Keith Royce Lai
About Keith Royce Lai
Keith Royce Lai is a Propulsion Development Engineer currently employed at Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand. He has extensive experience in aerospace engineering, having worked in various roles including Research Teaching Associate at Monash University and Digital Engineering Manager at AJ Stack Solutions.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Keith Royce Lai serves as a Propulsion Development Engineer at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he focuses on the development of propulsion systems, contributing to the advancement of aerospace technologies. His work involves applying his knowledge of turbo-machinery and rocket propulsion systems to enhance the performance and efficiency of rocket engines.
Previous Experience at Monash University
Keith worked at Monash University in various capacities from 2018 to 2022. He served as a Research Teaching Associate for three years, where he contributed to academic research and teaching. Additionally, he held the position of Research Support Officer for eight months and was involved in the Monash High Powered Rocketry (HPR) program as both a Public Relations Specialist and Propulsion Lead. His roles at the university provided him with extensive experience in aerospace engineering and project management.
Education and Expertise in Aerospace Engineering
Keith obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering (Honours) and Commerce from Monash University, completing his studies from 2014 to 2018. He furthered his education by earning a Master's of Engineering Science (Research) in Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering from 2019 to 2021. His academic background laid the foundation for his expertise in turbo-machinery and rocket propulsion systems.
Early Career and Internships
Before his roles at Monash University, Keith gained practical experience as an Asset Management Intern at Australian Standfirst Asset Management for two months in 2017. He also worked as a Graduate Engineer at AJ Stack Solutions from 2019 to 2020, where he developed skills in digital engineering. His early career experiences contributed to his understanding of engineering principles and project execution.
Passion for Aerospace Technologies
Keith has a strong passion for utilizing advanced technologies to make a significant impact in the aerospace field. His commitment to innovation is evident in his work at Rocket Lab and previous positions, where he has consistently focused on enhancing propulsion systems and contributing to the advancement of aerospace engineering.