Rolf E. Hamke
Engineering Director for Defense Programs
Aerojet Rocketdyne
BSAAE 1984
MSAAE 1987
"Having been inspired by the moon landings, I decided to pursue a career in aerospace. In researching my college options, I found that the reputation of Purdue University was outstanding. When I was attending Purdue, I had no idea of the aerospace adventures I would encounter during my career. The experiences, the people and the opportunities have been wonderful. I feel blessed to have worked on a diversity of challenging propulsion programs."
Rolf Hamke graduated from Purdue University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and a Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics in 1987.
Hamke began his career at Thiokol Corporation (1990) working on the Solid Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) and Standard Missile 3 Block IA Solid Divert and Attitude Control System (SDACS) programs as a ballistician, test engineer and system analyst. In 1998, he continued his career at Beal Aerospace Inc. as the Stage 3 Integrated Product Team Lead focused on developing a peroxide powered launch vehicle stage for a privately funded launch system.
In 2000, Hamke joined Aerojet Gencorp as a Chief Engineer developing peroxide powered turbopump fed rocket engine, turbo-machinery and green liquid propellant based propulsion systems. His work efforts extended to the National Missile Defense system working on the Exo-atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) thrusters, the Missile Defense Agency Technology Risk Reduction Program and Standard Missile 3 Block IB and IIA Divert and Attitude Control System programs.
In 2011, Hamke was promoted to Engineering Director of the Missile Defense and Strategic Systems. Another promotion (2013) led to his current role as Engineering Director for Defense programs for Aerojet Rocketdyne.