Michael Devine

About Michael Devine

Rice University alum (Will Rice College, 2018) and aerospace engineer supporting NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) as a contractor through Amentum. I provide engineering services to the Structural Loads and Dynamics team, where I currently support the Gateway space station and the Human Lander System (HLS) programs.In my current role, I specialize in structural loads analysis and dynamic modeling, contributing to coupled loads analysis (CLA) efforts for Gateway and HLS. I develop and maintain custom Python tools that streamline workflows and integrate with NASA’s in-house analysis tools (e.g, PyYeti, NumPy) to support large-scale structural simulations and flight data processing.My past contributions at JSC have included developing vibration tests and designing test fixtures for structural components, performing FEM refinement and mass property checks for the VIPER lunar rover using FEMAP, and supporting integrated test and analysis cycles across major Artemis program elements.Prior to my structural dynamics work, I supported the xEMU spacesuit team in thermal and mechanical design, where I conducted detailed thermal analysis for onboard computing hardware in lunar conditions and created ground support fixtures for suit testing. My early career included R&D engineering for Weatherford’s Magnus horizontal drilling tool, and internships with Carollo Engineers and AECOM in infrastructure and construction engineering.I bring a versatile background in both engineering and creative design, with a passion for systems thinking, modeling, and spaceflight hardware development.

Experience

1. Structural Loads and Dynamics Engineer

   Amentum

   Sep 2024 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   As a structural loads and dynamicist supporting NASA’s Johnson Space Center through Amentum, I contribute to the structural analysis and flight readiness of critical Artemis program elements, including the Gateway lunar space station and Human Lander System (HLS).My work focuses on:Performing coupled loads analysis (CLA) to assess dynamic environments experienced during launch, docking, and mission operations.Developing Python-based tools to streamline workflows and automate data handling for structural simulation.Collaborating across multi-disciplinary teams to ensure integrated structural performance and compliance with system requirements.I support modeling efforts, data generation, and systems integration that directly inform design decisions for NASA\'s next-generation lunar architecture.

Education

• Rice University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

  2014 — 2018

• Langham Creek High School

  High School Diploma

  2009 — 2014