about
1872 was founded to rethink how modern manufacturing is designed, operated, and scaled. By applying software-first principles to real-world production, we're building a new foundation where digital intelligence drives physical output.
named with purpose
The name 1872 honors a pivotal era in American industry when bold new tools and systems transformed how things were built at scale. We carry that same ambition and engineering rigor forward today.
We're not interested in incremental optimization. We're building a new foundation for manufacturing designed for speed, repeatability, and resilience in a modern, software-driven world.
the team
behind 1872.
Our team brings deep experience from SpaceX, GE Aerospace, and other high-stakes engineering environments where failure is not an option. We've worked on designing and building innovative systems that demand extreme precision, determinism, and accountability, and we bring those same standards to metal fabrication.
Led SpaceX Raptor Integration & Test Engineering team from zero through 24-hour production rate. Previously served as Head of Supply Chain at Levels and completed the GE Aerospace Operations Management Leadership Program.
Dan Summers
Chief Executive Officer
Developed core flight software infrastructure for SpaceX's Starship program through Flight 11. Served as on-console flight software responsible engineer during the first Starship flight campaigns. GE Aerospace Operations Management Leadership Program graduate.
Michael Grant
Chief Technology Officer
Led SpaceX Merlin Engine Production team of 70+ engineers and technicians. Previously served as Engineering Leader for GE Aerospace's only single-crystal castings facility and Director of Engineering at AeroVironment.
Brian Mongilio
Head of Operations
