Pankaj Toppo, PMP®, MBA, MS — Project Manager
I’ve spent over a decade delivering mission-critical projects in aerospace, cleantech, and academic innovation. My career began at ISRO, where I directed end-to-end program execution for satellite ground station retrofits across three countries. These projects generated $600K in annual savings while ensuring 24/7 uptime for 30+ satellites. I also led HVAC and electrical upgrades that kept mission operations running flawlessly, work that taught me the value of precision, planning, and operational excellence. At UMass Amherst’s Institute for Applied Life Sciences, I managed startup commercialization projects using the LEAN Launchpad framework. I led three initiatives, built go-to-market strategies, and engaged 20+ stakeholders to bring new technologies to market. One of my proudest moments was designing a market strategy for a footwear startup, identifying its beachhead market and creating an in-house vs. outsourcing plan. Beyond the numbers, it was about building trust with stakeholders and shaping a narrative that resonated with investors. Earlier, at cleantech startup, I developed a fundraising strategy that secured $3M in seed funding, deepening my expertise in financial modeling, investor engagement, and strategic planning. Outside of work, I mentor students interested in STEM and volunteer for sustainability initiatives. Sharing knowledge and guiding others has been just as rewarding as leading projects myself. Skills: Project Management | Business Analytics | Supply Chain Optimization | LEAN Methodology | Stakeholder Engagement | Financial Modeling
Stackforce AI infers this person is a seasoned professional in Aerospace and Cleantech project management with a focus on commercialization and operational excellence.
Location: Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Experience: 10 yrs 7 mos
Skills
- Project Management
- Business Strategy
- Operations Management
- Data Analysis
- Program Management
- Sustainability And Esg Strategy
- Business Development
- Engineering Management
- Sales
Career Highlights
- Over a decade of experience in mission-critical projects.
- Led satellite ground station retrofits generating $600K in savings.
- Expertise in startup commercialization and stakeholder engagement.
Work Experience
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Data center Project Manager II (3 mos)
UMass Amherst Institute for Applied Life Sciences
Project Manager (9 mos)
florrent
Marketing Operations Manager (2 mos)
UMass Institute for Applied Life Sciences
Business Analyst (9 mos)
ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization
Program Manager (2 yrs)
Project Manager (3 yrs 7 mos)
Spacecraft Engineer (4 yrs)
Rocketeers Research Institute
Senior Consultant (3 yrs 3 mos)
Education
Masters in Business Analytics at University of Massachusetts Amherst
Master of Business Administration - MBA at Isenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst
Bachelor of Technology - BTech at Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
