Matthew R. Parker, son of Michael and Leslie Parker, graduated with honors from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a BS in aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering. He was a member of Sigma Gamma Tau, the aerospace engineering honor society, and Pi Tau Sigma, the mechanical engineering honor society.

Parker has accepted a full-time position with Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX) in McGregor, Texas, as a propulsion test engineer. He is currently testing engines for the Falcon 9 launch vehicle, which is intended to replace the space shuttle when it retires.