SUNY Morrisville graduate Thomas Knapp is helping build the technology behind one of the world’s most innovative aerospace companies.
As a manufacturing engineer and tool-and-die machinist at SpaceX in Bastrop, Texas, Knapp produces precision components used in rockets, spacecraft and the company’s Starlink satellite network. While much of his work is confidential, Knapp is proud to contribute to innovations in space exploration and global connectivity.
SpaceX is a leading aerospace company known for its reusable rockets and spacecraft, including Dragon, which delivers cargo and supplies to the International Space Station for NASA.
The journey to SpaceX began at SUNY Morrisville, where Knapp earned a degree in mechanical engineering technology in 2019. There, he developed a strong foundation in machining and applied engineering principles that would prepare him for a career in high-precision industries.
Knapp’s interest in engineering and manufacturing started long before college. Raised in Walworth, New York, a rural community outside Rochester, he grew up on a hay farm and spent time around his father’s welding and fabrication business.
When it came time to choose a college, SUNY Morrisville stood out for several reasons.
“Morrisville a great choice for me because they had a great mechanical engineering technology program, a good lacrosse team, and the location was perfect — close to home and family,” Knapp said.
Those experiences provided the foundation for the career he has built since graduation.
“SUNY Morrisville was great for my early development because it rolled out a solid foundation and fundamentals of engineering and machining,” Knapp said.
Beyond the classroom, Knapp was a midfielder on the SUNY Morrisville men’s lacrosse team, where he developed leadership, discipline and teamwork skills that continue to influence his professional career.
“It’s been an incredible career working my way up to this,” Knapp said.
After graduating, he built a strong foundation in the manufacturing industry. One of his first major accomplishments was earning his Journeyman Toolmaker papers in New York after completing an apprenticeship. He went on to work for Harbec Inc., and Syntec Optics, gaining experience in advanced manufacturing and precision machining. Along the way, he became proficient in five-axis CNC machining, CAD/CAM software including Mastercam, SolidWorks and Siemens NX, as well as Mitsubishi wire EDM and surface grinding.
Knapp believes the manufacturing and machining industries offer major opportunities for the next generation.
“There are huge opportunities available in my career path,” he said. “A lot of that comes from the lack of younger people entering technical and blue-collar careers. The age gap is significant in this field, making it critical that we train the next generation to carry on these skills.”
It also means many companies are actively looking for young talent and investing in career development, he noted.
Among Knapp’s fondest memories from SUNY Morrisville is receiving his first tabletop Kennedy machinist toolbox and metrology equipment from his professor, John Giess. He still uses the tools today.
As he looks to the future, Knapp is excited about the continued advancement of aerospace technology and the role he plays in helping make that happen.
“I’m excited to see the rocket technology keep developing and find out where we’re capable of going,” he said. “We have some super exciting stuff coming down the pipeline.
It’s rewarding to see Starlink continue expanding worldwide and improving connectivity for people who previously didn’t have access to reliable service.”
The excitement fuels his career.
“I always imagined I’d do great things and I am still excited to show up to work every day and help advance technology,” he said. “I’m amazed every day that I have the opportunity to work here while continuing to develop my skills and advance my career.”
The opportunity came through years of hard work.
“I got recruited by SpaceX by building connections demonstrating my abilities in the right environments,” Knapp said. “The interview process was very rigorous and extensive, lasting more than two months. It included multiple Zoom interviews and trips to the Bastrop, Texas facility for panel and one-on-one interviews.
“I remember being extremely excited, and a little nervous, when I read through my offer letter.”
Knapp takes pride in seeing the results of his team’s efforts.
“It’s amazing to see myself and everyone on this team put in tons of effort every day,” he said. “The best part is watching it pay off when a new rocket launches successfully or a new version of Starlink is deployed and brings service to places that previously didn’t have access.”
He is quick to credit the support system that helped him reach his goals.
“I want to give a shoutout to my parents and the rest of my family for being supportive for everything I do in life, including my career,” Knapp said, naming his mother, Pam Knapp; his father, Mark Knapp; his sister, Samantha Walsh; and his brother-in-law, JJ Walsh. “Without them I wouldn’t be half as far in life.”
