Kiko Dontchev

Kiko Dontchev has extensive experience in aerospace engineering, currently serving as Vice President of Launch at SpaceX since July 2010, overseeing launch and recovery operations at multiple sites. Previous roles at SpaceX include Senior Director of Launch and Recovery, Director of Spacecraft Integration, and Manager of Dragon Ground Operations, among others, focusing on the operational management of various spaceship systems and infrastructure. Prior to joining SpaceX, Kiko Dontchev worked at the University of Michigan as a Power Systems Engineer for the Radio Aurora Explorer project and as a Graduate Student Instructor. Early career experiences include internships at Boeing Satellite Systems and NASA Glenn Research Center, where significant contributions were made in power systems engineering and experimental research. Kiko Dontchev holds a Master of Engineering in Space Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.