Matt Darley
About Matt Darley
Matt Darley is the Recovery Systems Manager at Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, where he has worked since 2020. He has a background in aeronautics and systems engineering, with extensive experience in both practical and strategic roles across various companies in the aerospace sector.
Work at Rocket Lab
Matt Darley has served as the Recovery Systems Manager at Rocket Lab since 2020. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the recovery systems utilized in the company's launch operations. His position is based in Auckland, New Zealand, where he has contributed to the development and implementation of innovative recovery solutions for Rocket Lab's launch vehicles.
Education and Expertise
Matt Darley earned a Master of Engineering (M.Eng) in Aeronautics & Astronautics from the University of Southampton, where he studied from 1993 to 1998. Prior to this, he completed his A-levels at Burford School & Community College, achieving top grades in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in systems engineering, Finite Element Analysis, and Fluid Structure Interaction.
Professional Background
Before joining Rocket Lab, Matt Darley worked at Reaction Engines Ltd as a Lead Systems Engineer from 2015 to 2020. He also held positions at Vorticity Ltd as a Senior Engineer for 13 years and at Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd as a Senior Systems Engineer for four years. His diverse experience spans practical testing environments and strategic planning, highlighting his adaptability in various professional settings.
Project Leadership and Collaboration
Matt Darley has successfully led projects that involved multi-national collaboration, demonstrating his ability to work effectively within diverse teams. His strong systems engineering approach to problem solving has been crucial in preparing winning technical proposals, showcasing his leadership and strategic capabilities in engineering projects.