Meet the Team: Kieran Nolan
Meet Kieran, Field Engineer and keeper of the keys to our performance trials. Kieran draws on his background in Mechanical and Systems Engineering to manage the real-world application and testing of our technology. Essentially, any time our film is applied to an aircraft for performance or environmental trials, Kieran is there to lead the process.
Image: Kieran stops to take a picture with a fan
Tell us about your journey at MicroTau. What was your first role, and how did you get to where you are today?
I joined MicroTau in late 2023 as a Manufacturing Systems Engineer, drawn by the opportunity to return to a fast-paced startup environment. My initial role focused on designing the next-generation systems for our riblet film production, which gave me a deep technical understanding of our product from the ground up.
In early 2025, I transitioned to Field Engineer, a role that aligns with my passion for hands-on work and direct engagement with our partners. This position allows me to oversee a wide array of tests that are critical to our product's lifecycle.
What do you do in your spare time?
I have a passion for adventure and travel, and I typically aim to backpack through a few new countries each year. My most recent trips include a week in Komodo, Indonesia and a month in the Philippines, both packed with scuba diving and waterfall hopping. I recently earned my Advanced Open Water certification and have been lucky enough to dive with countless turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays.
When Iām home, I spend my time rock climbing, playing ultimate frisbee, and usually nursing an injury from one of my (mis)adventures.
Image: Kieran remembers he left the oven on
What's been most exciting to work on lately?
I was recently part of a landmark project: the world's first flight test of our most advanced riblet film designs with a testing partner of ours. Witnessing that aircraft take flight was an incredible moment, representing the culmination of immense hard work and innovation from our entire team to make it happen.
Tell us about the cool stuff you get to do as part of your role?
This role involves significant international travel, which is a fantastic perk. In just the past few months, I've been lucky enough to have a few international visits, offering an amazing way to see the world.
As someone without a traditional aviation background, it's also been a fascinating learning experience. I've gained deep insights into how flight tests are planned and executed. Interacting with a diverse range of partners ensures that no two weeks are the same, keeping the work dynamic and exciting.
What's your crowning achievement at MicroTau?
My proudest achievement has been contributing to the complete lifecycle of a flight test. I started by helping experiment with and design the manufacturing process for the specific material we used while I was still on the Manufacturing Systems team. Following my transition to Field Engineer, I then had the opportunity to oversee that same material's on-site installation, flight test execution, and final data review.
To see a project through from initial production to final analysis was incredibly satisfying. It was a clear demonstration of how my contributions at each stage directly translate into meaningful outcomes for MicroTau.
