Meink entered the
United States Air Force in 1988 through the
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at South Dakota State University. He started his career as a KC-135 tanker navigator and instructor and then a lead test engineer for the design and evaluation of ballistic missile test vehicles for the
Missile Defense Agency. In this position, he oversaw a budget of over $15 billion to develop satellite capabilities. His nomination was confirmed by the Senate in a 74–25 vote on May 13, and he was sworn in on May 16, 2025. ==References==