What Nobody Tells You

What does it take to build rockets, design life-saving technology, and create innovations that push humanity forward?

In this fascinating episode of What Nobody Tells You, James Ferrigno talks with engineer Edwin Chiu, whose career has taken him from designing electronics for SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket program to working on underwater communication systems, biotechnology, open-source medical technology, and scientific education.

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Edwin shares the unexpected path that led him to engineering—including childhood adventures dumpster diving with his father to build things from discarded parts—and how curiosity became the foundation of his career.

He talks about his experience joining SpaceX during one of the company’s most uncertain moments, when the company was running out of money and success was far from guaranteed. Edwin explains what it was like working in a culture where everyone was focused on one mission: making the rocket fly.

The conversation explores:

Edwin also shares some surprising personal insights—including why making coffee for people became one of the accomplishments he is most proud of, and his dream of combining a coffee shop with science education.

This episode is a reminder that behind every great invention is something deeply human: curiosity, persistence, collaboration, and the willingness to fail while trying to create something meaningful.

The views, opinions, and statements expressed in this episode are those of the host and guest(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views, opinions, or positions of the producers of What Nobody Tells You. The information shared in this episode is intended for educational and conversational purposes only and should not be considered professional, medical, scientific, financial, legal, or other specialized advice. Listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding decisions related to their individual circumstances.

00:00 – Introduction: Meeting engineer Edwin Chiu
James introduces Edwin and his engineering background.

00:25 – Childhood curiosity and discovering engineering
Edwin shares stories of wanting to become a garbage collector, priest, and engineer—and how dumpster diving with his father sparked his love of building things.

01:48 – Early influences and immigrant family lessons
Edwin discusses his parents’ journey from Hong Kong and the values they instilled about making the most of what you have.

02:55 – What people misunderstand about engineers
Why engineering attracts many different types of people.

03:23 – Walking into SpaceX for the first time
Edwin describes interviewing at SpaceX in 2008 during the financial crisis and seeing a company fighting for survival.

06:31 – Building a culture of urgency at SpaceX
How a desperate environment created teamwork and focus.

08:42 – Designing the Falcon 9 engine controller
Edwin explains what an engine controller does and how it helps operate and steer a rocket.

11:22 – Designing systems where failure is not an option
The importance of testing, redundancy, and preparing for unexpected failures.

12:13 – Rocket landings and reusable spacecraft
Edwin discusses working on Grasshopper, the Falcon 9 testing program.

14:05 – Leaving SpaceX and pursuing new challenges
Edwin explains his move into entrepreneurial projects involving communication technology.

15:11 – Underwater communication and distributed beamforming
Exploring technology inspired by submarines, search-and-rescue, and future communication systems.

18:45 – The connection between space engineering and ocean exploration
Why spacecraft and submarines share many engineering challenges.

20:48 – Weight, pressure, and designing for extreme environments
How engineers create systems that can survive harsh conditions.

24:34 – Space debris and the future of orbital exploration
Edwin explains collision risks and the importance of responsible space use.

28:53 – Innovation, testing, and failure
Why successful engineering is built on countless failed attempts.

31:53 – Failure as the path to success
Edwin discusses failing publicly on television and using failure as a teaching tool.

33:16 – Biotechnology, CRISPR, and genetic medicine
Edwin shares his connection to research involving thalassemia and genetic cures.

37:56 – Building open-source medical technology during COVID
The story of RespiroWorks and creating a lower-cost ventilator design.

41:24 – Plasma transformers and collaborative engineering
Edwin discusses an open-source plasma project created by online collaborators.

45:59 – Why open source matters
How communities worldwide build technology together.

48:45 – Why humans should continue exploring space
Edwin explains how exploration expands human knowledge and imagination.

51:06 – Exploration and self-discovery
The relationship between curiosity about the universe and curiosity about ourselves.

52:22 – Artificial intelligence and the future of engineering
Edwin discusses AI, responsibility, and how society chooses to use powerful tools.

55:24 – The accomplishment Edwin is most proud of
Why making coffee for people became one of his greatest sources of pride.

57:19 – Purpose, climate change, and serving humanity
Edwin discusses using engineering skills to address major global challenges.

59:57 – Lessons from a lifetime of engineering
Failure, cooperation, curiosity, and creating a better future.