Dan Merenda

Dan Merenda is an aerospace and defense executive with more than two decades of leadership experience across advanced manufacturing, space systems, launch vehicle programs, and mission-critical operations. He currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of Prometheus Energetics, where he leads enterprise operations, manufacturing strategy, and organizational execution for the company’s next-generation defense propulsion and industrial manufacturing initiatives.

As COO, Merenda is responsible for scaling operations, establishing high-reliability production environments, and driving operational excellence as Prometheus Energetics expands its capabilities within the aerospace and defense sector. His leadership focuses on building disciplined manufacturing organizations, strengthening program execution, and aligning engineering, supply chain, and production to support rapid growth in national security and commercial markets.
In addition to his role at Prometheus Energetics, Merenda has held senior executive leadership positions across the aerospace industry. He previously served as Chief Manufacturing Officer for Special Aerospace Services (SAS), where he oversaw hardware manufacturing strategy and advanced production operations supporting civil space and defense programs. Earlier, he was Managing Director for U.S. operations at Beyond Gravity (formerly RUAG Space USA), leading operational transformation and growth initiatives during a period of rapid expansion in the global space market.

Throughout his career, Merenda has held leadership roles in quality engineering, safety and mission assurance, and program management for major aerospace and defense organizations, contributing to complex flight hardware programs requiring the highest levels of reliability and performance. He began his professional career in the oil and gas industry before transitioning into aerospace, where he has focused on building resilient teams and scalable manufacturing systems.

Merenda holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an Executive MBA from the University of Utah. He is an active supporter of the aerospace community and STEM workforce development, having served on nonprofit boards including the National Space Club of Huntsville and FIRST Robotics in Alabama. He resides in Bloomington, IN with his family and enjoys outdoor activities and competitive BBQ judging.