Julian Ruocco Aerospace Engineer | Researcher

Hello

RESUME PROJECTS

Thank you for visiting my page. I am an Aerospace Engineering student at Penn State pursuing a minor in Engineering Leadership Development and a certificate in Space Systems Engineering. I am passionate about space systems, control systems, and hands-on hardware development.

I have led multidisciplinary student teams on NASA's LunaRecycle Challenge, developed CubeSat mission concepts at the Space Dynamics Laboratory, and designed control systems for a 6-DOF robotic arm via python simulations. When I am not working on computational modeling or hardware payloads, you can find me at the gym, hiking, or exploring the natural sciences.

Education

The Pennsylvania State University — May 2027

B.S. Aerospace Engineering

  • GPA: 3.66 / 4.0
  • In-Major GPA: 3.82 / 4.0
  • Engineering Leadership Development Minor
  • Space Systems Engineering Certificate

Skills

Software & Simulation

MATLAB
Python
HTML
SolidWorks
Fusion
AutoCAD
STK
COMSOL
KiCad
LabVIEW

Hardware & Fabrication

High Power Microwave Systems
Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis
Arduino / Teensy
Payload Assembly
Control Systems
RF Systems

Methodologies

Systems Engineering
MBSE
Technical Proposal Writing
Mission Concepting

Professional Experience

From mission concept to hands-on space systems engineering

Space Dynamics Laboratory

Mission Concept Intern

Albuquerque, NM  |  May – July 2026

  • Developed a mission concept for a 3U CubeSat to detect, track, and identify ocean plastics in the Pacific Ocean.
  • Simulated orbital parameters in STK to measure ground station passes, downlink capability, and orbit optimization.
  • Built a Python script to compress satellite imagery into indexes capable of detecting ocean plastic.
  • Utilized Systems Engineering methodology to take an initial proposal from SCR to PDR.
  • Worked with NASA and AFRL engineers to continually iterate the design to increase mission feasibility.
Top Skills Utilized STK | Python | Systems Engineering | Mission Concepting | CubeSat Design

Student Space Programs Laboratory

Laboratory Lead & Lead Systems Engineer

State College, PA  |  August 2025 – Present

  • Developed systems design and requirements for complex modular recycling space system (RECLAIM) designed for lunar missions.
  • Integrated and tested RECLAIM verifying and validating functionality utilizing pressure and temperature sensors routed to LabView panel
  • Direct laboratory initiatives, grow the laboratory through strategic recruitment, and train 100+ student engineers in our training program.
Top Skills Utilized MBSE | COMSOL | LabVIEW | Digital Twin | RF Systems | Leadership

NASA LunaRecycle Challenge

Chief Engineer — Phase 2

State College, PA  |  August 2025 – May 2026

  • Led 20 student engineers to win $50,000 in the Milestone Round and secured a seat in the finalist round.
  • Created a proof-of-concept microwave-assisted plastic pyrolysis system proving feasibility.
  • Utilized MBSE and regular reviews through SCR to CDR.
Top Skills Utilized MBSE | Microwave Systems | Systems Engineering | Team Leadership

NASA LunaRecycle Challenge

Research Lead — Phase 1

State College, PA  |  December 2024 – May 2025

  • Directed the research team for NASA's LunaRecycle Challenge (Phase 1), authoring key proposal sections.
  • Created a MATLAB heat transfer model to gauge system temperature, improving testing efficiency by ~15%.
Top Skills Utilized MATLAB | Technical Writing | Heat Transfer | Research Leadership

Student Space Programs Laboratory

Member, Student Training Program

State College, PA  |  August 2023 – November 2024

  • Applied systems engineering to design and build an atmospheric volatile gas detection payload using Arduino, Python, SolidWorks, and KiCad.
Top Skills Utilized Arduino | Python | SolidWorks | KiCad | Payload Design

Space Propulsion & Environments Laboratory

Space Systems Researcher

State College, PA  |  May – August 2025

  • Researched high power microwave systems for use on future long-term lunar missions.
  • Developed a technical proposal for a lunar recycling system within a centralized microwave network.
  • Engineered systems design down to subsystem level and proposed novel catalyst selections for increasing methane generation.
Top Skills Utilized HPM Systems | Systems Engineering | Technical Proposal Writing | Lunar Systems