Mauricio Kalukango is a distinguished Equipment Service Associate at BMW Manufacturing USA, and he is celebrated for his adeptness in industrial maintenance. Specializing in repairing and enhancing electrical and electromechanical systems for leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), his expertise is well-regarded in the industry. His roots trace back to Angola, but he was born in Botswana. In 1982, his family emigrated to the United States, settling in Atlanta, GA, where he developed a keen interest in aviation, ultimately leading him to pursue an Aviation Maintenance course at Atlanta Technical College.
The economic repercussions of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent housing market downturn significantly impacted his initial career path in aviation maintenance. Unyielded by these challenges, he redirected his career toward heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technology. This transition broadened his technical capabilities and marked his entry into machine maintenance.
Kalukango's career trajectory is punctuated by his tenure at notable companies such as Caterpillar Inc. and Pumpingsol, where he interacted with advanced industrial equipment essential for continuous, high-speed operations. His involvement with these companies deepened his understanding of the complexities of industrial automation and process equipment, keeping him at the forefront of technological advancements in the manufacturing sector.
Born in 1979 amidst Angola’s prolonged civil war, Kalukango’s family fled to a refugee camp in Botswana and later to the USA. In Atlanta, his father, a craftsman and construction foreman, instilled in him the values of diligence and familial solidarity. Thriving in this environment, he actively participated in local community activities, notably at the Carver Eastside Boy's Club. He excelled academically and socially in high school, graduating as Student Body President in 1997.
His academic journey took him to Mercer University to study Mechanical Engineering. Still, his passion for aviation redirected him to Atlanta Technical College for an Aviation Maintenance certification, culminating in FAA certification. The evolution of industry regulations inspired him to further his education in HVACR technology at Fortis College in Georgia, perfectly timing his entry into industrial equipment maintenance as the sector moved towards automation.
His adaptability is further exemplified by his progression from being an airframe and power plant maintenance technician to taking on roles that demanded expertise in modern control systems and high-tech machinery. His proficiency led to a pivotal role at BMW in 2018, where he has thrived, focusing on robotics and factory automation in Greenville, SC.
Outside his professional life, Kalukango is a devoted father of two and enjoys a harmonious relationship with his ex-partner and family. His adventurous spirit is showcased through extensive travels, including a significant tour of Egypt’s historical sites and enjoyable ventures to Colombia’s vibrant landscapes. His visit to the Dominican Republic, with its stunning mountain ranges and verdant valleys, remains one of his most cherished experiences.
Throughout his life, Mauricio Kalukango has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, making him a vital asset to the industrial maintenance landscape.