Mr. Justin Gage, PE

Justin Gage, PE, is the director of innovation engineering at Reynolds American.  Justin holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from NCAT and NCSU respectively and an MBA from Wake Forest University.  Justin’s current role oversees the commercialization of new products for Reynolds including Vuse, Velo, and Glo within the company’s portfolio.  Justin combines technical expertise and business acumen to ensure the appropriate technical solution is implemented while achieving the company’s business objectives (e.g. conversion cost, annual capital commitments, etc.).  Justin began a part-time position as an adjunct instructor in the department of engineering at Wake Forest in the Spring of 2021 teaching a course on the design of machine elements.

Justin has held several positions during his time at Reynolds American.  Entering the company as an engineer overseeing several multi-million dollar projects and gaining the required experience for professional engineering licensure.  He transitioned to research and development authoring multiple patents in the vapor and tobacco heated product space.  Directly before his current role he oversaw the maintenance department, tobacco heated product production, and all electronic technicians for RJ Reynolds.  Justin has had eight years of progressive professional experience and was a professional traveling musician before entering University.

Currently: Director, Innovations Engineering, Reynolds America, Inc., Winston-Salem, NC

Formerly: (1) Director of Manufacturing Maintenance and Production, Reynolds American, (2) Master Scientist, Reynolds American, (3) Senior Engineer, Reynolds American, (4) Research Assistant, NASA Center for Aviation Safety

Education: (1) 2018 – M.B.A., Wake Forest University, (2) 2016 – M.S. Mechanical Engineering, NC State University, (3) 2013 – B.S. Mechanical Engineering, NC A&T State University.