March 31, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker
Alfred State Alum Khobir Uddin, ’15 and ’17, recently returned to campus to discuss his career path and recruit current Pioneers to join his employee, SpaceX. Uddin currently is a Supervisor for the Starship Machining program in Hawthorne, California. Uddin’s journey to SpaceX began at Alfred State, where he enrolled in the Motorsports Technology program and later earned a second associate degree in CNC Manufacturing and Machining (formerly known as Machine Tool). “I discovered Alfred State at a young age and was always fascinated by racing – NASCAR, IndyCar, and F1. That passion eventually led me to machining, where I realized the strong connection between racing and machine tool technology,” Uddin said. After graduating, Uddin worked for several manufacturing companies in the Rochester area, where he developed a growing interest in Aerospace. “Throughout my career, I closely followed SpaceX and stayed engaged with the Starship Program. I applied multiple times before ultimately securing an opportunity,” he said.
Uddin credits his education at Alfred State with preparing him for his current role. “Both of my degree programs were highly hands-on, with significant lab hours complemented by classroom instruction. Much of what I learned directly applies to the work I do today, including supporting my team on the manufacturing floor. Alfred State helped shape me into a more effective leader.” Returning to campus to speak with students was especially meaningful to Uddin. “I want to inspire the next generation. It’s important to celebrate our successes and demonstrate that there are people willing to help others achieve their dream careers,” he said. He also encouraged persistence. “I faced several rejections before succeeding. Each one provided an opportunity to learn, improve, and develop new skills.” That persistence ultimately led Uddin to SpaceX, where he is enthusiastic about both his future and the company’s mission. “I have the incredible opportunity to contribute to work that is shaping humanity and influencing the course of history by making life multiplanetary,” he said. Following his presentation to a large audience, Uddin met individually with students interested in opportunities at SpaceX. He also reconnected with his former professors Jeff Hellwig and Luke McIntosh.
