my academic and military experience. I was a member of the Aeronautical Engineering Student Council, where I collaborated with fellow cadets and faculty to drive curriculum improvements and promote academic excellence. My engineering coursework focused on aerospace principles, sharpening my problem-solving and technical skills in a disciplined environment.One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at the Academy was my role as a 94th Flying Training Squadron Soaring Instructor Pilot, where I logged over 50 flight hours across 200 sorties. I trained and mentored cadets in glider operations, ensuring the safety and development of future Air Force pilots. This hands-on experience honed my aviation skills and reinforced my ability to lead and instruct under pressure.I also completed the Academy’s prestigious Jump Program, earning my USAF “Jump Wings” after multiple successful skydives, which further solidified my proficiency in aviation and airborne operations.In addition to my aviation duties, I served as the Group Support Officer, where I supervised more than 1,000 cadets in group-level events. My responsibilities included planning, coordinating, and executing large-scale events, requiring effective leadership and time management to ensure mission success.Throughout my time at the Academy, I was committed to academic and military excellence, earning accolades for both. These experiences in aviation and leadership have provided me with a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and operational readiness, which continue to shape my military career. Show less

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  Air Force Research Laboratory

  May 2014 - Aug 2014

  Propulsion Engineering Intern

  As an intern at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), I gained hands-on experience in turbine cascade wind tunnel innovation. My focus was on improving the capabilities of the Turbine Cascade Wind Tunnel by designing and implementing a horizontal and vertical traverse mechanism into the cascade test section. This upgrade enabled more precise airflow measurements across turbine blade profiles, crucial for advanced aerospace propulsion systems.I collaborated with a team of engineers and technicians to ensure accurate alignment and calibration of the traverse system. This project significantly enhanced the tunnel’s data collection accuracy, allowing refined analysis of airfoil performance under various aerodynamic conditions.In addition to the turbine cascade project, I worked with key programming tools used for data acquisition and analysis, including MATLAB, TunnelVision, and LabVIEW. These tools helped automate instrumentation and streamline the wind tunnel’s operations, improving overall efficiency.I also contributed to the management of Information Technology (IT) systems within the Propulsion Directorate, ensuring the secure and efficient operation of computer systems vital to research and administration. This role included troubleshooting, configuring network devices, and supporting data storage and retrieval systems.Throughout the internship, I successfully managed complex engineering tasks while collaborating with a larger team. This experience shaped my technical and project management skills, reinforcing my knowledge in aerospace engineering, particularly in propulsion system innovation and testing. Show less

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  IFLY Indoor Skydiving

  Oct 2015 - Dec 2017

  In my dual role at iFLY Indoor Skydiving, I was responsible for driving sales growth, coordinating large-scale events, and leading educational STEM programs. This combination allowed me to support iFLY’s mission of delivering exceptional entertainment and education experiences. • Sales and Event Management: I coordinated corporate events, team-building activities, and private functions, ensuring smooth execution. By aligning sales initiatives with client needs, I contributed to a 20% increase in event bookings over two quarters, significantly boosting revenue. I collaborated with clients and internal teams to deliver high-quality events and exceptional customer experiences. • STEM Program Development: I inspired over 3,000 students by delivering engaging STEM programs that linked the physics of indoor skydiving with real-world STEM concepts. My presentations and hands-on activities provided an exciting learning experience for students while meeting curriculum standards. • IT and Operations: I managed technical setups, ensuring AV equipment and booking systems ran seamlessly for both events and educational programs. My efforts helped streamline operations, reducing lead times and improving efficiency. • Collaboration and Leadership: I partnered with educators and corporate clients to improve both event and educational offerings, implementing feedback to enhance program quality and customer satisfaction. I also mentored staff to meet iFLY’s high standards in event management and STEM education.By combining my skills in event management, sales, and education, I helped iFLY achieve business success while creating impactful learning experiences. Show less As an Indoor Skydiving Instructor at iFLY, I provided high-energy, safe, and educational flight experiences to thousands of individuals, school groups, and corporate teams. My primary responsibility was to ensure that each participant, regardless of skill level, had a thrilling yet secure indoor skydiving experience. I focused on teaching flight dynamics, body positioning, and essential safety protocols, tailoring instruction to both first-time flyers and more experienced participants.In addition to my instructional role, I was a member of Prana Vayu, a world-traveling Dynamic 4-Way indoor skydiving team. We competed internationally, showcasing our advanced body flight skills in dynamic formations and high-intensity routines. This experience allowed me to hone my skills to the highest level, pushing the limits of indoor skydiving performance.Key Responsibilities & Achievements: • Flight Instruction & Safety: Delivered hands-on instruction to clients of all ages and skill levels, ensuring a balance between safety and the thrill of flight. • Prana Vayu Team Member: Competed in international events as part of the Prana Vayu Dynamic 4-Way team, representing advanced flight techniques and body control at the highest level. • Course Development: Created specialized educational programs for school groups, combining fun with lessons on physics and flight mechanics. • Customer Satisfaction: Ensured top-tier customer experiences, leading to numerous return flyers and positive reviews from both corporate clients and individuals. • Team Collaboration: Coordinated with the operations team to maintain high safety standards while maximizing throughput during peak sessions.A video showcasing my body flight skills as part of the Prana Vayu team is attached to this experience, highlighting the advanced techniques we performed at international events. Show less

