Karel Beukes
About Karel Beukes
Karel Beukes is an Intermediate Propulsion Design and Development Engineer at Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, where he has worked since 2020. He specializes in propulsion design, having led the development of critical subsystems for space missions and possesses strong skills in CAD systems and project management.
Work at Rocket Lab
Karel Beukes has been employed at Rocket Lab since 2019, initially serving as a Propulsion Design Engineer before advancing to the role of Intermediate Propulsion Design and Development Engineer in 2020. In this capacity, he is responsible for building first articles for testing and space qualification campaigns in propulsion design. He has also taken on the role of Sub-system Lead Design Engineer, demonstrating his leadership in design projects. Beukes has been involved in the research and development of novel propulsion technologies and led the design of the Thrust Vector Control subsystem for the Hypercurie Engine, which supports the NASA CAPSTONE mission to the moon.
Education and Expertise
Karel Beukes earned a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Canterbury, completing his studies from 2014 to 2017. His educational background provides a solid foundation for his work in propulsion design. He possesses proficiency in industry-relevant CAD systems, including NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, and AutoCAD, allowing him to create complex models and design 3D printed parts for production. Beukes also has a working knowledge of ERP and PLM systems, which aids in R&D purchasing and change implementation management.
Background
Before joining Rocket Lab, Karel Beukes worked at Km Mechanical as a General Mechanical Engineer from 2018 to 2020. His experience in this role contributed to his mechanical engineering skills and understanding of engineering principles. Additionally, he served as Acting Responsible Engineer at Rocket Lab for a brief period in 2019, further enhancing his experience in engineering responsibilities within a high-pressure environment. His career trajectory reflects a strong commitment to advancing in the field of propulsion engineering.
Achievements
Throughout his career at Rocket Lab, Karel Beukes has demonstrated significant contributions to propulsion design and development. He has successfully transformed concepts within CAD into complete prototype articles, showcasing his hands-on abilities. His leadership in the design of the Thrust Vector Control subsystem for the Hypercurie Engine highlights his role in critical projects, particularly those aimed at advancing space exploration. Beukes is recognized for his strong project management and risk mitigation skills, which are essential in the demanding aerospace industry.