Paul Gradl

Senior propulsion engineer and subject matter expert at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

Paul Gradl is a senior propulsion engineer and subject matter expert at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Gradl serves as a principal investigator, leading several projects across NASA for additive manufacturing of liquid rocket engine combustion devices and supporting a variety of development and flight programs over the last 18 years. He authored and co-authored over 75 journal articles and conference papers; holds four patents; and regularly teaches courses in additive manufacturing for spaceflight. Gradl is the recipient of numerous NASA and industry awards, including two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals, NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Research and Technology, and a NASA Space Flight Honoree to name a few. Mr. Gradl is an associate fellow of American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, active in STEM engagement, serves on several committees across industry, and chairs various sessions at leading conferences on additive manufacturing. Mr. Gradl is currently authoring and editing a NASA textbook titled “Metal Additive Manufacturing for Propulsion Applications.” Paul Gradl was named one of “The Most Influential Personalities of Additive Manufacturing in 2020” and most recently, the recipient of “Engineer of the Year” by AIAA in February 2022.