Descent Stage Development

I was the Lead Manufacturing Engineer for the MSL Descent Stage Development. I was involved in sourcing all of the raw materials and review of early designs prior to drawing release. Sourced custom designed tooling for the assembly of the Descent Stage. I was involved in tracking the piece part hardware from the beginning of the fabrication cycle to final inspection and delivery to the high-bay for assembly.

I oversaw the hardware fabrication for the Terminal Descent Sensor (TDS) which was used to guide the Descent Stage towards the Mars surface. The onboard computer on the TDS would send signals to the thrusters to guide the spacecrafts descent towards the surface.

I also received an award for delivering the completed primary structure to the propulsion group ahead of schedule. This was a major accomplishment of my career and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.