A rocket scientist (currently Propulsion Systems Director at Aerospace) with a passion for engineering and science to help address complex challenges and shape the future of space launch – with commitment to partnerships across government, industry, and academia to promote collaboration in driving innovation and long-term mission success.Dr. Eun Kim started at Aerospace in 2002 as a propulsion engineer and was promoted to an engineering manager in 2008. In this capacity, Dr. Kim was responsible for Aerospace’s technical support to launch vehicle programs (Delta, Atlas, and new entrants) from performance / hardware evaluations to day-of-launch operation for propulsion systems in support of national security space missions. He was later selected by the program office to lead next-generation rocket development efforts for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) program – later renamed the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. The efforts resulted in public-private partnerships with commercial launch providers to address the highest risks for rocket propulsion system development, followed by the development of new and upgraded launch systems. Early activities enabled interagency partnerships in technology maturation with NASA and AFRL, as well as collaborations in tool development with academia. Between 2012 and 2014, Dr. Kim also provided technical and acquisition support to the Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space Launch, becoming a trusted advisor to the Pentagon acquisition officials and helping guide today’s rocket propulsion decisions. His most recent position was Vulcan Systems Director, managing the early phase of Aerospace's effort in the DoD certification process for ULA’s new launch vehicle (Vulcan Centaur) in support of the United States Space Force (USSF) NSSL program.Prior to joining Aerospace, Dr. Kim was a lead design engineer of advanced combustors for the General Electric Company (now GE Aerospace). He received his B.S. (with Distinction), M.S. and Ph.D. degrees all in mechanical engineering from The Pennsylvania State University. He has authored/co-authored five book chapters and numerous technical papers on propulsion and combustion. His three book chapters on liquid rocket engines are featured in Wiley’s Encyclopedia of Aerospace Engineering. Dr. Kim is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), an associate editor of the Journal of Propulsion and Power (2010-2015), a lecturer at UCLA (2003), and serves on multiple technical and professional committees.