Mr. Petrella holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and  is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey and Vermont.

Mr. Petrella is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

Mr. Petrella holds Certifications in the State of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management - RACES, Firearm Range Safety Officer, and State of New Jersey Fire Police Officer. He also holds an FCC Radio Operator License and is a member of the Raritan Township Fire company.

Mr. Petrella’s professional experience includes forensic engineering investigation and evaluation of the design and construction elements related to mechanical and safety engineering, including: evaluation of mechanical and electrical machine systems equipment and products; design and construction of mechanical or electrical prototypes for product development or illustrative use; independent engineering investigation and/or failure analysis relating to accident occurrences involving mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical systems or devices.

Prior to joining AEL Mr. Petrella served as a Staff Engineer and Consulting Engineer for various engineering firms in the New Jersey area. His work included designing and development of high-speed proprietary manufacturing equipment; providing concepts layouts and assembly drawings, commercial part selection and detail drawings; supervising fabrication and assembly of parts, subassemblies and machines; designing power and control circuits and providing schematic and physical drawings; providing analysis and troubleshooting of high-speed assembly equipment, web handling lines, material handling systems and packaging equipment; designing and building machines to manufacture fiber-optic connector products.