Michael Rukavina

Michael Rukavina is a highly skilled engineering professional with extensive experience at SpaceX since February 2018, where roles have included Lead Launch Engineer and Senior Launch Engineer, focusing on the development and testing of Raptor and Merlin Vacuum engines. Responsibilities encompass critical testing, project design, automation, and mentorship of junior engineers. Prior to SpaceX, Michael held positions with Applied Research Laboratories and Boeing, contributing to sonar data acquisition systems and manufacturing robotics integration, respectively. Michael's academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin, achieved in 2017, which complements a diverse skill set in engineering, design, and problem-solving in high-pressure environments.