Kairan Quazi, the teenage prodigy who captured global attention as one of the youngest engineers in the world, is taking the next big step in his career. At just 16, he is leaving SpaceX, where he played a key role in the Starlink project, contributing to Elon Musk’s mission to provide global internet connectivity through advanced satellite technology. Quazi’s extraordinary journey began with graduating from Santa Clara University at just 14, making him the youngest graduate in the school’s 170-year history. Known for his talent, determination, and intellectual curiosity, he has continually broken age-related barriers. Now, as he joins Citadel Securities as a quant developer, Quazi is set to apply his engineering and problem-solving skills to the fast-paced world of quantitative finance.
Kairan Quazi’s early life and academic journey before leaving SpaceX to work with Elon Musk
Kairan Quazi was born into a family that combined technical expertise with financial acumen. His mother, Jullia Quazi, is a Wall Street professional, while his father, Mustahid Quazi, is a chemical engineer. Growing up as an American-Bangladeshi, Kairan was exposed to a unique mix of cultural perspectives and academic expectations. These influences nurtured his curiosity in mathematics, computer science, and technology from an early age, setting the stage for his exceptional achievements.Kairan’s academic path was unconventional yet remarkable. He began college studies long before his peers, completing an Associate of Science in Mathematics from Las Positas College at the age of 11. This early success reflected not only his intellectual abilities but also a maturity in logical reasoning and problem-solving uncommon for his age.In 2023, Kairan made history by graduating from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, becoming the youngest graduate in the institution’s 170-year history. Beyond academics, he demonstrated leadership qualities, serving as an Associated Student Government senator from 2021 to 2023, engaging in campus initiatives, and promoting student-led programs. His academic journey was not just about excelling in studies but also about embracing responsibility and leadership.
Kairan Quazi leaving SpaceX to join Citadel Securities and expand his tech career
At just 14, Kairan took a bold leap into professional life by joining SpaceX as an engineer. His work on the Starlink project involved tackling sophisticated engineering challenges, contributing to the company’s mission of providing global internet coverage through satellite technology. Quazi’s role at SpaceX made him one of the youngest engineers in the tech industry, earning him worldwide recognition and highlighting his ability to work at the highest levels of innovation despite his young age.In 2025, Kairan Quazi decided to shift his focus from aerospace engineering to the financial technology sector. He joined Citadel Securities, a leading quantitative trading firm based in New York City, as a quant developer. In this role, he will work at the intersection of engineering and quantitative problem-solving, collaborating with both traders and engineers to enhance global trading systems.
Kairan Quazi leaving SpaceX to start a new chapter at Citadel Securities
Despite his extraordinary skills, Kairan faced significant challenges due to his age. In a 2023 interview with Vogue, he described experiencing cultural adultism and repeated rejections from recruitment agencies that prioritized age over talent. Even with a resume that showcased his accomplishments, many hiring managers struggled to reconcile his age with his qualifications. Quazi’s journey highlights a broader issue in professional industries: the need to recognize skill and potential over conventional expectations of age or experience.Kairan Quazi is not just a child prodigy but also a trailblazer showing what early exposure, curiosity, and determination can achieve. From graduating college at 14 to making impactful contributions at SpaceX and now stepping into quantitative finance at Citadel Securities, his journey inspires young innovators worldwide. Quazi exemplifies how talent, coupled with perseverance, can challenge norms and redefine what is possible for young professionals in highly competitive fields.Also Read | Mercury’s radius is shrinking rapidly as planet loses 11 kilometres since formation and continues to contract; scientists warn