Luke Sauter
Engineering Division Chair, Permanent Professor and Head, Department of Astronautics @United States Space Force
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WORK HISTORY
Engineering Division Chair, Permanent Professor and Head, Department of Astronautics @United States Space Force
Oversaw six engineering departments encompassing seven engineering disciplines and nine academic majors. Represented a quarter of the academic disciplines; guided operations, training, curriculum and admissions of the Academy. Head of the Department of Astronautics, implemented curriculum, cadet instruction, personnel management, research oversight, budgeting, strategic planning, and faculty development. Led 39 Air Force and Space Force officers, non-commissioned officers, civilians, and contractors. Delivered 19 college-level courses annually, educating over 1,300 cadets in Astronautics and Space Operations. Secured ABET accreditation #1 national ranking.• Championed USAFA’s mission serving through committees including: Graduate School, Faculty Promotion Council, Future Conflict Curriculum Review, Tenure Planning, Permanent Professor hiring, Outcome Strategy Team, Curriculum Review Council, Admissions, USAFA Board, Academy Board • Successfully led Academy-wide short-notice contingency planning and transition for information system during IT crisis• Championed the development of the first Academy program allowing cadets to take master’s courses while finishing their bachelors degree. • Faculty lead for two Superintendent directed institution-wide calendar revamps to accommodate military training without compromising the critical academic mission. • Led implementation of USAFA’s first tenure system and promotion system guidance for over 769 faculty. Lauded by the staff for the smooth transition and process transparency throughout• Established Azimuth Summer Space Force training program to excite, motivate and inform prospective guardians about the Space Force • Established the first Space Warfighting Minor; designed to broaden understanding of the space warfighting domain• Directed design, development, and operations of eight FalconSAT technology demonstration missions, totaling $240M+ in direct support of critical national security space operations.
EDUCATION
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
United States Air Force Academy
Bachelor's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
University of Surrey
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Electrical Engineering with focus on Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
ABOUT LUKE SAUTER
Innovative engineer in the national security space domain, institutional and educational leader, and military officer with over 24 years of experience. Experience across design, development, testing, launch and operations of numerous satellite systems. Proven record of advancing organizational objectives through strategic vision, cross-functional leadership, and programmatic innovation. Expert in team building, collaboration, change management, and organizational development. Demonstrated success in forging partnerships, resourcing, and mentoring teams to achieve engineering and operational excellence.
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