Mary Kalayjian was born & raised in Los Angeles (Glendale), California and graduated from California State University, Los Angeles where she received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Astrophysics.

She is currently working at Aerojet Rocketdyne as a Project and Component Engineer supporting the MMRTG (Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) Program and on the RS-25 Engine for the SLS (Space Launch System) Program. More specifically, Mary has supported the development, testing, and fabrication of 3D printed hardware and assisted with the implementation of various new manufacturing and inspection technologies. In 2019, her and her team members were chosen to receive the Distinguished Engineering Project Achievement Award by The Engineers’ Council for their efforts in successfully developing RS-25 3D printed hardware.

Aside from her core engineering responsibilities, Mary continues to be an advocate for employee growth & development. She volunteers for many employee resource groups at Aerojet Rocketdyne including LAUNCH, which helps early career engineers integrate into the company, as well as coordinating enterprise wide technical discussions to encourage a culture of continuous learning. She also leads an engineering team dedicated to helping other fellow engineers develop their own career road maps.

She believes this is a very exciting time for space exploration & feels privileged to contribute towards the future of human space flight.