Emma Young

About Emma Young

I am a space systems engineer who excels at connecting the dots between testing, training, and mission operations, and thrives on bringing complex space missions to life. I apply systems engineering fundamentals to challenging problems and bridge interfaces between teams and systems.My 10 years of experience in the space industry, much of which has been with NASA\'s Mars rover operations teams (Curiosity and Perseverance), has given me a chance to lead in a variety of areas from spacecraft communications planning to mission operations system development and verification & validation (V&V). I\'ve also held key roles in engineering and planning operations, giving me an end-to-end understanding of the entire mission lifecycle. My academic background in Aerospace Engineering Sciences, with a focus in bioastronautics and human spaceflight, complements my practical experience in robotic spacecraft operations, ground systems, and the human element of spacecraft teams. My passion for applying both the depth and breadth of systems engineering enables me to tackle challenging problems, ensuring mission success and empowering high-performing, cross-disciplinary teams in the exciting world of space exploration.

Experience

1. Systems Engineer

   NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory

   Apr 2022 — Present · Pasadena, CA, US

   Mars 2020 Mission Operations System Testing Coordination Lead- Coordinate recurring test campaigns for ground data system software releases, leveraging a deep understanding of mission operations use cases and technical ground data system implementation while balancing competing priorities and schedulesMars 2020 Training Lead- Lead a team to design and develop technical mission and spacecraft training for operations team of 200+ individuals (spanning engineers, roboticists, instrument operators and scientists)- Develop a well-rounded, cross-cutting training curriculum for operations that leverages technical training best practices and hands-on interactive training simulations to maintain a certified operations teamMars Sample Return - Sample Retrieval Lander - Mission Operations System Systems Engineer- Support requirement authoring, derivation, functional decomposition, and verification/validation planning for mission system (mission operations and ground data systems)- Design and develop the mission operations systems architecture and processes

Education

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Master’s Degree, Aerospace Engineering Sciences, Bioastronautics Focus

  2015 — 2016

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Bachelor’s Degree, Aerospace Engineering Sciences

  2011 — 2015

• University of Southern California

  Astronautical Engineering

  2010 — 2011

Skills

• Systems Engineering
• Matlab
• Mathematica
• Magicdraw
• Model Based Systems Engineering (Mbse)
• Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Systems Toolkit (Stk)
• Mission Operations
• Spacecraft Operations
• Spacecraft
• Verification and Validation (V&V)
• Process Design