Michael Kukesh
Fort Drum
Summary
Accomplished US Army Engineer Officer with 15 years of experience leading engineering and operational planning initiatives. Professional Engineer with advanced degrees in civil engineering and military operations. Expertise in aligning operational needs with engineering solutions across joint, multinational, and interagency teams. Committed to advancing innovative technologies to address current and future operational challenges.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Battalion Operations Officer
41st EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
Fort Drum, NY
07.2026 - Current
- Coordinated battalion operations to ensure mission readiness and effective resource allocation.
- Developed and implemented operational plans, enhancing efficiency across all units.
- Conducted risk assessments to identify potential challenges and mitigate operational hazards.
- Supervised training exercises, improving soldier proficiency and tactical execution.
Battalion Executive Officer
41st EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
Fort Drum, NY
08.2025 - 07.2026
- Coordinated battalion operations to ensure mission readiness and effective resource allocation.
- Managed logistical planning for equipment movement and supply chain management.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in increased operational efficiency across battalion activities.
- Developed training programs enhancing soldier skills and operational effectiveness.
Operational Planner
10th MTN DIV
Fort Drum, NY
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Developed operational plans aligning with mission objectives and resource availability.
- Analyzed data to identify trends and optimize operational performance.
- Coordinated logistics for personnel and equipment movement to enhance efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and improve workflow.
Battalion S3 (FWD)
7th EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
Bagram, Afghanistan
07.2020 - 11.2020
- I have held command and staff positions at the division, battalion, and company levels, which have made me well-rounded in combined-arms operations, combat engineering, route-clearance operations, and facilities management.
- Led the forward S3 of a multi-national, multi-echelon battalion task force that secured Bagram Airfield. Provided daily briefings to COMBAF regarding security operations, COVID response, and base optimization. In this position, I served in an advisory role for both NATO and non-NATO forces.
- Commanded a company in garrison and deployed in support of OFS, and took on the role of Theater Route Clearance Company Commander.
- Completed two JRTC rotations enhancing operational readiness as Company Commander and AS3.
- Deployed as a civil engineer officer on a combined joint task force in support of OIR, conducting base camp assessments and environmental surveys in Syria. Coordinated with personnel from USACE, ARCENT, CENTCOM, SOJTF, and CJTF.
- Facilitated transition of BSTB to BEB as PL and Company XO, fielding first 6 Assault Breacher Vehicles at Ft. Hood.
Company Commander
B Co., 7th EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
Fort Drum, NY
2019 - 2020
- Led operational planning and execution of training exercises ensuring mission readiness.
- Developed and implemented standard operating procedures to enhance unit efficiency.
- Coordinated logistical support operations for troop deployments and training events.
- Mentored junior officers in leadership development and tactical decision-making processes.
Aide-de-camp
US Army Corps of Engineers, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division
Cincinnati, OH
06.2015 - 05.2016
- Coordinated logistics for site visits and inspections, ensuring timely access to necessary resources.
- Supported team members by organizing materials and equipment for field operations.
- Performed routine maintenance on tools and equipment to ensure operational readiness.
- Assisted with project documentation and data entry to support engineering tasks.
Civil Engineer
Town Engineer
Exeter, NH
07.2011 - 09.2011
- Collaborated with Town Engineer, gaining familiarity with design process, project programming, public budgeting, and technical software, while developing understanding of construction drawings.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective infrastructure solutions.
- Designed and implemented civil engineering projects, ensuring compliance with local regulations and standards.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop effective infrastructure solutions addressing community needs.
- Conducted site assessments and evaluations to identify potential design challenges and opportunities for improvement.
Industrial Engineering Intern
Raytheon Technologies
Andover, MA
2009 - 2009
- Acquired hands-on experience in operations management, manufacturing, and project management during an internship at Raytheon Technologies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support project development and implementation.
- Assisted in analyzing production processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
- Supported development of process maps for key engineering workflows, enhancing understanding of operations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather data for project evaluations and performance tracking.
Company Executive Officer, Platoon Leader
91st EN BN, 1st CAV DIV
Fort Hood, TX
2012 - 2015
- Oversaw resource allocation and logistics, ensuring seamless mission execution across diverse operational environments.
- Developed strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency within battalion leadership framework.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements, resulting in streamlined operations and increased readiness.
- Mentored junior officers on leadership practices, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY05-2011
Master of Science - Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering)
Missouri University of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO05-2017
Master of Science - Sustainable Building Systems
Northeastern University
Boston, MA05-2022
Master of Arts - Military Operations
School of Advanced Military Studies
Fort Leavenworth, KS05-2024
Master of Operational Studies -
US Army Command And General Staff College
Fort Leavenworth, KS06-2023
Skills
- Military Operations Planning
- Strategic Planning
- Logistics Coordination
- Resource Management
- Crisis Management
- Mission Analysis
- Technical Operations
- Operational Procedures
- Continuing education
- Military Networking
- Project Coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Completed the Joint Humanitarian Operations Course (JHOC)
Timeline
Battalion Operations Officer
41st EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
07.2026 - Current
Battalion Executive Officer
41st EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
08.2025 - 07.2026
Operational Planner
10th MTN DIV
06.2024 - 08.2025
Battalion S3 (FWD)
7th EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
07.2020 - 11.2020
Aide-de-camp
US Army Corps of Engineers, Great Lakes and Ohio River Division
06.2015 - 05.2016
Civil Engineer
Town Engineer
07.2011 - 09.2011
Company Commander
B Co., 7th EN BN, 10th MTN DIV
2019 - 2020
Industrial Engineering Intern
Raytheon Technologies
2009 - 2009
Company Executive Officer, Platoon Leader
91st EN BN, 1st CAV DIV
2012 - 2015
Bachelor of Science - Civil Engineering
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Master of Science - Civil Engineering (Water Resources Engineering)
Missouri University of Science And Technology
Master of Science - Sustainable Building Systems
Northeastern University
Master of Arts - Military Operations
School of Advanced Military Studies
Master of Operational Studies -
US Army Command And General Staff College
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- I am an adaptive and innovative leader with experience in systems thinking, combat engineering, civil engineering, project management, facilities management, military construction, and civil works. Have technical interest and curiosity in:
- Infrastructure resilience
- Critical infrastructure protection
- Energy resilience
- Systems engineering
- Decision science
- Autonomous systems
- AI-assisted/enabled operational planning
- Knowledgeable in engineering operations at the tactical and operational levels, having held multiple command and staff positions within divisional units
- Battalion S3 for Engineer Task Force (FWD) at Bagram Airfield
- Company Commander, AS3, Company Executive Officer, and Platoon Leader in a BCT
- Deployed as a Company Commander to Afghanistan; responsible for theater-wide route clearance operations
- Served as an engineer officer on a combined-joint staff in support of OIR
- Executed two NTC rotations (PL), one JMRC rotation (XO), and two JRTC rotations (AS3/CO)
- Deployed in support of OFS, OIR, and OAR II
- Certified Professional Engineer (PE) and Project Management Professional (PMP)