Amanda Knutson
Eielson AFB
Summary
Experienced senior weapons armament technician with 7 and a half years of background experience and veteran analog astronaut with 2 missions served in Hawaii and Poland. Appointed as the Chief Engineer for both missions and also took on the additional role of the Chief Executive Officer for the LunAres mission leading a crew of 5 through 2 and a half weeks of operations. Skilled in over 8 years of robotics experience varying from FIRST Robotics to the FIRST Tech and FIRST Lego League programs. Appointed as the lead computer aided design captain with experience in CREO and Solid Works. Overall capabilities reaching from military leadership, expertise, and high stress adaptability to senior analyst and CAD technician.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Weapons Armament Technician
United States Air Force
01.2017 - 05.2024
- Planned, managed, and supervised operations and training over 85 airmen and 40 F-35s with government assets worth over $3.1 billion.
- Improved mission development, reorganized programs, developed detailed tracking systems stabilizing units weapons loading systems while assisting in the design and development of new weapon systems, contributing valuable input based on hands-on experience.
- Weapons Senior Load Master with over 7 years of experience testing and evaluating loading systems, and loading ordnance under high stress conditions.
- Minimized downtime of weapons systems with prompt identification and resolution of malfunctions while achieving rapid response times for critical repairs, ensuring maximum availability of weapons systems during mission-critical operations.
- Maintained high levels of operational security awareness while managing sensitive information related to military assets and capabilities.
- Promoted a culture of "Continuous Process Improvement" by conducting regular audits of equipment storage facilities, tracking programs, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations.
Debrief Technician Supervisor
US Air Force
02.2023 - 04.2024
- Collaborated with lead teams and local civilian operations to identify recurrent issues and develop long-term solutions.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients, pilots, and lead supervision by providing clear communication regarding repair timelines and expectations.
- Contributed to cross-functional projects, providing expertise in disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of various equipment types.
- Continuously updated technical knowledge through ongoing professional development opportunities such as workshops, seminars, and industry conferences.
- Led work safety seminars related to sexual assault prevention and suicide training for over 45 airmen
- Optimized repair processes by troubleshooting complex problems using advanced diagnostic tools while maintaining detailed records of all completed work orders to facilitate easy retrieval during audits or future repairs.
Chief Executive Officer & Crew Engineer
LunAres
08.2021 - 09.2021
- Coordinated as the Executive Officer and Crew Engineer with the Commander and CAPCOM to oversee mission operations and lead 4 other crew members through 2.5 weeks of extensive training in analog simulations.
- Tested new dry food options from LyoFood, oversaw rover operations, built lunar rover drone base for supply deliveries, tested new EVA suit mock up from Paul Baaken and provided 3D printed update for it.
- Designed and 3D printed new models for tablet chest mount live streaming and a new handle design for rover updates and operations.
- Set new record for EVA runs capable in a 6-member crew for LunAres with a total of 18 runs.
- First analog astronaut to Coordinate and hold live stream events on social media during EVAs promoting, educating, and engaging the science community.
- Planned and developed a stress study for crew members while .
Crew Engineer
HI-SEAS
11.2020 - 11.2020
- Operated as the Crew Engineer and worked with the mission commander to fix and patch up Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suits, troubleshoot water pump issues and update the habitat water filter while tracking power outages and facilitating repairs around the building.
- First Analog Astronaut to bring a live animal to a mission while conducting and evaluating an aquaponics experiment and the introduction of gold fish.
- Wrote, reviewed and edited technical document in accordance with template requirements. Tracked and updated food, water, and supplies for mission.
- Set up new CO2 monitors around facility.
- Operated on minimal rations and used only 30 gallons of water for 2 weeks with 6 females.
- Accomplished the 2nd ever all-female crewed mission at the HI-SEAS habitat.
Education
Associates - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force
08-2024
High School Graduation -
Valders High School
06-2017
Skills
- Six Sigma White & Yellow Belt
- Shop safety practices
- Team leadership and collaboration with effective communication
- Time management in high-stress conditions
- Hazardous materials handling
- Test equipment operation
- Vehicle & aviation maintenance
- Ammunition handling
- Attention to detail
- Corrosion control
- Weapon systems expertise
- Troubleshooting & problem-solving abilities
Certification
- First Aid/CPR Certified until 2027
- Tactical Combat Casualty Care Certified
- Active Secret Clearance until 2030
Timeline
Debrief Technician Supervisor
US Air Force
02.2023 - 04.2024
Chief Executive Officer & Crew Engineer
LunAres
08.2021 - 09.2021
Crew Engineer
HI-SEAS
11.2020 - 11.2020
Weapons Armament Technician
United States Air Force
01.2017 - 05.2024
Associates - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force
High School Graduation -
Valders High School
Similar Profiles
Sean ChapmanSean Chapman
Non-Commissioned Officer at Health Service Management/United States Air Force, United States Air Force ReserveNon-Commissioned Officer at Health Service Management/United States Air Force, United States Air Force Reserve
THOMAS F. GOODTHOMAS F. GOOD
COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT, TWENTIETH, Senior Intelligence Analyst at UNITED STATES AIR FORCE F.E. Warren AIR FORCE BASE, AIR FORCECOMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT, TWENTIETH, Senior Intelligence Analyst at UNITED STATES AIR FORCE F.E. Warren AIR FORCE BASE, AIR FORCE
Carter PalsCarter Pals
F-16 Crew Chief at U.S. Air Force, United States Air Force BaseF-16 Crew Chief at U.S. Air Force, United States Air Force Base
Michele CoxMichele Cox
Pharmacy Technician at United States Air Force, Tyndall Air Force BasePharmacy Technician at United States Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base
Richard AmmonRichard Ammon
Aircraft Armament Systems Journeyman at USAFAircraft Armament Systems Journeyman at USAF