Maria Matthews Email and Phone Number

Managed milestone planning and coordination of customers, integrators, and engineering teams for launches.• Developed and oversaw payload processing project management in Jira tasking software; including Kanban board management, task prioritization, filtering, scheduling, and resource allocating. • Developed a full system architecture for next-evolution vehicle development as part of the advanced concepts group, including product, functional, and requirement breakdown structures. • Implemented gated processes for customers and engineering teams to meet milestone deliveries.• Ensured contractual compliance and communicated to management if any party was likely to breach.• Managed Interface Control Documentation in Jama requirements software, and completion of the mission integrator and customer engineering team.• Negotiated solutions and test campaigns for non-compliant requirements from various parties.• Wrote the Virgin Orbit Mission Manager Handbook, describing all stage gates and processes for the MM team; updated the Payload User Guide for customer understanding of the launch service.

Developed a full systems architecture, performed failure mode analysis and fault tree analysis for the test site (DevLoop) and future system. Assisted in system designs and operational safety (OSHA) assessments.• Took over a delayed systems design project, instituted recovery plan and daily meetings; project was back on track within 3 weeks and I was subsequently promoted to Sr. Engineer.• Performed comprehensive technical analysis on all major technical program hazards. • Trained engineering teams and intern groups on safety methodologies using popular zombie film references analogous to team system designs.

Managed customer contracts for west coast including development of customer requirements, stakeholder identification, contract management, and technical project oversight.• Lead a team of 6 through successful small launch vehicle contract completion including team resourcing, project management, and presentation of milestones to investors and customers.• Lead and successfully completed a prime contract on-site with NASA Johnson Space Center EVA Office on strategic suit procurement.

Wrote systems, test, and Verification & Validation documentation for the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module (BEAM); which is currently still attached at the International Space Station, after receiving an extension to its program life.• Managed all high-difficulty Hazard Reports for BEAM and presented, defended, and successfully argued the technical solutions to the NASA Payload Safety Review Panel • Managed system-wide requirements and the interface control document (ICD) for launch and integration with the International Space Station (ISS) using DOORS requirements software • Integration liaison for the launch vehicle provider payload integration/mission management team.

Wrote comprehensive systems engineering documentation for launch vehicles, including risk analysis and mitigation, requirements development, functional decomposition, & production/mission operation flows.• Presented risks and mitigations to the DARPA Airborne Launch Assist Access (ALASA) committee.

• Analyzed solicitation from NASA’s business technology transfer (SBIR/STTR) and assisted in preparation of a proposal to fabricate advanced rocket engines built through additive manufacturing techniques• Assisted in preparing a proposal for partnership between Penn State and a major launch vehicle provider• Created a business model cash flow chart to guide MBA capstone projects in the Smeal College of Business’s APEX program• Assisted in compiling informational presentations for investors, donors, and alumni• Identified potential funding sources for the team• Researched potential companies and business networks for collaboration• Represented Penn State and the Lunar Lion team at an official function for the Office of the Vice President for Research• Represented the Lunar Lion at a venture capital forum as the team pursued private investment• Assisted in management of team members: organizing the roster, coordinating the subsystem team leaders, and finding solutions for efficient communication between different levels of the project.

Designed, built, integrated, and operated an experimental setup to detect magnetic ‘monopoles’ in spin ice.• Worked with cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum chambers, gas handling and plumbing manifolds, feedback and control electronics, data acquisition, and helium leak detection.• Lead a team of materials scientists, theorists, and myself (condensed matter experimental physicist) to publication of comprehensively peer-reviewed, novel results. • Drove several side projects leading me to be first to defend my dissertation and in class year; and B.S. to PhD. In 4.5 years (several years shorter than average). • Developed and oversaw the lifecycle of a 3-year project characterizing unique magnetic properties of rare-earth materials• Integrated custom-built and commercial project components, including cryogenic refrigeration, vacuum chambers, gas handling, and electronics, into a fully functional system controlled through LabVIEW™• Performed rapid prototyping of systems-level code and control systems• Developed novel sample preparation and interrogation techniques, requiring uniquely-developed instrumentation• Identified a breakthrough approach to materials research that utilizes commercially available technology to optimize efficiency and reduce cost• Initiated international scientific collaborations and led joint publication of previously undiscovered material properties• Coursework in Physics, Materials Science, and Space Systems Engineering