From rocket science to Wall Street: Why this 16-year-old prodigy left SpaceX

Washington: Kairan Quazi, a 16-year-old Bangladeshi-American prodigy, is departing from Elon Musk’s SpaceX after two years to take up a new position at Citadel Securities in New York. Quazi first garnered attention when he graduated from Santa Clara University at just 14, making him the youngest graduate in the university’s 170-year history. Soon after, he began working as the youngest engineer in SpaceX’s Starlink division, focusing on critical software that enhances satellite accuracy and helps provide reliable global internet access.

During his time at SpaceX, Quazi played a key role in developing software designed to optimise Starlink's satellite beams, supporting internet connectivity for millions around the world. Although he received job offers from leading AI research labs and top technology firms, Quazi decided to transition into quantitative finance due to the intellectual challenges and fast-paced feedback that the industry offers.

At Citadel Securities, Quazi will work as a quantitative developer, combining his engineering skills with quantitative analysis to improve global trading infrastructure. He is enthusiastic about tackling new challenges and broadening his expertise in a high-performance environment distinct from aerospace.