Rufat Kulakhmetov
About Rufat Kulakhmetov
Rufat Kulakhmetov is a Research Engineer at BLUE ORIGIN with extensive experience in aerospace and propulsion engineering, having previously worked at The Aerospace Corporation, Air Force Research Laboratory, and NASA.
Company
Rufat Kulakhmetov currently holds the position of Research Engineer at BLUE ORIGIN, starting his tenure there in 2022. BLUE ORIGIN, a prominent aerospace manufacturer and sub-orbital spaceflight services company, is based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Rufat's role likely involves engaging in cutting-edge aerospace research and development projects, contributing to the organization's ambitious space exploration goals.
Past Work Experience at The Aerospace Corporation
Prior to joining BLUE ORIGIN, Rufat Kulakhmetov worked at The Aerospace Corporation as a Member Of Technical Staff from 2021 to 2022. During his one-year tenure, he was based in El Segundo, California. In this role, he would have been involved in providing technical and scientific support for national security space programs, leveraging his extensive experience in aerospace engineering.
Education and Expertise
Rufat Kulakhmetov holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering with a focus on Rocket Propulsion from Purdue University, attained from 2016 to 2020. He also earned his Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in the same field from Purdue University from 2014 to 2016. Furthermore, he has a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Connecticut, completed in 2014. His academic credentials underscore a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of aerospace engineering.
Past Work Experience at Air Force Research Laboratory
Rufat Kulakhmetov has multiple stints at the Air Force Research Laboratory. In 2019, he served as an NSTRF Visiting Technologist for three months in Edwards, CA, and completed a similar term in 2018 for two months. His responsibilities likely involved working on advanced aerospace technologies and supporting research initiatives critical to the Air Force's mission.
Past Work Experience at NASA
Rufat Kulakhmetov has significant experience working with NASA in various capacities. In 2017, he took on an NSTRF Visiting Technologist role in Huntsville, Alabama, for two months. He also worked as a Propulsion Academy Research Assistant in 2013, a USRP Research Assistant at NASA Glenn Research Center in 2012, and an INSPIRE Intern at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in 2011. These roles provided him with substantial exposure to space research and propulsion systems.