President

Kiel Davis has over 24 years experience in developing electromechanical systems from early concept through to flight. His responsibilities include project management, company resource management, business development, mechanical and electrical design, control systems design, software development, systems implementation and testing of advanced automated and complex engineering systems. His work on space missions, including the Mars Exploration Rovers’ Rock Abrasion Tool, the Mars Phoenix Lander’s Icy Sample Acquisition Device, and the Mars Science Laboratory’s Surface Removal Tool provide him with an in-depth understanding of the challenges and difficulties inherent in designing mechanisms for long life in harsh environments. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Rochester and an M.S. in Systems Engineering from Polytechnic University. Kiel started on ground floor level at Honeybee as administrative assistant in 1996 and became President in 2011.

VP, Engineering

Erik Mumm has over 18 years experience in electro-mechanical systems design, development, and test for NASA programs. In tandem with the Chief Engineer, Mr. Mumm chairs internal design reviews and ensures Honeybee’s technical standards are followed and continuously improved upon. Most recently he has acted as technical lead on a robotic Sample Manipulation System for NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory. His responsibilities since joining Honeybee in 2002 include mechanism and systems design of flight hardware, controls and software development, flight operations support, extensive laboratory and field testing. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nebraska.

Quality Control System Director

Sase Singh has over 27 years’ experience in electro-mechanical systems at Honeybee as a project engineer, software developer, quality engineer, program manager and as of 2011 the Quality Manger. He is responsible for ensuring Honeybee maintains its high level of quality and, as appropriate, work with the various process owners to establish and implement new and improved processes. He holds B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from the City College of New York.

VP, Exploration Technology Group

Dr. Kris Zacny is VP of Exploration Systems (EX) and Senior Research Scientist at Honeybee Robotics. His interests include space mining, In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), extraterrestrial drilling and sampling, and planetary geotechnical engineering. He co-founded EX, based in Altadena, CA to focus on developing space mining robots for the Solar System exploration and utilization. EX has grown from 2 to over 100 employees in less than 10 years.

In his previous capacity as an engineer in South African underground gold, diamond, and coal mines, Dr. Zacny managed numerous mining projects and production divisions. This hands-on experience became invaluable in developing such technologies for Space.

Dr. Zacny received his PhD from UC Berkeley (2005) in Geotechnical Engineering with an emphasis on Extraterrestrial Drilling and Mining, ME from UC Berkeley (2001) in Petroleum Engineering with emphasis on Drilling and Materials Science, and BSc cum laude from U. of Cape Town (1997) in Mechanical Engineering.

He participated in several Antarctic, Arctic, Atacama, and Greenland expeditions. Dr Zacny has over 200 publications including several books, he has been a Principal Investigator on over 50 projects, he has over 40 NASA New Technology Records and several NASA Group Achievement Awards.

Director, Advanced Systems

Andrew Maurer brings 15 years of experience in spacecraft instruments, mechanisms, and attitude control systems. At Honeybee since 2014, he is responsible for the Motion Control business unit, overseeing strategy and execution, as well as program management and customer satisfaction. He works with HBR’s customers to understand their specific needs and the needs of the industry and directs the business to create product lines and bespoke solutions that answer those needs. His team supports business development, capture, and proposal efforts. Andrew holds B.S. degrees in Applied Physics and Aeronautical Engineering and an M.S. degree in Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University.

Director, Operations

Joe Niehay has over 22 years experience in the aerospace industry and joined Honeybee Robotics in 2018.  His responsibilities include planning, organizing and directing operations consistent with company goals and objectives to attain key performance metrics and operational targets.  Implementation of operational strategies to ensure each business unit supports Honeybee’s strategic initiatives. Proactive identification of continuous improvement initiatives improving quality, delivery and cost.  Development and implementation of processes to minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials, and capital. Utilize Lean Manufacturing and 6-S concepts to continuously drive out waste resulting in improved manufacturing performance and workplace organization.  He holds B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University.

Director, Human Resources

Sarah Tye is the Director of Human Resources for Honeybee Robotics. She leads all aspects of the company’s HR function including recruitment, employee relations, training, development, compensation and benefits for the company. Sarah has a wealth of experience in the aerospace and high-tech industries. Her background and knowledge cover all areas of human resources, including compensation, benefits, employee relations, policy administration, succession planning, employment law and talent acquisition.

Sarah joined Honeybee in 2018. Prior to joining Honeybee, she held human resources leadership positions at Seagate, Pitney Bowes and Waterstone Environmental. Sarah has a B.S. in Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of Colorado and is a certified professional in HR through HRCI.

Director of Contracts and Supply Chain

Caitlin King has 9 years of experience in the aerospace industry working with government and commercial contracts and subcontracts. Since joining Honeybee in 2017, her responsibilities include leading and evolving company compliance processes, supporting the business development team, and ongoing monitoring of customer contracts to ensure performance and execution. Ms. King’s areas of expertise include government regulation compliance, negotiation, contract risk mitigation, and supply chain process development, both customer and vendor facing. She holds a B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of California, Santa Barbara and an MBA from Seattle University.