Patrick Bouffard
About Patrick Bouffard
Patrick Bouffard is a Senior Flight Software Engineer at Rocket Lab, with a diverse background in engineering and research spanning over two decades. He has held various positions in notable organizations, including roles in flight controls, robotics, and exhibit development.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Patrick Bouffard serves as a Senior Flight Software Engineer at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he is responsible for developing and maintaining software systems that support flight operations. His work contributes to the company's mission of providing reliable and efficient launch services for small satellites. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he collaborates with a team of engineers to enhance the performance and safety of Rocket Lab's launch vehicles.
Previous Experience in Aerospace and Engineering
Prior to his current position, Patrick Bouffard gained extensive experience in various engineering roles. He worked at Airware as a Senior Engineer focusing on flight controls from 2013 to 2016. He also held the position of Architecture Lead at Acubed from 2016 to 2019. His background includes a significant tenure at MDA as a Robotics Instructor from 1999 to 2009, where he contributed to robotics education and training. Additionally, he has experience as a Research Assistant at the Royal Military College of Canada and the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory.
Internship and Early Career Development
Patrick Bouffard began his career with internships that laid the foundation for his engineering expertise. He worked at Science North from 1991 to 1995, focusing on exhibit development and visitor engagement. Following this, he completed an internship at Hatch in Sudbury, Ontario, from 1995 to 1996. These early experiences provided him with valuable skills in engineering and project management.
Educational Background in Engineering
Patrick Bouffard holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) from the University of California, Berkeley. He also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics and Engineering, with a focus on Applied Mechanics, from Queen's University. His educational background equips him with a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of engineering.
Sabbatical and Professional Development
From 2019 to 2021, Patrick Bouffard took a personal sabbatical in St. Hubert, Quebec. This period allowed him to reflect on his career and pursue personal interests. During this time, he also engaged in professional development activities, enhancing his skills and knowledge in the engineering field before returning to the workforce.