Our Team

Joel Quintana, Ph.D.

Director of Digital Technologies

Joel joined NCDMM in 2024 as the Director of Digital Technologies at El Paso Makes. He aligns the organization’s digital technology strategy with business objectives and designs and delivers innovative digital solutions such as applications, system architectures, and integrations. Additionally, he oversees the operational planning and execution of complex technical programs and projects, leveraging his expertise to drive digital innovation in the aerospace industry. 

Joel brings nearly 20 years of experience in integrating, testing, and evaluating defense systems and developing small satellite systems. Throughout his career, his research and educational endeavors were primarily directed toward cultivating the next generation of the aerospace workforce and facilitating upward mobility for students. 

Before joining NCDMM and El Paso Makes, Joel was the Assistant Professor of the Aerospace Center and Director of the Aeronautics and Defense Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department – Assistant Professor at the University of Texas El Paso. His primary concentration included successfully managing research programs in aerospace and defense and overseeing a team of over 35 engineering students, faculty, and staff. His contributions significantly impacted local and regional economic development through research and university engagement, SBIR initiatives, and technology transfers. Additionally, Joel has effectively managed industry-government partnerships and collaborations, showcasing his expertise and leadership in the field. 

Joel’s research has been featured in various publications and conferences. He received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Texas at El Paso.