Faces of SLS: Janine Cuevas

I’ve been working on America’s greatest rockets for more than 28 years. It makes me proud to be a part of the past and what is to come for the future of space travel with SLS. I truly like what I do and have been in my current position for six years. As part of my job as Aerojet Rocketdyne lead material requirements planner at Stennis, I’m responsible for making sure the correct hardware is available in the right place at the right time. In my former position as a technician for the space shuttle main engines, I didn’t know a lot about how the hardware got to the floor. Through experience in both positions, I know what it means and why it’s important to have engine hardware on the floor at the needed time.

There’s nothing quite like an engine test. The shake, rattle and roll…the “fire in the bucket.” When I see that familiar smoke and fire, all I feel is pride.

I call Waveland, Mississippi, home and went back to school while working at Stennis for a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Campus.  

Fitness is a big passion of mine. I used to compete in bodybuilding. I once participated in a 60-mile benefit walk in New York City, and I also completed a 175-mile bike benefit ride. I still ride my bike on the beach at least 30-40 miles a week.

My advice for anyone who’s interested in pursuing a career with NASA is don’t let anything stand in your way. It is very exciting, interesting work.