I Am Building SLS: Magda Vargas, Acoustics Analyst, All Points Logistics, LLC

I was born and raised in Puerto Rico and have wanted to work at NASA ever since I was in high school. I earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez and my master’s degree in the same field from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. It’s important to never lose track of what you want and set your goals to get there.

It’s really exciting for me to get to work on the next-generation rocket. I’m on the team testing the noise levels generated by NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) propulsion system and how the noise affects the vehicle using a 5-percent subscale model of the SLS and launch structures. We collect noise data at different elevations and water suppression configurations through more than 200 sensors attached to the model. I analyze that data that will be used for the rocket’s sound suppression system.

I worked for the Ford Motor Company as a noise and vibration engineer early in my career, which I feel prepared me for my current job. Every experience counts. I’ve had the opportunity to test the noise generated by rocket motors of various sizes in horizontal and launch configurations. It’s always impressive and exciting to see the rockets fire and the power they generate.  It can be very interesting trying to test outside — we’ve dealt with weather and wildlife, but our team always makes it work.

I love to travel and try new things I can learn and grow from. I grew up playing sports, and I am currently on a salsa dance team with which I travel around the country to perform. Cooking also is a big passion of mine. I enjoy making dishes from scratch. It’s like an extension of engineering and science — you’re creating something out of nothing. You do a lot of testing and experimenting until you have the perfect finished product.