James Dorris

James Dorris is the co-founder and CEO of Odys Aviation, an advanced aerospace startup based in Long Beach, California. Founded originally as Craft Aero in 2019 and backed by Y Combinator, the company develops nine-passenger hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed specifically for regional travel markets. Previously, Dorris served as employee number 20 at Virgin Hyperloop One, where he built and directed the core engineering teams responsible for the venture's advanced propulsion and magnetic levitation systems. His prior technical leadership experience also includes specialized transportation research and development engineering roles at GoogleX and Arrivo. He began his formal engineering career conducting early-stage fusion energy research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Plasma Science and Fusion Center. Dorris maintains a primary professional focus on commercializing sustainable aviation technologies and engineering efficient next-generation mobility systems.