Jonathan Ernster
Operations Strategist. Optimization & International Supply Chain.
I build and coordinate complex systems at scale — across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and global operations.
CMU Tepper MBA with deep training in operations research, stochastic programming, and quantitative strategy. Civil engineer turned systems operator with 10 years of industry experience. Selected for Blue Origin's Business Rotation Program starting 2026.
Approach
How I Work
I started my career constructing buildings. Now I construct organizational and supply systems. The engineering discipline carries over — scope management, risk mitigation, stakeholder coordination, and relentless attention to execution.
Systems Builder
Started building physical systems — high-rises, infrastructure, civil works. Now building organizational, operational, and supply systems. PMP certified with a decade of engineering execution.
I operate where engineering discipline meets executive decision-making.
Optimization & Operations Research
Stochastic programming, mixed-integer optimization, capacity planning, scenario modeling, and risk-aware decision design. Python and Gurobi modeling applied to real operating decisions.
I apply quantitative models to real operating decisions — not just academic exercises.
International Supply Chain
Global sourcing strategy, manufacturing network design, supplier coordination across geographies, and cross-border logistics. Focused on U.S., Europe, and Japan supply ecosystems.
Business Development & Commercial Strategy
Segment identification, market sizing, acquisition strategy, commercialization analysis, and competitive landscape mapping. Translating technical capability into economic value.
I translate technical capability into economic value.
Experience
Professional Experience
Blue Origin — Business Rotation Program
Selected for Blue Origin's highly competitive Business Rotation Program, working across strategy, operations, and supply chain within advanced aerospace manufacturing. Focus on scaling production systems for next-generation aerospace hardware and strengthening supplier networks.
- Rotational exposure across business strategy, operations, and supply chain
- Scaling production systems for next-generation aerospace hardware
- Supplier network development and multi-site program coordination
Monoya Connect — Go-to-Market Strategy
Developed comprehensive go-to-market framework for an AI-driven platform connecting international buyers with Japanese manufacturers for OEM sourcing. CMU Tepper capstone project with on-the-ground research in Tokyo.
- US and European market penetration for cross-border industrial procurement
- Segment identification, buyer pain points, and channel strategy
- On-the-ground research component in Tokyo, Japan (Feb–Mar 2026)
Honda — Corporate Startup Lab
Comprehensive robotics industry analysis for Honda's strategic investment and commercialization decisions. Built interactive dashboard analyzing 3,383+ robotics companies with $79.6B in total funding.
- Multi-dimensional sector scoring using VC investment thesis methodology
- Pittsburgh robotics ecosystem analysis across manufacturing, healthcare, logistics
- Commercialization frameworks: market sizing, technology readiness, unit economics
Civil Engineering & Construction Management
A decade in civil engineering and construction management — high-rise project execution, capital project delivery, civil design and modeling, and multi-stakeholder program coordination.
- PMP Certified · PE License (Water Resources — exam passed, license pending)
- General contractor for multi-family and mixed-use buildings, 80+ subcontractors
- Capital project budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and digital transformation
Capabilities
Technical & Analytical
Modeling & Quantitative Analysis
- Python (Gurobi, scenario modeling, data analysis)
- Mixed-integer and linear optimization
- Stochastic programming
- Capacity and network modeling
- Financial modeling and valuation
- Risk analysis and sensitivity modeling
- Large dataset analysis (3,000+ company datasets)
- Interactive dashboard development
Operations & Program Management
- PMP Certified
- Manufacturing systems (Blue Origin)
- Supply chain coordination and supplier management
- Capital project execution and budgeting
- Multi-stakeholder program coordination
- Construction scheduling and risk management
- Cross-functional team leadership
Strategic & Commercial
- Market sizing and segment prioritization
- Acquisition strategy design
- Commercialization analysis
- Go-to-market strategy development
- Competitive intelligence and landscape mapping
- Investment thesis development (VC methodology)
- International market-entry planning
Technology & Tools
- Python (primary language)
- Gurobi Optimization
- AI/ML fundamentals
- Data visualization and dashboards
- Prompt engineering and AI integration workflows
- Transcription and audio processing pipelines
Education
CMU Tepper MBA
Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business
MBA — Strategy, Finance & Operations Research
Academic Focus
Operations Research
- Space and National Security
- Applications of Operations Research
- End-to-end Business Analytics
- Mixed-integer programming
- Capacity planning and network design
- Risk-aware decision design
Strategy & Finance
- Corporate strategy and competitive positioning
- Financial modeling and valuation
- Investment analysis and due diligence
- Market-entry strategy
AI & Technology
- Machine learning fundamentals
- AI-powered business applications
- Data analytics and predictive modeling
- Python for quantitative analysis
Tepper sharpened the quantitative rigor behind how I think about systems. The combination of operations research, stochastic modeling, and strategy gave me the tools to apply engineering discipline to business decisions.
Leadership at Tepper
Founder & President — Tepper AI Club
Designed 33-session topic roadmap across 4 quarters. Led workshops on AI for consulting, operations, finance, and marketing. Built curriculum from prompt engineering fundamentals through advanced enterprise applications.
Vice President — Defense, Aerospace, Robotics & Technology (DART) Club
Engaged with aerospace industry speakers and events. Hosted Blue Origin's Space Innovation Challenge for top MBA schools.
President — Tepper Wine Club
Managed multi-thousand dollar budget. Rebuilt club culture and programming. Organized educational wine events blending networking with structured learning.
Undergraduate
University of Colorado Boulder
B.S. Civil Engineering — VP Engineers Without Borders · Study Abroad Buenos Aires
Certifications & Credentials
The problems I care about — production scaling, global supply networks, advanced manufacturing coordination — are the problems that determine whether technology reaches the world or stays in the lab.
Connect
Let's Talk
Interested in aerospace operations, international supply chains, or advanced manufacturing strategy? I'm always open to meaningful conversations.
Seattle, WA — starting 2026
© 2026 Jonathan Ernster
Built with intention