At a recent panel hosted by Loyola Marymount University Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Erik Palitsch and Doug Bernauer joined propulsion engineer and entrepreneur Tom Mueller M.S. ’92 for a conversation about career paths, technical leadership, and what it means to build something that lasts.
Palitsch, CEO of Freeform, a startup focused on autonomous metal 3D printing, shared how his frustration with legacy manufacturing tools pushed him toward a new path. “Metal 3D printing was super broken,” he said. “But I saw what it could be.” Rather than wait for the technology to mature, he decided to build it himself.
That mindset runs deep in his leadership philosophy. “You want to show people you believe in them before they believe in themselves,” Palitsch said. “And then you’re there to make sure they don’t fall off the building.”
Now the CEO of Radiant, a clean energy startup based in El Segundo, Bernauer’s journey was shaped by conviction. He knew that compact nuclear reactors could provide cleaner, more efficient power for remote sites and emergency zones. His company’s microreactor design, the Kaleidos, is built for flexibility and deployment. “It’s a box of power that lasts five years,” he said. “Each one replaces 1.8 million gallons of diesel.”
Mueller, who worked closely with both panelists during their time at SpaceX, served as moderator for the evening. The panel was part of Seaver’s broader effort to connect students with real-world perspectives in STEM, and to highlight how careers often evolve outside the boundaries of job titles or degree plans.
Palitsch offered practical advice for students still figuring out their path. “Find that really cool place where you realize: these are my people,” he said. “You won’t know it until you get there.”
The panel offered a clear view into what engineering careers can look like when shaped by curiosity and conviction. Whether through energy, manufacturing, or mentorship, each speaker pointed to a future defined not just by what gets built—but by how it gets built, and who gets to lead the process.
Mueller guided the discussion through technical storytelling and personal anecdotes, drawing out reflections on ownership, iteration, and how to communicate complex ideas. Both Palitsch and Bernauer circled back to the role of trust in technical teams.
“We hire people we trust,” Bernauer said. “And we give them ownership from day one.” Palitsch echoed the value of accountability, describing his team’s use of the “responsible engineer” model, where individual contributors own the success—or failure—of their designs.
In the student Q&A, the focus turned to communication. Bernauer especially emphasized how important it is in a technical field to be able to explain your work. “You can be the smartest person in the room, but if no one understands your diagram, it doesn’t matter.” He added, “You’ve got a big, complicated monster like a rocket with legs? Then you better draw some pictures.”
This event was part of the Seaver Spotlight speaker series, Seaver College’s signature speaker series featuring distinguished leaders in STEM who share their experiences and insights as they seek to live lives of meaning and purpose.
