Sarah Houts

Professional Background

Sarah Houts is a highly accomplished technical product manager with a rich background in aeronautics and astronautics. Currently serving as a Technical Product Manager at Embark Trucks, Sarah leverages her extensive experience in automated driving and product development to drive innovation in the transportation sector. In her current role, she is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of cutting-edge technologies, ensuring that projects align with the company’s strategic objectives.

Before joining Embark Trucks, Sarah played a pivotal role at Ford Motor Company where she worked as a Product Owner and previously as a Research Scientist in Automated Driving. Her tenure at Ford was marked by significant contributions to the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology, where she combined her technical expertise with leadership abilities to guide a team of engineers towards creating more efficient and safe driving solutions.

In addition to her work at Ford, Sarah's entrepreneurial spirit shone through during her time as the Co-founder and CEO of NavSense LLC, a startup focused on innovative solutions in the aerospace sector. Her leadership in this venture showcased her ability to balance technical knowledge with the demands of business management, ultimately driving the company towards success in a competitive marketplace.

Education and Achievements

Sarah’s academic background is as impressive as her professional experience. She earned her PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, where her research contributed to the understanding of critical issues in the field. This advanced education, coupled with her Ignite Certificate Program in Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Stanford's Graduate School of Business, equips Sarah with a unique blend of technical knowledge and entrepreneurial acumen that is rare in the industry.

Prior to her doctorate, she obtained her Master’s degree (MS) in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford, reinforcing her commitment to the principles of aerospace engineering. Sarah completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering at UC San Diego with an impressive GPA of 3.889 out of 4.0, laying a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the field.

Notable Achievements

• Technical Proficiency: Sarah's in-depth knowledge of aeronautics and automated systems has cemented her reputation as a leading technical product manager in the automotive and aerospace sectors.
• Leadership: As the CEO of NavSense LLC, Sarah demonstrated remarkable leadership qualities, fostering innovation and guiding her team to success.
• Research Contributions: During her time at Stanford University, Sarah contributed significantly in research roles, including as a Research Assistant at both the Aerospace Robotics Lab and the Structures and Composites Laboratory, where her work focused on advancing aerospace technology and materials.
• Internship Experience: Starting her journey in the aerospace field with an engineering internship at Lockheed Martin, Sarah gained critical industry exposure that laid the groundwork for her later accomplishments.

In summary, Sarah Houts stands out as an expert in aeronautics and automated driving, combining a robust educational foundation with a wealth of practical experience in both corporate and entrepreneurial realms. Her dedication to fostering technological innovation is evident in her roles across various high-profile organizations, making her a valuable asset to the aerospace and automobile industries.