“From my earliest interview for a co-op job to my current position, I have always aimed to have a job where I support the development and fielding of the most innovative and impactful space vehicles, and my Purdue AAE has always been a major reason I was selected for the best jobs.”
Rusty Thomas's career in aerospace innovation began at Purdue University, where he earned his BS in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, followed by an MS in Engineering Mechanics, Aerospace at the University of Texas at Austin. With over 34 years of experience, he has led advancements in spacecraft design, production, and mission execution across commercial and defense sectors.
As Chief Technology Officer at Sierra Space Corporation, Rusty spearheads projects like the Dream Chaser Spaceplane for ISS cargo transport and the LIFE Habitat for long-duration space missions. His leadership has secured key partnerships with NASA, the Department of Defense, and commercial space companies.
Previously, Rusty founded Kuiper Government Solutions at Amazon, scaled Dragon spacecraft production at SpaceX, and led DARPA’s Blackjack satellite program. With over 130 launched spacecraft spanning LEO, GEO, and interplanetary orbits, his expertise continues to shape the future of commercial and government spaceflight.
A U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, Rusty served 20 years, including as Intelligence Officer for SEAL Team Three in Iraq. His leadership in aerospace and national defense continues to drive innovation in the evolving space industry.