John Cortes is the Advanced Space Development Group Leader and the Principal Investigator for various Lab Directed Research and Development (LDRD) projects within Global Security’s Space Science and Security Program (SSSP). The project topics span large-aperture, low-cost monolithic telescope design, space-based quantum ghost imaging and advanced materials for space applications. John also manages multiple strategic relationships with industrial partners with the goal of expanding the reach of monolithic telescope payloads for US Government applications.  John has co-authored numerous journal publications and conference proceedings in the MEMS/NEMS, micro-scale additive manufacturing 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

Optical payload design and development, 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