Marco Tyler Rodrigue
About Marco Tyler Rodrigue
Marco Tyler Rodrigue is a GNC Engineer specializing in Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) systems at Rocket Lab, where he has worked since 2021. He has a background in aerospace and mechatronics engineering, with previous roles at UC Robotics and Syft Technologies.
Current Role as GNC Engineer at Rocket Lab
Marco Tyler Rodrigue currently serves as a GNC Engineer - HITL at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he performs launch simulations to ensure the reliability and safety of Rocket Lab's missions. He is involved in mission operations for launch and stage stacks, supporting the qualification of flight hardware and software for the Electron rocket within the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) environment. His work focuses on improving the performance of space flight hardware through enhanced software integration systems.
Previous Experience at Rocket Lab
Prior to his current position, Rodrigue worked at Rocket Lab in various capacities. He served as a Space Ambassador for two months in 2021 and completed a three-month internship as a Propulsion Operations Engineer from 2018 to 2019. Additionally, he held the role of Junior GNC Engineer - HITL for one year from 2020 to 2021. His experiences at Rocket Lab contributed to his expertise in space flight systems and operations.
Education and Academic Background
Rodrigue studied at the University of Canterbury, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E. HONS) in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering from 2016 to 2019. He furthered his education at The University of Auckland, obtaining a Master of Engineering (MEng) in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical Engineering from 2022 to 2023. Earlier, he completed the International Baccalaureate program at Kristin School, focusing on subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Leadership Experience at UC Robotics
From 2017 to 2018, Rodrigue served as President of UC Robotics in Christchurch. In this leadership role, he was responsible for overseeing the organization and guiding its initiatives. His tenure at UC Robotics provided him with valuable experience in managing projects and collaborating with peers in the field of robotics.
Internships and Early Career
Rodrigue gained early career experience through internships at Syft Technologies, where he worked as a Mechatronics Engineering Intern for three months in 2017 and as an Undergraduate Engineer for eight months in 2018. He also worked at SMC Pneumatics Australia | New Zealand Group as a Storeman from 2016 to 2017. These positions helped him develop foundational skills in engineering and project management.