Michael Pearson
About Michael Pearson
Michael Pearson serves as the Manager of Integrated Operations at Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, a position he has held since 2022. He has a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in propulsion and launch operations within the aerospace industry.
Work at Rocket Lab
Michael Pearson has held several positions at Rocket Lab since 2014. He currently serves as the Manager of Integrated Operations, a role he has occupied since 2022. Prior to this, he was the Team Lead for Integrated Operations from 2020 to 2022, overseeing test and launch operations. His responsibilities included conducting readiness reviews and providing Go/No Go approvals for Electron launches. Pearson also worked as a Propulsion Engineer from 2016 to 2018 and held the position of Senior Engineer in Propulsion Operations from 2019 to 2020. Throughout his tenure, he has managed a diverse team of engineers and scientists to support Rocket Lab's operational goals.
Education and Expertise
Michael Pearson studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) from 2011 to 2016. He also attended Okanagan College, obtaining a Diploma in Computer Information Systems from 2004 to 2006. His educational background equips him with a solid foundation in both mechanical engineering and computer science, which he applies in his current role at Rocket Lab.
Background
Before joining Rocket Lab, Michael Pearson worked at Blockbuster Canada as a Shift Leader from 2009 to 2011. He also gained experience as an Astronomical Assistant at the University of Victoria from 2011 to 2016. His early career experiences contributed to his development in leadership and technical skills, which he later applied in the aerospace industry.
Achievements
During his time at Rocket Lab, Michael Pearson led the team responsible for the test and launch operations of the Lunar Photon spacecraft. He plays a crucial role as Launch Director for Electron launch operations, conducting readiness reviews and collaborating with external parties to ensure successful launches. His leadership in managing a diverse team of engineers and scientists has been instrumental in supporting Rocket Lab's operational success.