Carissa Say
About Carissa Say
Carissa Say is a Senior Manager in Business Development for Satellite Components at Rocket Lab, where she has played a key role in promoting innovative satellite technologies. With a background in engineering and extensive experience in business development, she has worked at various companies in the aerospace and optics sectors.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Carissa Say serves as the Business Development Senior Manager for Satellite Components at Rocket Lab. She has held this position since 2020 and is based in Long Beach, California. In her role, she has been instrumental in promoting Rocket Lab's small satellite bus and high-performance satellite components. Her contributions have focused on redefining space access through innovative satellite technologies.
Previous Experience in Aerospace and Engineering
Carissa Say has a diverse background in aerospace and engineering. She worked at Northrop Grumman Corporation as an Optical Engineer from 2003 to 2007 and as an Engineering Intern from 1997 to 1998. Additionally, she served as a Project Engineer at L-3 Communications from 2009 to 2012. Her experience also includes roles at Cymer and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she worked as an Engineer.
Business Development Expertise
Carissa has extensive experience in business development, particularly in satellite components. She held the position of Business Development Manager at EaglePicher Technologies for seven months in 2020. Prior to that, she worked as a National Sales Manager at Melles Griot from 2014 to 2020 and as a Strategic Account Sales Manager at CVI Laser Optics from 2014 to 2017. Her roles have involved leveraging her background in optics and optical sciences.
Educational Background
Carissa Say holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Physics from San Diego State University, where she studied from 1993 to 1998. She also earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in Optics/Optical Sciences from the University of Central Florida, completing her studies from 2005 to 2008. Her educational background supports her extensive work in engineering and business development within the optics and aerospace industries.