Executive · Engineer · Founder

Michael Nicolls

MN

President at SpaceXAISenior Vice President, Starlink at SpaceX

Nicolls built and led engineering for Starlink's broadband and Direct-to-Cell systems across satellites, terminals, ground infrastructure, network software, and constellation operations. Earlier, he co-founded LeoLabs and developed radar and sensing systems at SRI.

See something inaccurate or outdated?

Background

Current roles

President Apr 2026-present

Senior Vice President, Starlink Nov 2020-present

Previously

Dec 2015-Nov 2020Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, LeoLabs

Oct 2006-Jun 2016Research Engineer; Staff Scientist and Program Manager, SRI International

Education

Cornell University

About this data

Work and education history is primarily focused on AI-relevant roles and may not be comprehensive.

Last editorial review: July 18, 2026

News 1

moveMichael Nicolls becomes president of xAI

The longtime Starlink engineering executive has taken operational leadership of xAI while retaining his SpaceX affiliation.