Ajay “AJ” P. Malshe
R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Co-Director, XMO, eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations Director, CISM- Center for In Space Manufacturing Ball Brothers Executive Director, Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL), Purdue University
Dr. Ajay “AJ” P. Malshe is the Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and President’s Fellow at Purdue University, where he leads major research initiatives in manufacturing, materials, and in-space manufacturing. He is also CEO and Co-founder of Arkwright Space, advancing electronics, semiconductor manufacturing, and edge autonomy for space, commercial, and defense applications. An internationally recognized leader in advanced manufacturing and translational innovation, Dr. Malshe has spent more than four decades turning discovery into real-world impact across transportation, energy, defense, space, electric vehicles, manufacturing, and motorsports.
He has authored more than 250 publications, holds 28 patents, delivered more than 100 global keynotes, and mentored more than 1,200 students and engineers. His pioneering contributions include factory-in-space, convergent manufacturing, ultrashort-laser processing, and 2D super-lubrication. Elected to the National Academy of Engineering, Dr. Malshe has received more than 45 global honors, including R&D 100 and Edison Awards, and is a Fellow of AAAS, ASME, ASM, CIRP, InstP, NAI, and SME. His work advances resilient, sustainable manufacturing for Earth and space.
Outside work, he enjoys painting, singing, traveling, motorbiking, and homebrewing, guided by servant leadership rooted in faith, family, and service.
