I Am Building SLS: Robert Hoffman, Team Lead, Integration and Test of Vehicle Avionics and Software

I am a team lead for Integration and Test of Vehicle Avionics and Software at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. Our branch is responsible for building and operating the Systems Integrated Test Facility, where avionics are configured and tested for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS). When completed, SLS will be the most powerful launch vehicle to take us on deep-space missions.

My primary responsibility was to get the Systems Integrated Test Facility assembled for SLS core stage First Light, a major milestone in getting the avionics system powered up and ready for testing. I have helped piece together the infrastructure, with the avionics components in flight configuration. The Systems Integration Test Facility is the first step in proving that all of the avionics boxes, in conjunction with all of the cabling and software, will actually control the SLS vehicle with no anomalous behavior.

My interest in testing hardware began when I took a job with the Naval Surface Weapons Center in Washington. I started working for NASA in 1984 running the thermal vacuum test chambers. I’ve held several positions since then doing different types of testing, including on payloads. When the opportunity presented itself to build the SLS avionics test facilities, I took it. I love the work I do.  

My advice to students would be to find a career that you look forward to going to in the morning, and hate leaving in the evening. I saw a quote from one of the scientists when I was working for the U.S. Navy: “If they didn’t pay me to do this job…I’d pay them.” For most of my career, I have felt that way about my job. It makes every aspect of your life better when you love what you do. And whatever you do, always do it to the best of your ability.