John Cortes is the Advanced Space Development Group Leader and the Principal Investigator for the Lightfield Directing Array (LDA) project within Global Security’s Space Science and Security Program (SSSP). Prior to stepping into the leading role in the project, John focused on the development of precision alignment procedures, micro-additive manufacturing and precision assembly of the LDA. John has co-authored numerous journal publications and conference proceedings in the MEMS/NEMS and Precision Engineering fields.
John joined LLNL 2019 after finishing his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to UPenn, John completed his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at Clemson University.

Research Interests

Space-Based Laser Communication systems, MEMS/NEMS, microfabrication, precision engineering design and manufacturing, conventional and micro-scale additive manufacturing, precision system assembly, rarefied gas flows.

Ph.D, Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2019

M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2017

B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, 2014