Cindy interviews Reamonn Soto, CEO of Sensatek Propulsion Technologies, which develops passive wireless (radio-frequency) temperature and strain sensors—high-temperature "stickers"—for measuring rotating machinery like jet engines where conventional instrumentation is difficult. Soto explains how earlier, more accurate data reduces uncertainty, accelerates design-test loops, improves engine efficiency, durability, and reliability, supports root-cause analysis for fielded industrial engines, and enables continuous monitoring to help predict failures, including in recreational aircraft where many accidents are engine-related. He recounts struggling in math and science in high school, joining the Marine Corps after 9/11, a turning point through faith, then studying physics at Florida A&M, building a low-cost antenna project, and pursuing aeronautics research at Embry-Riddle. Soto shares a major red-light moment: after a 2019 $2M raise, the pandemic and venture "nuclear winter" led to near-cash exhaustion and major team reductions; a green-light followed when strategic investments from Invenergy and Constellation validated his adaptable, problem-first approach. He discusses being selected for DOE lab-embedded programs (including West Gate), gaining funding, access to lab equipment, and communication/storytelling coaching, and previews upcoming sensing technology releases and growth opportunities amid new aviation standards, electric propulsion, and expanded partnerships across OEMs and airframers.
00:00 Podcast Welcome
01:14 Meet Reamonn Soto
02:48 Sensors For Jet Engines
04:57 Sticker Sensor Benefits
09:36 Finding His Path
10:09 From Marines To Physics
12:57 Jet Lab Breakthrough
16:13 Faith And Leadership Shift
20:41 Red Light Cash Crisis
25:26 Green Light Strategic Backing
28:27 West Gate Program Wins
30:39 Communication As Advantage
33:33 Whats Next For Sensatek
37:17 Final Thanks And Wrap