Chiranjeev Kalra is a seasoned engineer and leader in the energy and transportation sectors. With a strong background in systems, power, thermal and fluid engineering, CAE, and DFSS techniques, he has built and directed cross-functional teams and programs that span the innovation and NPI spectrum. Chiranjeev is passionate about driving technology delivery from conception to product integration, and his expertise extends to propulsion, power electronics, turbomachinery, and more.

Prior to his current position as Sr. Director of Power Block Engineering at Heliogen, Chiranjeev co-founded Karman Electric, served as Lead Engineer at Idealab, Consulting Engineer (via SGT) at NASA Ames Research Center, Propulsion Systems Lead at Vector Launch, Pod Engineering Manager at Hyperloop One, Senior Engineer & Supercritical CO2 Turbomachinery Program Manager at GE Global Research, and PhD Candidate at Princeton University. He has also interned at GE Global Research.

With a bias for multi-disciplinary integration and invention, Chiranjeev has been successful in driving change and vitality in technology-driven organizations in diverse corporate cultures. He specializes in technology management, strategy, and product integration, bringing his expertise in fluid and thermal sciences, CAE (CFD/CAA and MDO), and Six Sigma to every challenge he tackles.