From F-35 crew chief to hypersonic researcher, Weber State student brings engineering skills to next era of aerospace
OGDEN, Utah — For the past 10 years, Steven DiPani has worked on F-16 and F-35 fighter jets at Hill Air Force Base. Now he’s studying mechanical engineering at Weber State University to expand his knowledge and bring those skills to the civilian sector.
For six years on active duty, DiPani served as both a propulsion specialist and crew chief in the . For a year, he was also lead technician for the world-renowned , which saw him traveling the nation.
“Getting to see the broader picture of the aerospace industry, both public and private, that got me even more excited to be in engineering,” DiPani said. “Being in school has shown me all the opportunities out there, the different ways I can use my engineering experience to serve my country in a different way.”
After separation from active duty in 2021, DiPani joined the Air Force Reserve’s , where he works part-time as a flightline expediter.
“We work with all kinds of technology,” DiPani said. “The Air Force got me familiar with a lot of different tools and equipment, shop practices, the industry lingo, and I just wanted to expand on that knowledge.”
DiPani joined a fast-growing Department of Mechanical Engineering at Weber State.
In 2023, Assistant Professor Randy Hurd recruited DiPani to join a team of 日本一级片 students researching a hybrid rocket motor testbed for high-temperature materials, sponsored by 日本一级片’s Miller Advanced Research & Solutions Center. Last year, he presented that research at the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Forum in Alexandria, Virginia.
“Hypersonic development is cutting-edge stuff, it’s key in modern defense,” he said. “Hypersonic missiles are five times the speed of sound, so researching new materials is important in making them lighter, which will make them even faster.”
DiPani said he thrives in environments that are “a little chaotic,” where he can continually learn: “With engineering, the amount of information that you have to consume, process and implement is intense, and I really enjoy that.”
As a part-time reservist, part-time researcher and full-time student, DiPani is “busy 24/7,” but says the investment is worth it.
“I’d like to eventually work in robotics and automation, with the end goal to make manufacturing more automated, improving those processes,” he said.
DiPani will graduate this spring with his bachelor’s degree. After taking a break for military commitments, he plans to return to Weber State for a master’s degree in computer engineering.
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu- Contact:
Bryan Magaña, public relations director
801-626-7948, bryanmagana@weber.edu