AS People: navigating the aerospace industry with Alessandro Merigo
In this eight edition of our AS People series, we feature Alessandro Merigo , an Application Engineer at Apogeo Space. Alessandro brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen to his role, which allows him to contribute to a wide range of projects that drive innovation and customer satisfaction. In this interview, Alessandro shares his journey into the aerospace sector, the challenges he faces, and what keeps him motivated in this dynamic industry.
Can you briefly describe your role at Apogeo Space and what initially attracted you to this sector?
As an Application Engineer at Apogeo, I’m involved in diverse projects driven by customer requirements, which is exciting as it allows me to collaborate closely with both technical and business teams. This role aligns perfectly with my educational background, which combines both technical and business skills. My past experiences have provided me with strong digital knowledge and management capabilities, both of which are invaluable in my current position. The rapid growth of the space industry is a huge motivator for me, pushing me to continually expand my knowledge, particularly in areas like IoT satellite connectivity, which are becoming increasingly relevant and impactful.
What are the biggest challenges in your role and how do you tackle them?
One of the main challenges in my role is navigating the complexities of the aerospace market, which is both highly competitive and heavily regulated. Working in such a dynamic industry requires staying up-to-date on evolving standards and compliance requirements, which can be demanding. Another challenge is balancing technical development with customer-specific requirements, which often vary widely. To address this, I prioritize clear communication with clients and teams, ensuring that our technical goals align with customer needs, while also remaining flexible to adapt quickly to changes.
What skills are most crucial for someone in your position?
As an Application Engineer in the fast-paced space sector, I believe that combining technical expertise with commercial insight is essential. Understanding the technical aspects of our products allows me to communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, bridging the gap between complex technology and customer requirements. In addition, strong negotiation skills, strategic thinking, and a solid grasp of the IoT market and related technologies are crucial for aligning our solutions with industry demands. Finally, a passion for the tech sector is key, as it requires continuous learning and adaptation to rapidly evolving technologies and market trends.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of working at Apogeo Space?
What I appreciate most about working at Apogeo is the team. I’m not just saying this because my colleagues might read this, but because every day, I have the opportunity to work with incredible people from whom I can learn so much. They are always open to asking for my input and offering their support, which creates a collaborative and friendly environment. This is one of the most important aspects of my experience here. Additionally, I’m deeply inspired by the nature of my job; being able to send messages and data from Earth to satellites directly is truly amazing, and I’m incredibly proud to be a small part of such groundbreaking work.
Alessandro’s insights highlight the blend of technical acumen and strategic thinking required to thrive in the rapidly evolving aerospace sector. His passion for continuous learning and collaboration is a testament to the innovative spirit at Apogeo Space. Stay tuned for more stories in our AS People series as we continue to explore the diverse talents that drive our company forward.