Open to opportunities

Samantha Herath

@samanthaherath

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Optics Engineer with expertise in metrology and optical alignment.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that fosters innovation and collaboration in aerospace engineering.

I am an experienced Optics Engineer with a strong background in metrology and optical alignment techniques, currently serving as the Metrology Lead for the Roman Space Telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. My role involves collaborating with various subsystems to ensure that all spacecraft requirements are met through rigorous integration and environmental testing. I take pride in my ability to analyze large volumes of data and present findings in a clear and concise manner, contributing to the success of complex aerospace projects.

Throughout my career, I have authored significant research papers, including a manuscript on optical alignment techniques published by the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. My experience spans multiple roles, from mentoring junior engineers to managing intricate work order authorizations in NASA's Technical Data Management System. I am passionate about advancing optical engineering and contributing to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of space exploration.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Optics Engineer III

Current

Peraton – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Jan 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

As Spacecraft and Observatory Metrology Lead, I collaborated across various Roman Space Telescope (RST) subsystems to establish comprehensive metrology plans. I collected and analyzed data for large volume metrology events using OAFDAM and SpatialAnalyzer, delivering palatable final reports to various RST subsystems.

Data Analysis Roman Space Telescope Spacecraft Systems

Optics Engineer II

Peraton – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Mar 2022 - Present (3 years 3 months)

I collaborated with engineers across various Roman Space Telescope (RST) subsystems to design procedures for baseline characterizations and component-level builds. I also mentored a junior engineer in shimming and positioning Propulsion Thrusters to meet project specifications.

Solidworks GD&T Roman Space Telescope Mentorship

Optics Engineer I

Peraton, Northrop Grumman – NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

May 2019 - Present (6 years 1 month)

I aligned UVVIS and VISNIR dichroics, gratings, and apertures to arcsecond precision for NASA's PACE Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) flight specifications using optical alignment techniques. I provided measurements, analysis, and reports pre- and post- various environmental tests to validate hardware integrity.

Optical Alignments Theodolites Data Analysis Thermal Vacuum Chamber Testing Vibration Testing

Pre-Calculus Teacher

Achievement First’s Amistad High School

Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 10 months)

I created and delivered rigorous, engaging, and targeted Pre-Calculus lessons for 10th and 11th graders preparing for college-level coursework. I also guided comprehensive review sessions, held office hours, and collaborated with teachers for professional development.

Curriculum Development Lesson planning Teaching Mentoring Professional Development Robotics Classroom Management

Corps Member

Teach for America

Aug 2018 - Present (6 years 10 months)

I committed to two years of teaching in under-resourced public schools, guided by an intensive training program to develop skills for significant student achievement gains. I engaged in a full schedule of professional and leadership development activities, including seminars, workshops, and learning teams specific to mathematics content.

Teaching Leadership Development Professional Development Community Engagement Mentorship Public Speaking