Maria Hieta

I work as a Product Assurance and Quality Assurance Manager. My main responsibility is to make sure our satellites are reliable and have the best possible chance of completing their missions. My day-to-day work includes assessing the reliability of designs, defining requirements for materials and parts, overseeing testing activities, and ensuring that processes are properly documented and reviewed.

I’ll admit that one of the most satisfying parts of my job is finding out what breaks when we put our hardware through vibration and vacuum testing. I also enjoy creating and improving PA/QA processes with our highly skilled team, building on decades of spaceflight experience while developing processes and ways of working that best serve our goals and needs.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me doing CrossFit or Olympic weightlifting. Nothing clears my head like lifting something heavy!