Elevating Manufacturing Through Emerging Technology: Lessons from nuclear innovation

Join this discussion to learn how BWXT is changing the game by driving innovative nuclear solutions for manufacturing through a toolbelt of emerging technologies.

Matt LeVasseur is the Director of Research for BWXT Advanced Technologies LLC responsible for the company’s research and development efforts. These include innovations in materials for nuclear products, advanced manufacturing, multi-physics modeling and simulation, and artificial intelligence applied to manufacturing processes to include product digital twins.

Mr. LeVasseur began his career with BWXT in 1999 in research and development as a satellite propulsion engineer. He subsequently founded the Strategic Process Improvement (SPI) initiative at the Nuclear Operations division, leveraging data to solve manufacturing problems to improve production, ultimately serving as corporate director of operational excellence. Mr. LeVasseur was then able to launch a research function for data and manufacturing technologies, supporting the company’s new product efforts.

Prior to joining BWXT, Mr. LeVasseur reached the rank of Major after serving ten years in the United Stated Marine Corps. First deployed in aircraft control then with US Space Command, he improved models to predict the re-entry of space debris and cleared planned orbit vectors for the space shuttle. With a hotline to NASA, Mr. LeVasseur directed the space shuttle’s historical seventh unplanned maneuver as well as trained astronauts in the space radar network. Mr. LeVasseur earned a bachelor’s degree in astronomy and a master’s degree in aerospace science from the University of Michigan, then earned an MBA from Duke University.

Francisco Gonzalez is a senior innovation executive with more than 25 years of experience transforming manufacturing through technology, strategy, and collaboration. He currently serves as Regional Growth Manager for GENEDGE, Virginia’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, where he supports the western region service area by helping manufacturers grow, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets.

Francisco’s global career includes serving as Vice President of Technology at Metalsa, a global Tier 1 supplier, where he led a $600M business unit’s innovation roadmap and international R&D teams. His leadership delivered measurable results in cost savings, sustainability, and new product launches. He has a strong background in product development, with notable achievements in the engineering of lightweight commercial vehicle structures that improved freight efficiency and reduced emissions.

In his career, Francisco has served on multiple industry committees with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). He holds an M.S. in Automotive Systems Engineering (University of Michigan–Dearborn), a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Universidad de Monterrey), and a Professional Certificate in Innovation and Technology (MIT). Francisco is passionate about connecting innovation, people, and industry needs to strengthen U.S. manufacturing for the future.

John Smith holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology and an M.S. in Additive Manufacturing from Carnegie Mellon University. His school research topics focused around novel applications of additive manufacturing as well as the industrialization of the technology through research programs with ARPA-E and the DOD. John now holds a full time position as a materials engineer at BWXT Advanced Technologies where he works to implement novel manufacturing methods and advanced materials to next-gen nuclear energy solutions. He also holds the role of Principal Researcher of Additive Manufacturing where he aligns AM to BWXT’s strategic capabilities.