Cole Mero
About Cole Mero
Cole Mero is a Launch Operations and Test Engineer I at Rocket Lab, with a background in aerospace and engineering physics. He holds a Master's degree from Stanford University and has extensive experience in research and engineering roles across various institutions.
Work at Rocket Lab
Cole Mero currently serves as a Launch Operations and Test Engineer I at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand. In this role, he has participated in 11 orbital launch campaigns, where he acted as the primary mechanical systems operator. He has been entrusted with final go/no-go authority in three of these campaigns. His responsibilities include manually reviewing data from over 500 engine hot fires to evaluate flight worthiness and performance.
Education and Expertise
Cole Mero earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Physics, with a Materials Option, from Queen's University from 2016 to 2020. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from Stanford University from 2021 to 2023. His academic background provides a solid foundation for his work in aerospace engineering and launch operations.
Background
Cole Mero completed his high school education at Humberside Collegiate Institute from 2012 to 2016. He began his involvement in engineering during his undergraduate studies at Queen's University, where he held various roles, including Vice President of the Queen's Rocket Engineering Team. He also gained practical experience through internships and research assistant positions at institutions such as Queen's University and the Royal Military College of Canada.
Research and Teaching Experience
Cole Mero has a diverse background in research and teaching. He worked as a Physics Teaching Assistant at Stanford University from 2021 to 2023, where he supported undergraduate students in their studies. Additionally, he served as a Research Assistant at the University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies and the Advanced Aircraft Design Laboratory at the Royal Military College of Canada, contributing to projects in aerospace and nuclear energy.
Leadership and Team Involvement
Cole Mero demonstrated leadership skills during his time at Queen's University, where he was Vice President of the Engineering Society and the Queen's Rocket Engineering Team. In these roles, he led initiatives to build and launch advanced sounding rockets, participating in the International Rocket Engineering Competition. His involvement in these teams showcases his commitment to engineering and collaboration in the aerospace field.