Nickey Raines
About Nickey Raines
Nickey Raines is the Manager of Rocket Test Operations Engineering at Rocket Lab, with extensive experience in propulsion test operations from roles at NASA, SpaceX, and Blue Origin.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Nickey Raines holds the position of Manager at the Stennis Propulsion Test Complex for Rocket Lab, having started in 2022. Based at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, Raines plays a critical role in overseeing test operations for rocket propulsion systems. One of his significant contributions includes working on ground systems and test equipment for the Archimedes engine, part of Rocket Lab's Neutron program.
Experience at Blue Origin
Since 2016, Nickey Raines has served as Rocket Test Operations Engineering Manager at Blue Origin, located in Van Horn, Texas. In this role, he oversees the testing of rocket engines and related propulsion systems. This position builds on Raines' extensive background in propulsion test operations and his previous experience at leading aerospace organizations.
Previous Work at SpaceX
Nickey Raines has a significant history with SpaceX, having worked there from 2009 to 2016. He started as the Director of Test Operations, a role he held for six years. He was later promoted to Principal Engineer, Development Test, where he worked for one year. During his tenure, he was involved in critical testing operations that contributed to SpaceX's advancements in space exploration technology.
Career at NASA
Nickey Raines' career includes extensive experience at NASA. He served as Deputy Chief Engineer from 2006 to 2009 and as Manager of the Mechanical Engineering Design Branch from 2004 to 2006, both at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. Before these roles, he was a Test Director at NASA from 1999 to 2004. His cumulative experience at NASA spans various leadership roles in engineering and test operations.
Educational Background
Nickey Raines attended Mississippi State University, where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree in this field in two years, from 1984 to 1986. His academic background laid a strong foundation for his extensive career in aerospace and propulsion test operations.