Kai Bottum

I am a mechanical engineer by degree with a background in the water treatment and aerospace industries. My current career objective is to strengthen my software-based skillset, building on the foundation that I currently stand on. I view the ability to harness the potential at the intersection between software and hardware as paramount in the future of human technological development and aim to put myself in a place where I can make an impact.


Public NARCAN Dispensers

2025-present | Independent

Independently leading development of environmentally controlled public NARCAN dispensing units.

Propulsion Test Campaign DAC

2025 | Sierra Space

Led the development of a Data Acquisition and Control (DAC) system used to facilitate the propulsion test campaigns for a satellite program

Dream Chaser Liaison Engineer

2024 | Sierra Space

Spent 2 months on-site at Kennedy Space Center dispositioning Dream Chaser non-conformances within vehicle avionics, fluid systems, and TPS (Thermal Protection System) in a high-intensity environment, supporting the program launch readiness campaign

Germany & Austria

2024 | Adventures

Family trip in June of 2024 to visit family and explore the Alps at the Austria-Germany border :)

GSE Packaging

2024 | Sierra Space

Managed the packaging design, organization, and implementation for all propulsion GSE in Sierra Space's Dream Chaser program

LIFE Space Station ECLSS

2023 | Sierra Space

Design engineer supporting development of LIFE Habitat ECLSS (Environemntal Control & Life Support Systems) sub systems

Kauai Marathon

2022 | Adventures

Solo trip to Kauai, running my first marathon and exploring the island by camper van for 11 days

Ultrasonic Flow Meter

2021-2023 | AQ-Matic Valves & Controls

Lead engineer for development of AQ-Matic's F-series flow meter product line

Costa Rica

2021 | Adventures

Week long trip to Costa Rica with two good friends, exploring the jungle near Volcan Arenal then heading west to learn to surf in Tamarindo

Industry Career Beginnings

2018-2021 | AQ-Matic Valves & Controls

Responsibilities included leading product failure root cause investigation and engineering change determination, leading supplier qualifaction projects, providing support to production lines (including design & implementation of multiple assembly & test fixtures), routine CAD & drawing file maintenance

Lead Ion Detection Water Research

2016-2018 | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Research assistant leading design of test equipment for research & development of water lead ion concentration detection sensor chips.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

2014-2018 | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Graduated Dec of 2018 with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Men's Soccer

2014-2016 | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Member of the University of Wisconsin Men's Soccer Team