Arielle Valdez
Houston,TX
Summary
As an Operations Specialist and Project Lead, I specialize in underwater/aerospace systems, with a focus on critical life support systems and communications. Assisting in complex projects, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, reliable solutions in high-stakes environments. I optimize resources to maximize productivity while maintaining a focus on safety.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Lead
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
Houston, TX
05.2023 - Current
- As a Project Lead in Critical Systems Engineering, I assist in the design, development, and implementation of critical systems for our training facility missions, ensuring they meet performance standards with a focus on the communications system & Matrix
- I coordinate cross-disciplinary teams to integrate complex engineering solutions and resolve technical challenges, contributing to the successful execution of underwater and zero-gravity simulations
- My role involves managing project timelines, budgets, and resources while maintaining clear communication with stakeholders to align project goals with NASA's broader and innovative objectives
- I am responsible for evaluating risks associated with critical systems, applying engineering principles to ensure reliability and functionality in rapid changing technology updates
Test Director
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
Houston, TX
01.2023 - Current
- In charge of the direction of all NASA, NBL, and other external customers during NBL events
- These events include, but are not limited to, underwater EVA training involving pressurized suits, AOD Water Survival, test events utilizing diving systems and commercial testing events
- Quickly identify hazards/risks and utilize problem-solving techniques to resolve any off-nominal or emergency situations involving NASA’s pressurized suits (EMU, Next Generation Spacesuit, etc.), divers, tools, or other equipment malfunctions to ensure safety is not compromised
- Review Test Readiness Reviews and Job Hazard Analyses meetings, guidelines, and procedures
- Conduct emergency egress simulations and facilitate actions to Test Team Personnel
- Trained in system operations and maintenance
Environmental Control Systems Operator
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
Houston, TX
01.2022 - Current
- Configure, operate, and maintain proper configuration of the life support systems for pressurized suits during NBL training events
- Assist and communicate directly with the Test Director to solve any problems that may occur during off-nominal or emergency situations
- Continuously monitor all data (suit pressure, gas flow, water flow and water temperature) during suited operations to ensure overall safety of the suited subjects
- Thorough knowledge and frequent review of malfunction test rules and procedures to respond appropriately if needed
- Maintain and develop procedures for new Space Suit Assembly & configurations as Flight Operations advances with new technology
Dive Operations Specialist- Critical Systems
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
Houston, TX
12.2020 - Current
- Collaborated with team leaders and subjects to devise and implement solutions for issues and anomalies during Mission Task training
- Enforced NASA Safety policies while aiding Pressurized Astronauts through task configurations
- Developed emergency management plans for decision-making response and communications
- Safety Diver for pressurized suited subjects responsible for the safety of the crewmembers in training underwater; this includes always being prepared to ensure a safe and efficient egress in the unlikely event of an off-nominal situations
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Project Management
University of Arizona – Global Campus
Houston, TX03.2026
Google UX Design Certificate - UX/ UI Design
Coursera
Houston, TX01.2022
Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate - Software Engineering Bootcamp
NuCamp
Houston, TX01.2022
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate - Emergency Medical Technology
Unitek
Fremont, CA01.2016
Associate of Arts - Audio Engineering Hardware/Software Production
Pinnacle College
Los Angeles, CA01.2011
Skills
- Project development
- Industry expertise
- Effective project management
- Organization skills
- Multi-tasking skills
- Project scheduling
- Requirements analysis
- Collaborative mindset
- Risk management skills
Timeline
Project Lead
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
05.2023 - Current
Test Director
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
01.2023 - Current
Environmental Control Systems Operator
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
01.2022 - Current
Dive Operations Specialist- Critical Systems
NASA Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
12.2020 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Project Management
University of Arizona – Global Campus
Google UX Design Certificate - UX/ UI Design
Coursera
Full-Stack Web Developer Certificate - Software Engineering Bootcamp
NuCamp
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate - Emergency Medical Technology
Unitek
Associate of Arts - Audio Engineering Hardware/Software Production
Pinnacle College
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