Mihai Totu
About Mihai Totu
Mihai Totu is a HITL Lead Engineer at Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, with over 12 years of experience in engineering, particularly in space launch systems and satellite simulations. He has a strong background in teaching complex technical subjects to stakeholders and possesses advanced degrees in engineering and international relations.
Current Role at Rocket Lab
Mihai Totu serves as the HITL Lead Engineer - GNC at Rocket Lab, a position he has held since 2020 in Auckland, New Zealand. In this role, he oversees hardware-in-the-loop (HITL) testing operations, focusing on guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems. His responsibilities include leading engineering teams and ensuring the successful execution of testing protocols for space launch systems.
Previous Experience at Rocket Lab
Prior to his current role, Mihai worked at Rocket Lab as a Mechatronics Engineer specializing in GNC HITL Testing Operations from 2018 to 2020. During this time, he contributed to the development and testing of systems critical to the performance of space launch vehicles. His experience in this position laid the groundwork for his advancement to HITL Lead Engineer.
Professional Background
Mihai Totu has over 12 years of experience in various engineering fields, including telecommunications and mechatronics. He previously worked at netteam as a trainer and network transmission engineer consultant from 2013 to 2017. His role involved educating stakeholders on complex engineering and networking topics. He also gained experience as a Telecommunications Engineer at Huawei from 2011 to 2013, focusing on projects across Europe.
Educational Qualifications
Mihai holds multiple degrees in engineering and related fields. He achieved a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering from the University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest, where he studied from 2011 to 2017. He also earned a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering from the same university between 2009 and 2011, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electronics, Telecommunications, and Information Technology from 2005 to 2009.
Skills and Expertise
Mihai possesses a diverse skill set that includes expertise in CNC machining, network and remote systems configuration, and team motivation. He demonstrates a proactive attitude and has the ability to explain complex engineering concepts to business stakeholders. His broad experience with various software and hardware systems enhances his capability to meet customer requirements effectively.