Kinjal Ruecker

• Brooke Owens Fellow, Class of 2020

• Georgia Tech, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, ‘21

• Host Institution: SpaceX

• Mentor: Jose Hernandez

Propulsion Designer | MIT Doctoral Researcher

As specialist in mechanical design for advanced propulsion systems, with a sub-focus in applied computational and experimental design, Kinjal’s expertise spans both aerospace and sustainable energy. Her industry foundation includes eight internships at NASA, JPL, and (4x) SpaceX, where she developed engine turbomachinery, valves, combustion devices, and ignition systems.

Currently a PhD candidate at MIT’s GEAR Center, Kinjal has pivoted her focus toward decarbonizing commercial transport. Her research centers on engineering a hydrogen-diesel retrofit to transition heavy-duty engines toward climate goals. She is dedicated to translating these designs into commercially viable products.

View Kinjal’s curated design portfolio and professional work on her personal website:

kinjalruecker.com