From Online to Outer Space: How Will Coetzee Reached for the Stars

Will Coetzee has always set his sights higher than most. For him, that meant outer space.

Before pursuing aerospace engineering, Will spent six years playing professional hockey and later owned a gym for four years. But even after those experiences, he still felt pulled toward a bigger long-term goal. That ambition eventually led him back to college.

While completing his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology fully online at ECPI University, he was already putting his education to work, interning at Gulfstream Aerospace. When he graduated in January 2025, the company brought him on full-time.

But his trajectory wasn't finished yet. Within a year and a half, Will joined Relativity Space, an aerospace company developing the Terran R, a reusable rocket built using 3D printing technology. There, he now works as an avionics test engineer.

The path to the launchpad started with a decision to pursue the right degree.

What drew you to the mechanical engineering technology program?

Will: Mechanical engineering technology is a great hands-on technical engineering degree. It gave me the opportunity to learn practical skills with a good blend of theoretical work.

Why did you choose ECPI University?

Will: I felt that ECPI had the best combination of flexibility and academic credibility, especially with my program being ABET-accredited.

What was the ECPI online experience like?

Will: The experience was great! Being able to work at my own pace was a good fit for me. If you're motivated, the online course load is a really strong option. And even pursuing a degree fully online, the support was always there when I needed it. 

What drew you to aerospace and Relativity Space, specifically?

Will: I’ve always loved space. It’s an incredible industry that pushes you to your full potential as a person and as an engineer. For me, this is a dream job working on rockets!

What does a typical day look like, and what kind of work do you do?

Will: Never a dull moment! My role covers avionics system-level integration, design validation, test, and operations: everything from flight computers and power systems to RF systems and autonomous flight safety. I also support on-console operations during stage-level testing and launch.

What tools and technologies do you work with regularly?

Will: I use scripting languages like Python and MATLAB for data acquisition and analysis, wire harness design tools, CAD software, and PCB design tools like Altium Designer. Communication protocols like Ethernet and CAN are part of the day-to-day as well.

Did you feel like ECPI prepared you for a fast-paced, high-tech environment like Relativity Space?

Will: Absolutely. ECPI pushed me in its own way as a fast-paced online program. Between the courses, practical skills, and hands-on learning, I still apply a lot of those core principles today.

If a student wants a similar career path to yours, what skills should they focus on?

Will: I would focus on electronics, schematic and wire diagram design, and engineering software like Python, CAD, and other code languages. Labs that test your troubleshooting and critical thinking skills are especially valuable.

What advice would you give students interested in aerospace or advanced engineering?

Will: Work hard and don't be afraid of making mistakes. Imposter syndrome is a sign that you're doing something uncomfortable, which means you're growing. If you want something badly enough, pursue that dream.

And don't worry about not attending a Big Ten or Ivy League school. What employers care about is the character of a person. But no matter your degree, remember to invest just as much in your soft skills, like the ability to communicate and being a team player. Those will get you far.

Will set out to find a program that could keep pace with his ambitions. What followed was a degree, a career, and a front-row seat to some of the most exciting work happening in aerospace today.

By his own account, he's just getting started. his own account, he's just getting started.

About the Author: Sarah Campo

Sarah Campo is the Director of Alumni Engagement at ECPI University. She is passionate about sharing graduate stories, celebrating their achievements, and building meaningful connections that continue beyond graduation.