Who is Matt Askins from Jeopardy? Aerospace Engineer’s Age, Job, Family & More

Matthew Askins is a highly skilled aerospace engineer based in Chandler, Arizona, currently serving as a Principal Engineer in Guidance, Navigation, and Control at Northrop Grumman. He holds both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Arizona State University (ASU), where he also focused on astronautics. His academic career at ASU was distinguished by his involvement in leadership roles and his impressive honors, including being named a National Merit Scholar and making the Dean’s List. Matthew’s strong academic foundation provided him with the tools needed to tackle the complex challenges of aerospace engineering.

At ASU, Matthew’s involvement in university activities helped to shape his leadership skills. He actively participated in societies such as Tau Beta Pi and Devils’ Advocates, and served in leadership positions, including as a Residential Peer Mentor and Undergraduate Teaching Assistant. These experiences enhanced his ability to manage projects, collaborate with teams, and communicate complex technical concepts, skills that have undoubtedly supported his successful career in aerospace engineering.

Professional Role at Northrop Grumman

Since joining Northrop Grumman in December 2018, Matthew has worked as a Principal Engineer in the company’s Guidance, Navigation, and Control division. In this role, he is responsible for developing 3D-of-degree (3DOF) trajectories to meet specific orbital parameters, utilizing MATLAB and Python for analysis. He also conducts stress testing on mission designs to ensure that they meet rigorous constraints and requirements. His expertise extends to flight simulation using 6DOF models, flight hardware testing, and programming with C++ code, making him a key player in the design and execution of aerospace missions.

Matthew’s role also involves supporting launch activities, ensuring that mission designs align with launch conditions and can be successfully executed in real-world scenarios. His work is instrumental in ensuring that the vehicles and technologies designed by Northrop Grumman are prepared for the challenges of space exploration. With his strong technical foundation and hands-on experience, Matthew contributes to critical mission designs that could shape the future of space travel.

Early Career and Hands-On Experience

Before his time at Northrop Grumman, Matthew gained valuable hands-on experience during his time as a Research Aide at the Mars Space Flight Facility at ASU. In this role, he contributed to research in space exploration, gaining exposure to the practical applications of aerospace engineering. He further expanded his skill set during an internship with Orbital ATK in systems engineering, where he worked on vehicle simulation and flight design, gaining a well-rounded perspective on both the theoretical and practical aspects of aerospace technology.

These early roles helped Matthew refine his engineering skills, setting the stage for his current position at Northrop Grumman. His career trajectory reflects a balanced combination of research, development, and leadership, all crucial to his current success as a Principal Engineer in a cutting-edge aerospace company.

Leadership and Public Speaking Skills

In addition to his technical prowess, Matthew developed valuable leadership and public speaking skills during his time at ASU. His involvement in the Sun Devil Marching Band allowed him to hone his teamwork, time management, and event planning abilities. These experiences not only contributed to his personal development but also influenced his approach to managing engineering projects, where effective communication and leadership are key to success.

Matthew’s well-rounded skill set is evident in his career achievements, which reflect both his technical expertise and his ability to lead teams and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. His work ethic and leadership capabilities, combined with his academic background, have allowed him to excel in the highly competitive field of aerospace engineering.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Space Exploration

Matthew Askins is a distinguished aerospace engineer with a passion for advancing space exploration. His academic background, professional experience at Northrop Grumman, and leadership skills have made him a vital asset in the field of aerospace engineering. Matthew’s work in designing and testing aerospace systems, combined with his dedication to mission success, continues to contribute to the future of space travel. His story is one of perseverance, technical excellence, and leadership, making him an inspiring figure in the ever-evolving world of aerospace technology.