About

About Mauricio Kalukango

Mauricio Kalukango is an Equipment Service Associate at BMW Manufacturing USA. He has an impressive history in Industrial Maintenance, repairing, and optimizing electrical and electro-mechanical equipment for large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). His family is originally from Angola, although he was born in Botswana. Kalukango’s family immigrated to the US in 1982 and settled in Atlanta, GA. It was here that Mauricio developed a passion for aviation and went on to complete the Aviation Maintenance course at Atlanta Technical College.

Mauricio’s career in aeronautics repair was significantly impacted by the US economy’s challenges following the 9/11 attacks and the housing market crash. Despite these setbacks, his determination to continue his career as a technical mechanic led him to pursue a career in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration technology. This transition not only equipped him with the skills to troubleshoot HVACR systems but also opened the door for him to pivot into the machine maintenance industry.

Kalukango’s determination and hard work led him to technical roles at large corporations, including Caterpillar Inc. and Pumpingsol, a leader in custom-designed complex fluid handling and process solutions for manufacturers. Mauricio was exposed to state-of-the-art industrial equipment designed for high-speed, continuous operations at both companies. He continued to expand his knowledge of industrial process equipment, even as the factory floor transformed into highly technical robotic equipment and automated processes.

EARLY LIFE

Mauricio Kalukango,  born in 1979,   is from Angola, Africa. His family had to flee their home and move to a refugee camp in Botswana due to a civil war that had been going on for nearly 30 years. Eventually, they migrated to the USA, choosing Atlanta, GA, as their new home. His father, Joaquim Kalukango, instilled in Mauricio a hard work ethic and the importance of family unity, especially in a new and unknown country. His father was a skilled craftsman who earned a good living making beautiful African carvings and working as a construction foreman.

Mauricio had a happy life once the family relocated to Atlanta, GA. He grew up attending the Carver Eastside Boy’s Club, where he learned essential skills such as communicating with peers and playing several sports. He became a key member of his high school soccer team and participated in student government. It was determined that Mauricio had a very high IQ, so he was placed in classes reserved for gifted students. By the time he graduated in 1997, he was Student Body President. He was also part of a team of student journalists who broadcast news and weather from the Georgia public television station. Mauricio graduated with honors and decided to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

EDUCATION

Kalukango attended Mercer University in 1997 as an undergrad in Mechanical Engineering. However, his passion for aircraft and desire to pursue a career with a hands-on technical role led him to enroll in the Aviation Maintenance course for Airframe and Power Plant Technicians at Atlanta Technical College. Here, he quickly learned the skills for a successful career in aircraft maintenance and high-power electrical equipment repair. He also gained his FAA certification with 2000 contact hours.

After changes in FAA regulations saw the industry migrate to a federal workforce, he decided to go back to school. He attended Fortis College in Georgia and began working towards a career as an HVACR technician. Most importantly, this educational path also allowed Mauricio to enter the world of industrial equipment maintenance at a time when manufacturing equipment was transforming into automated processes.

He graduated from Fortis College with a technical diploma in HVAC Technology and an E.P.A. Universal Certification as a Heating, Ventilation, and Refrigeration Technician. These new skills in high-tech equipment repair were the foundation that he built upon, learning all he could about industrial facility and equipment maintenance.

CAREER

Mauricio Kalukango’s career has been marked by his ability to adapt and excel in various technical positions and industries. He began his career as an airframe and power plant maintenance technician at the Aviation Network Service company, where he was responsible for diagnosing and repairing passenger service units. When the aviation industry underwent significant changes due to the 9/11 event, he seamlessly transitioned to Caterpillar Inc. as a wiring technician for the company’s power and control subpanels division.

While transitioning in his career, Mauricio took on more advanced roles as an Industrial Electrician and Electro-mechanical Technician with large companies, including Wallner Tooling, Andersen Windows & Doors, and SYSCO Atlanta. Desiring more responsibility, Kalukango was hired by Thompson Construction as an Instrumentation Technician. He was in charge of the company’s electrical maintenance, installation, and relocation of complex industrial machinery and facility systems. With each role, Mauricio gained experience with the newest manufacturing and facility technology, which demanded an increasing knowledge of cutting-edge control systems.

In 2018, Kalukango received a call from BMW. The Greenville, SC manufacturing plant was interested in his specific skill set, which included in-depth knowledge of high-tech, complex machinery. He was hired as an Equipment Service Associate (ESA) at BMW and began training in the exciting field of robotics and factory automation. Mauricio made a permanent relocation to South Carolina and continues to excel in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of automotive manufacturing equipment.

PERSONAL LIFE

Mauricio has two beautiful children, a girl and a boy, and even though he is currently single, he enjoys a great relationship with his ex and family. Mauricio’s passion for travel is a testament to his adventurous spirit. He has already embarked on numerous travel adventures, including an extensive tour of over 20 sites in Egypt and a four-day cruise on the Nile River. His recent visit to Medellín and Cartagena, Colombia, allowed him to witness the magnificent landscapes, climb mountains, snorkel, and bathe in volcano mud. He considers the Dominican Republic, with its impressive mountain ranges and lush, fertile valleys, as the most breathtaking country he has ever visited. Mauricio’s love for travel and his desire to experience different cultures continue to inspire him to explore the world.