Karl Kulling

Karl Kulling is the Chief Executive Officer of Estes Energetics, a defense and industrial company founded in 2021 that specializes in solid-propellant rocket motors, energetics, and associated technologies for government and commercial customers.2

Professional Background

Karl Kulling has an extensive background in aerospace engineering and business management:

Education::

• MBA and SM in Engineering Systems from MIT Sloan School of Management (2013-2015)1
• Master of Science in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT (2007-2009)1
• Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from MIT (2003-2007)1

Work Experience::

• CEO at Estes Energetics (Current position)2
• Manager, Future Vertical Lift Enterprise Alignment Team at Bell Flight (2017-2020)1
• Value Stream Manager at Bell Flight (2015-2017)1
• Program Manager and Autonomous Systems Engineer at Aurora Flight Sciences (2009-2013)1

Expertise and Skills

Kulling's expertise spans various areas:

• Aerospace engineering
• Business development
• Program management
• Autonomous systems
• Path and task planning
• Vehicle health monitoring
• Multi-agent coordination

Current Role at Estes Energetics

As CEO of Estes Energetics, Kulling is leading the company's expansion efforts. The company is investing $7,200,000 to build out 30,000 square feet of new space in Benton, Louisiana, creating 12 new jobs.2 Estes Energetics combines practical propulsion solutions with advanced aerospace research and development, with facilities in Penrose, Colorado, near Colorado Springs.2

Additional Information

Kulling holds several aviation-related certifications:

• Commercial Pilot license (Single & Multi-Engine Land, Instrument Rating)1
• Certificated Flight Instructor (Single Engine & Instrument Airplane)1

He is active in industry events, attending conferences such as the Space and Missile Defense Symposium4 and SHOT Show in Las Vegas3, where he engages with potential partners and customers to discuss Estes Energetics' capabilities in critical chemicals and rocket motors.