{"id":14009,"date":"2025-07-02T18:42:40","date_gmt":"2025-07-02T22:42:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasa-stennis-engineer-takes-pride-in-test-support-work\/"},"modified":"2025-07-02T18:42:40","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T22:42:40","slug":"nasa-stennis-engineer-takes-pride-in-test-support-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zobi.alcowep.com\/bourtagshdrevxnls658739\/nasa-stennis-engineer-takes-pride-in-test-support-work\/","title":{"rendered":"NASA Stennis Engineer Takes Pride in Test Support Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

NASA Stennis Engineer Takes Pride in Test Support Work<\/h2>\n

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\"Dwayne<\/a><\/figure>
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Dwayne Lavigne works as a controls engineer at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center, where he supports NASA\u2019s Artemis mission by programming specialized computers for engine testing.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Danny Nowlin<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

As a controls engineer at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Dwayne Lavigne does not just fix problems \u2013 he helps put pieces together at America\u2019s largest rocket propulsion test site.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are a lot of interesting problems to solve, and they are never the same,\u201d Lavigne said. \u201cSometimes, it is like solving a very cool puzzle and can be pretty satisfying.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lavigne programs specialized computers called programmable logic controllers. They are extremely fast and reliable for automating precisely timed operations during rocket engine tests as NASA Stennis supports the agency\u2019s Artemis missions to explore the Moon and build the foundation for the first crewed mission to Mars.<\/p>\n

However, the system will not act unless certain parameters are met in the proper sequence. It can be a complex relationship. Sometimes, 20 or 30 things must be in the correct configuration to perform an operation, such as making a valve open or close, or turning a motor on or off.<\/p>\n

The Picayune, Mississippi, native is responsible for establishing new signal paths between test hardware and the specialized computers.<\/p>\n

He also develops the human machine interface for the controls. The interface is a screen graphic that test engineers use to interact with hardware.<\/p>\n

Lavigne has worked with NASA for more than a decade. One of his proudest work moments came when he contributed to development of an automated test sequencing routine used during all RS-25 engine tests on the Fred Haise Test Stand.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve had many successful tests over the years, and each one is a point of pride,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

When Lavigne works on the test stand, he works with the test hardware and interacts with technicians and engineers who perform different tasks than he does. It provides an appreciation for the group effort it takes to support NASA\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe group of people I work with are driven to get the job done and get it done right,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

In total, Lavigne has been part of the NASA Stennis federal city for 26 years. He initially worked as a contractor with the Naval Oceanographic Office as a data entry operator and with the Naval Research Laboratory as a software developer.<\/p>\n

September marks 55 years since NASA Stennis became a federal city. NASA, and more than 50 companies, organizations, and agencies located onsite share in operating costs, which allows tenants to direct more of their funding to individual missions.\u202f<\/p>\n

\u201cStennis has a talented workforce accomplishing many different tasks,\u201d said Lavigne. \u201cThe three agencies I\u2019ve worked with at NASA Stennis are all very focused on doing the job correctly and professionally. In all three agencies, people realize that lives could be at risk if mistakes are made or shortcuts are taken.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n

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As a controls engineer at NASA\u2019s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, Dwayne Lavigne does not just fix problems \u2013 he helps put pieces together at America\u2019s largest rocket propulsion test site. \u201cThere are a lot of interesting problems to solve, and they are never the same,\u201d Lavigne said. \u201cSometimes, it is like [\u2026] Continue reading → <\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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