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Meet Mykaela
Myk is the driving force behind our in-house test stands, ensuring we can hotfire our engines nearly every day. Her dedication builds the critical test data backbone that fuels our products. Beyond maintaining our test infrastructure, she is actively developing next-generation technologies to support the future of our engine innovations.
Time at Benchmark:
4.5 years
What projects are you working on?
At our R&D facility in Pleasanton, CA, I oversee the construction and commissioning of multiple test stands, managing both technical and operational aspects to ensure component functionality and the success of testing campaigns. As my role evolves, I am transitioning to focusing more on directly supporting propulsion development, working on cutting-edge combustion devices and new propulsion technologies.
What's been a highlight of your career at Benchmark?
I'm proud to have led the redesign of a bipropellant test stand which resulted in a momentous increase in daily thruster throughput. This redesign was used as a baseline to future-proof systems for new propulsion configurations, allowing us to greatly scale our operations. For me, that project will always be an exciting reminder of the power of collaboration and innovation in driving impactful changes.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
My hobbies include record collecting, traveling, hiking, and photography. While I do not have a pet of my own, I thoroughly enjoy volunteering for local animal shelters in my free time. I am an avid concert go-er, and the Bay Area has an amazing music scene!
Myk was part of the test team that conducted Benchmark's first bi-coastal hotfire testing simultaneously at our
California and Vermont facilities