Steve Burke is a graduate of the highly acclaimed University of Michigan department of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, and has been a naval architect for forty years. He began his career in the commercial and military shipbuilding industry, where his work concentrated on hull design and structural engineering for such diverse craft as hydrofoils, ships and submarines, for leading companies Boeing and General Dynamics.
After many years of designing structures in steel, aluminum and titanium, Steve turned his engineering talents to the use of composite materials in 1990. He held a senior engineering position with the W.R. Grace Advanced Materials unit, applying composite technology to new product development for the offshore energy, naval, oceanographic, and aerospace communities.
Steve later became the marine composites engineer at TPI Composites. The company is known worldwide for their application of advanced resin infusion technology (SCRIMP process) to the manufacturing of composite parts. They have produced a wide range of composite products including sailing and power yachts, buses, airport people movers, military vehicles, and wind turbine blades.
While at TPI, Steve was responsible for structural and composite engineering, as well as project management, for all of the new J/Boat models introduced and built during his tenure. Their advanced composite laminates and structures were engineered and refined in accordance with ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) standards. His work resulted in the development and success of the following award-winning boats:
- J/90- 30-ft. carbon/Kevlar/foam/epoxy racer
- J/109- 35-ft. E-glass/balsa/polyester racer-cruiser, for French builder
- J/125- 41-ft. carbon/Kevlar/foam/epoxy racer
- J/46- 46-ft. E-glass/balsa/polyester performance cruiser
- J/145- 48-ft. carbon/E-glass/balsa/foam/vinylester racer-cruiser
With his extensive knowledge and experience in structural engineering, composite materials and manufacturing processes, as well as regulatory body requirements, Steve founded Burke Design in 2001. A composite engineering firm with clients in the marine, industrial, transportation, energy and architectural fields, Burke Design specializes in structural and composite engineering, composite manufacturing technology, and project management for new construction, modifications and repairs. Their work has included projects as diverse as power and sailing yachts, commercial fishing boats and catamaran ferries, America’s Cup yachts, aircraft, and composite structures for the cellular communications, transportation, civil infrastructure, and energy industries.
Steve is a recognized expert in his field, and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and trade exhibitions on topics related to composite engineering, construction and repairs. He has been a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers since 1976. A lifelong sailor and an avid boating and outdoor enthusiast, he lives with his family on Cape Cod, MA.
Whether your next project is large or small, marine or industrial, incorporating advanced or conventional composite materials, Burke Design would like to help you to make it a big success! We welcome your inquiry today.