Franz Kerekes
About Franz Kerekes
Franz Kerekes is a Senior Systems Engineering and Integration Engineer at Blue Origin, with extensive experience at Boeing in various engineering roles.
Current Role at Blue Origin
Franz Kerekes is currently serving as the Senior Systems Engineering and Integration Engineer within the Advanced Development Programs at Blue Origin. He has been with the company since 2019, contributing his engineering expertise to the Kent, Washington office. His current role focuses on shepherding advanced space systems through the development lifecycle, overseeing systems integration, and ensuring mission readiness.
Previous Roles at Boeing
Franz Kerekes held various engineering and leadership positions at Boeing from 2003 to 2019. He started as a Mission Systems Engineer and advanced to several key roles, including 702sp Mission and Ground Integrated Product Team Lead, 702mp+ Spacecraft Systems Engineering Lead, and Flight Operations Lead for the 702sp Product Line. Kerekes was instrumental in leading spacecraft system engineering projects, particularly for the 702 series, and was involved in both mission and ground system integrations.
Educational Background
Franz Kerekes has a multifaceted educational background. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a focus on Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan between 1998 and 2001. He also pursued further studies at the University of Michigan in Engineering from 2002 to 2003. Kerekes added to his skill set by studying Culinary Arts at the California School of Culinary Arts in 2006 and Project Management at Caltech in 2008.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In addition to his engineering career, Franz Kerekes operates Kerekes Properties, where he has been an owner since 2004. This role signifies his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen beyond his technical pursuits.
Earlier Career Experience
Before establishing his career in aerospace engineering, Franz Kerekes accumulated diverse work experiences. He worked as a Volvo Mechanic at Imports West from 1996 to 1997, a Wrecker Driver at Brewers in 2002, and briefly as a Line Cook at Sodexo in France in 2003. These roles reflect his varied interests and adaptable skill set across different industries.