Matthew Rotondaro

Photo of Matthew Rotondaro inside the Laboratory, leaning against a railing with large widows in the background.
Knowing that my efforts contribute to solving problems of urgent national interest gives me a great sense of purpose and accomplishment.

What do you do at the Laboratory?

I work on a range of projects involving optical systems and image processing, often in the context of autonomous platforms and tactical military applications. Much of my work involves designing and fielding sensor systems that directly support military users. Having the opportunity to collaborate closely with end users and see our systems deployed in real-world missions is one of the most fulfilling aspects of what I do.

How has your career evolved during your time here?

When I joined the Laboratory, I had limited experience with autonomy, control, and embedded systems. Since then, I’ve gained hands-on knowledge working on real-world projects and collaborating closely with domain experts. This growth has enabled me to tackle increasingly complex technical challenges, contribute to innovative system designs, and help shape new research directions. It's been a rewarding journey of career development.

What has been one of the most rewarding projects you have worked on so far?

I was involved in developing a low-cost precision guidance solution for military users and had the opportunity to contribute throughout the full development life cycle — from rapid prototyping to integration and deployment — which gave me firsthand insight into how engineering decisions translate into real-world impact.

Where are you from?

I am originally from Glen Rock, New Jersey, a suburb of New York City. Growing up there was like living in Mayberry — a small town where everyone knows everyone. It has picturesque tree-lined streets, a 4th of July parade, and a literal 570-ton namesake rock planted in the middle of town. I enjoy regularly visiting my friends and family still located there.

Do you have any advice for someone seeking to work in your field?

Stay curious and don’t hesitate to dive into new technical areas — some of the most valuable insights come from working across disciplines. Real-world problems rarely respect clean boundaries, so it's important to understand how different parts of a system interact and how your work contributes to a bigger mission.