  • Sales, Events, and STEM Coordination Manager

    May 2016 - Dec 2017

  • Indoor Skydiving Bodyflight Instructor

    Oct 2015 - Dec 2017
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  US Navy

  Feb 2018 - Sept 2021

  Strike Fighter/ Advanced Jet Training

  I began my career in the Navy by completing Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, where I ranked #3 out of 68 in my company class, an achievement based on cumulative academic, physical fitness, and military performance scores. During OCS, I served as the INDOC Company Commander, leading an incoming class of over 80 personnel. This experience sharpened my leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities, which were critical in managing high-pressure situations.After OCS, I entered the Naval Aviator pipeline, starting with Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) in Pensacola, Florida. API laid the foundation for primary and advanced flight training. At NAS Whiting Field in Milton, Florida, I graduated in the top 10% of my class and earned a Commendation for Outstanding Academic Achievement from the Commander of Training Air Wing FIVE, with an overall grade of 98%.Next, at NAS Kingsville, Texas, I trained in the T-45 Goshawk, focusing on carrier operations. I developed expertise in advanced tactical air operations, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground precision strikes, and carrier landing qualifications—critical skills for naval aviators. This training reinforced my ability to perform effectively under pressure.For my exceptional performance, I received a formal U.S. Navy Letter of Commendation for my work as Weapons Detachment Staff for Training Air Wing TWO, recognizing my ability to excel in demanding environments and my tactical proficiency.I also completed SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training, which tested my mental and physical resilience in simulated hostile environments. The skills I gained in adaptability, endurance, and decision-making under duress have been vital in maintaining focus during high-stakes situations. Show less

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  DiamondTouch, Inc. dba Granbury Solutions

  Apr 2022 - Mar 2023

  Manager, Customer Success

  As a Customer Success Manager at Granbury Solutions, I managed a portfolio of 500+ customer accounts, ensuring clients met their business goals by optimizing our software. My role focused on driving satisfaction, retention, and revenue growth through strategic upsell and cross-sell initiatives, contributing to a 30% revenue increase during each of the quarters for which I was present within the company. I leveraged relationship management, process improvement, and data-driven insights to achieve these outcomes.Collaborating with Marketing and Sales, I implemented lead generation and upsell strategies, expanding the sales pipeline and enhancing customer engagement. I also led the development of a streamlined onboarding process, reducing onboarding time by 25%, increasing early-stage satisfaction, and reducing drop-offs.Key Responsibilities and Achievements: • Customer Relationship Management: Served as the primary contact, offering support and guidance to maximize solution value. • Revenue Growth: Led upsell and cross-sell campaigns, contributing to a 30% quarterly revenue increase by aligning solutions with client needs. • Customer Retention: Spearheaded a retention campaign that reduced churn rates, boosted loyalty, and extended customer lifecycles. • Process Improvement: Created a customer relations calendar to streamline team activities, boosting productivity and engagement. • Collaboration with Marketing: Partnered with Marketing to drive lead generation and upsell initiatives, growing the sales pipeline and customer lifetime value. • Onboarding & Success: Optimized onboarding, reducing the timeline by 25%, enhancing satisfaction, and speeding up time-to-value. • Data-Driven Insights: Leveraged analytics and feedback to shape retention strategies, resulting in more personalized solutions.I was committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences while aligning services with client needs to ensure mutual success. Show less

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  Sea Axe- Axe Throwing

  Jan 2023 - now

  Product & Systems Engineer – Operations Manager

  Lead innovation and technical operations at a hybrid entertainment-engineering company focused on mobile and on-site axe/knife throwing experiences. Manage product development, customer experience, and event logistics while driving business growth.Key Contributions: • Designed and implemented modular, projection-integrated target systems enabling interactive gameplay for mobile and venue-based events. • Directed daily operations, IT setup, and field deployment for corporate bookings, city events, and large private functions (up to 80 attendees). • Provided direct instruction to thousands of participants, ensuring safety, engagement, and return business. • Spearheaded marketing campaigns and CRM strategy, increasing corporate bookings by 30% in six months. • Managed infrastructure, including network configuration, hardware setup, and technical troubleshooting to maintain event reliability. Show less

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  SpaceX

  Apr 2023 - Oct 2023

  RF Systems Engineer/Level 1 (Starlink)

  As an RF Systems Engineer at SpaceX, I contributed to the design, simulation, and modeling of communication systems for Starlink, the world’s largest satellite constellation, providing fast and reliable internet to over 2 million users worldwide. I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team of RF engineers, system architects, antenna engineers, modem/DSP, and ASIC engineers to define and optimize the architecture of terrestrial and orbital communication systems.My primary responsibilities included simulating and analyzing system performance, deriving top-level specifications for RF links, and assessing the feasibility of various designs. I collaborated with regulatory teams to support certification efforts, ensuring compliance with governmental and industry standards.This role required proficiency in MATLAB, Python, and C++ for system modeling and performance analysis. I also leveraged my expertise in RF systems to work with passive and active components, understanding digital communication systems and RF transceiver architectures.Key Achievements: • Contributed to the architecture definition of next-generation RF links. • Modeled and optimized communication systems for improved efficiency and performance. • Played a pivotal role in the system performance analysis, driving enhanced satellite and ground communication capabilities.Through my work at SpaceX, I was part of a team actively pushing the boundaries of RF communication technology, working towards SpaceX’s long-term goal of enabling human life on Mars. Show less