Mike Thomas Dikstaal
About Mike Thomas Dikstaal
Mike Thomas Dikstaal is a Propulsion Test Engineer I at Rocket Lab, where he has worked since 2021. He has a background in chemical and process engineering, with experience in various engineering roles across multiple industries, including aerospace and food and beverage.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Mike Thomas Dikstaal serves as a Propulsion Test Engineer I at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he is involved in qualification and development testing for the Electron's stage 3 Curie Engine. His work contributes to the advancement of propulsion technology within the aerospace sector.
Previous Experience in Engineering
Prior to his current role, Mike worked at New Zealand's Aluminium Smelter (NZAS) as a Cell Design Engineer from 2017 to 2021. His responsibilities included engineering tasks related to the design and optimization of cell processes. Before that, he was a Process Engineer at Engex Ltd in Auckland for one year, where he focused on process engineering solutions.
Educational Background
Mike Thomas Dikstaal studied at The University of Auckland, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours in Chemical & Process Engineering from 2013 to 2016. His academic background provided a strong foundation for his engineering career, particularly in the fields of chemical processes and equipment design.
Experience in Tutoring and Research
Before entering the engineering field, Mike worked as an NCEA Tutor at Ardent Education from 2014 to 2016. He also held a Material Design Research Studentship at The University of Auckland for three months in 2015, where he engaged in research activities related to material design.
Specialization in Food and Beverage Engineering
Mike has engineering experience in the Food and Beverage industry, specifically in designing and sizing equipment for the thermovinification of wine. This specialization highlights his diverse engineering skills and his ability to apply them in various sectors.