Ryan Kaufmann

Passionate for spaceflight and space exploration. Meticulous worker with attention to detail, with a passion for all things mechanical and electrical.  Special skills with orbital launch pad systems, Mechanical and electrical skillsets applied. 

Data and Control Systems/ Fluid systems technician with the Launch Pad team at SpaceX. Over the first 6 months of my employment, I developed a good understanding of all fluid systems on the launch pad and developed my skills to have the ability to safely open and work on all systems. (Hydraulics, Highand low-pressure nitrogen, Helium, Cryogenic helium, Liquid Oxygen, Rp1, TVC, Tea-Teb, and ECS) As I continued through working and learning the fluids systems, I also started working and learning Data and Control Systems, which was my primary duties from day to day. Daily work involving; troubleshooting and repair of high-speed dynamic sensors, wiring and channels. wiring and repair of instrumentation devices, Including- Load cells, Load pins, LVDT's, Flow meter's, Command able valves and valve limits, Throttle valves, Pressure transducers, Differential pressure transducers, High Power Current transducers (CT's) and Rtd's. Along with device and wiring troubleshooting/ repair, I also performed any and all associated channel wiring and C-DAQ work/ repair. Along with these duties I also took Avionics harness build and repair course and applied the skills Where applicable in the field. (long-haul cable repairs) While working these different duties from day to day, I also had multiple RED Team entries. With a vehicle on the pad, making pre-flight entries when needed. Performing critical repairs to GSE systems, ensuring vehicle support safety and functionality. Also performed post launch pad entries to repair damage that slowed or halted pad Safing procedures. Every day brought a new challenge, with the challenge came great experience to apply in the field from day to day. 

High school and technical diploma earned. Most relevant education is on job training over the past 3 years.