Since graduating from Sierra Canyon School as part of its founding class in 2009, Mark Mincer has crafted a career rooted in a love for engineering, a commitment to excellence, and a resilience that only comes from experiencing some of life's toughest challenges. Today, Mark is thriving as a flight test engineer with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, where he is part of an elite team bringing visionary aircraft designs from concept to reality. We spoke to Mark recently about his early days at Sierra Canyon, where the lessons and support he found helped shape him into the person he is today.
A Legacy of Lifelong Memories
As one of the School's first true Lifers, Mark attended Sierra Canyon from 1st Grade through 12th Grade, graduating as part of the founding senior class. "Looking back, I know I was lucky to have those years [at Sierra Canyon]," Mark says, "but I didn't realize how much those experiences and people would shape me."
Among the teachers who left a lasting impression was the late Tom Fennell. "Those who had Fennell know he was more than a teacher; he was a friend and a mentor who poured his heart and soul into teaching," he shares. "He was the type who left a legacy. I think everyone who knew him still carries a bit of that legacy with them."
In addition to his years in the classroom, Mark also spent many summers at Sierra Canyon Day Camp, first as a camper and later as a counselor. For Mark, the camp was more than just fun in the sun; it was a place of growth and friendship, and where he looked up to people like the Camp Director and SC's current Lower School Dean of Students, Adam Horwitz, who set an example of dedication that continues to inspire him. "Adam is one of those people I always remember when I think of what it means to have real drive and passion," says Mark.
The Drive to Succeed
Unfortunately, Mark and his family were dealt a harsh blow in his junior year when they lost his father. "I think about my dad every day," he says. "He showed me what it looks like to set high standards and really stick to them." In his grief, however, he gained clarity about his future. "It hit me that I wanted to honor him by following in his footsteps in a way. That's when I knew I wanted to go into aerospace engineering."
From there, as they say, the rest is history. Mark studied Mechanical Engineering at CSU Northridge, graduating with a degree that opened doors into the aerospace industry. Today, he finds himself in one of the most prestigious positions in the field as a flight test engineer at Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works. Currently working as the Cockpit Systems Lead for the X-59 supersonic aircraft, Mark and his team have created an aircraft that all but eliminates the sonic boom as we currently know it. "Of all the roles I have had—subsystem integration, electromagnetics engineering, and now flight test—flight test is definitely the most fun. There is something incredibly rewarding about being there for every stage, from design to build to test." You can follow the X-59's progress to first flight on Instagram @nasaaero.
Mark has also experienced significant personal hurdles throughout his life that we are delighted to report have shifted tremendously in his favor over the last few years. Many of his classmates may remember that Mark has lived with cystic fibrosis, a chronic lung condition, his entire life. "People at SC might remember that I always had a cough that never seemed to go away," he recalls. Living with CF meant frequent hospital visits and declining lung function that once had him on a double-lung transplant list. But in a remarkable turn, a breakthrough treatment was approved in 2019 that transformed his life. "Since then, I have been able to get off the transplant list, and my lung function has gone from 18% to around 80-90%. It's something I'm incredibly grateful for every single day."
Inspiration and Advice for Future Trailblazers
To current students considering a similar career, Mark advises them to approach life's challenges with resilience. "My advice is this: Never give up, even when things seem impossible. Let those 'impossibles' drive you." He also stresses the importance of integrity and encourages fellow Trailblazers to face their fears. "I was always a bit scared of math," he admits. "It was not my strongest subject at SC, but I put in the work, and by the time I reached college, I had turned that weakness into one of my strengths."
Mark also shared a piece of advice from his father that he lives by: "My dad always said the secret to a joyful life is having someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." Mark prioritizes his family, keeping a healthy work-life balance, and always making time for what matters most. "And," he adds with a grin, "there's always time left over to go fishing."
A Meaningful Homecoming
Although his career initially took him to the East Coast, Mark recently returned to Southern California, reconnecting with Sierra Canyon and rekindling memories. "SC will always feel like home," he says. "Walking through campus and seeing some familiar faces was incredibly nostalgic. Even with all the changes, it's amazing to see how the spirit of the place has stayed the same."
A Message to Fellow Alumni
For his classmates and the Sierra Canyon alumni community, Mark sends a warm greeting: "I know it has been a while, and I apologize for falling off the map a bit! Life has been busy, but I am back now and would love to reconnect." He invites anyone interested in catching up to reach out through Stacy Feliz. "It feels great to be back in SoCal," he adds enthusiastically, "and I look forward to seeing everyone soon."
