RJ Gross

RJ Gross is a mechanical engineer, entrepreneur and technology leader who has spent more than eleven years shaping the future of aerospace manufacturing. He serves as an Industry 4.0 Program Manager at Eaton Aerospace, where he leads the integration of smart manufacturing systems, artificial intelligence and additive manufacturing on the shop floor. Robotics, 3D printing and the intersection of engineering and design have been a constant thread throughout his career. RJ holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Drexel University, where he conducted robotics research at the Drexel Autonomous System Labs and collaborated on humanoid robotics work at KAIST in South Korea, and has since been recognized as a TEDx speaker and founded Fitness Design ENG, a 3D-printed athletic accessories company with over 1,400 units sold globally. Though relatively new to Erie, having called it home for three years, RJ is eager to put down roots and contribute his skills where they can make a real local impact. He joined this board because he sees CO-Create Erie as exactly the kind of space communities need: a place where curiosity, craft and collaboration come together. As a member of this board, RJ brings a rare combination of deep manufacturing technical expertise, entrepreneurial experience, and a hands-on approach to turning complex ideas into real results.