Now working for Rocket Lab, Vishnu Muraleedharan shares his journey from MSc to Composite Engineer…
Why did you choose the Bristol Composites Institute for your studies?
I was already working as a composite engineer at Verdant, an aerospace company based in India, loved it and was considering doing a Master’s in Composites, abroad. I did my research – everything related to studying abroad, benefits and challenges. I wanted to get into a University which is reputed, has strong research and industrial ties, in a vibrant city and proximity to aerospace companies. I figured all of these would help me in my career and life moving forward. I short listed a few universities- but University of Bristol stood out. Filton being an aerospace hub and close to University, and knowing the University already have research collaboration with many – I considered that as a good opportunity to grow my network and possibly leverage that for a career in composites in UK. Beyond that it was the history, heritage and beauty of the University and the city that attracted me. Although I was not able to utilize the opportunity to the best due to Covid, life had a different plan for me. 
What research area did you specialise in whilst you were here?
I was in a taught Master’s programme, therefore there wasn’t a lot of research except my thesis. But during the course works, I enjoyed topics related to materials, and processing of composite material, specifically carbon prepreg composites. I still remember one particular course work, where I was reviewing applications of carbon composites in bicycles and how leading bicycle manufacturers use carbon for their sporting bikes and their patented processes. For my final thesis, I manage to collaborate with then Rimac Automobili, current Bugatti Rimac and I focused my research on methods to improve Noise, vibration and Harshness (NVH) properties of carbon composites. I was drawn to the use of visco-elastic materials to dampen vibrations. The thesis itself was quite heavily dependent on FEA and working with viscoelastic materials was challenging. Although, the thesis was quite interesting, it made me realise FEA is not for me. I’m someone who wants to work hands-on. Maybe it was hard because I wasn’t enjoying it much, but it was an important learning for me. I found out something I would not want to take up as a career.
After leaving the BCI where did you go?
I often find networking as key factor of working in an industry. Although big, the composite industry is quite tight-knit. Everyone knows someone, or someone who knows someone. It was through contacts I made from my previous job that I managed to collaborate with Rimac for my thesis. This later led to a job interview and I was offered the role of Composite Manufacturing Engineer, which moved me to the exciting world of Hyper cars, in the beautiful country of Croatia.
What are you currently working on and what do your future plans look like?
I joined Bugatti – Rimac in the beginning of 2022. I was predominantly involved in the productionizing of Rimac Nevera and the Development of the Bugatti Tourbillon – which will always remain as the highlight of my career. After three great years at Bugatti-Rimac, I got offered a role in Rocket lab in New Zealand. Since early 2025, I’ve been working as a Composite Engineer for Rocketlab, for their launch vehicles – Electron and Neutron. I say to my friends “I went from building rockets on the road to actual rockets”. My future plans are not solid yet, but it’s safe to say my future remains in composites and playing it by ear. I’m open to where my career takes me and remaining positive it’s all for good.
How did the BCI prepare you for work outside of academia?
Bristol being a Research University and BCI being very close with industry – there is a culture that you are provided with the support and knowledge, but it is up to each individual to use those opportunity to make something valuable out of it. People around me were intelligent, driven, hardworking and passionate – that kept me humbled, grounded and motivated at the same time. I learned how to approach complex problems independently and at the same time learned when to seek help – which I think is a must have quality in an industry work environment.