Employee Spotlight: Meet Natalie Eustis

What is your role at Amentum?

My role at Amentum is Human Factors Analyst. I work on NASA’s Artemis Program as part of the COMET (Consolidated Operations, Management, Engineering and Test) Contract.

Describe a typical workday at Amentum for you (Day in The Life):

My workday shares many similarities with other engineers, but with one key difference, it takes place at Earth’s premier spaceport, the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). As a Human Factors (HF) Analyst, I have the unique opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from hardware systems like the Environmental Control System (ECS), which keeps the Artemis rocket at the right temperature and humidity before launch, to software systems such as the Avionics Ground and Flight Application Software Team (GFAST), which monitors Orion and Space Launch System (SLS) avionics in the Launch Control Center.

A typical day often includes team meetings to stay up to date on system developments. On the software side, I collaborate with teams to evaluate new or updated displays through a human factors lens, ensuring they meet implementation standards and improve usability. These evaluations are part of my Human Factors Assessments (HFAs), which are a core component of my role. For hardware projects, especially during development, I tailor HF requirements to the specifics of each system after analyzing how operators will interact with it. I then work closely with Systems Engineers and Design Engineers to ensure these requirements are met throughout the design process. This often takes me to iconic locations at KSC, such as the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and the Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), to verify requirements in person. These site visits are always a highlight of my day; Getting to assess designs firsthand in such historic and exciting environments is an incredible experience.

What do you enjoy about working for Amentum and what do you find most rewarding?

What I enjoy most about working for Amentum is the hands-on work I get to do at Kennedy Space Center. Whether I’m assessing designs and verifying requirements in the Vehicle Assembly Building or observing simulations using GFAST displays in the Launch Control Center, these experiences are incredibly motivating and rewarding. They allow me to feel deeply connected to the Artemis Program, which is a dream realized for me. I’ve worked toward being part of human spaceflight for a long time, so contributing to such a historic program is both humbling and inspiring.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and how has it shaped your journey at Amentum?

I studied Biomedical Engineering in college because of a deeply personal experience. When I was 13, my mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer, and at 15, she underwent a hysterectomy performed by a robotic surgical system. That technology, designed by engineers, gave her a chance at recovery and showed me the impact engineers can have. Although she passed away when I was 19, her journey inspired me to always keep people at the center of my work. That perspective guides me every day at Amentum. I’ve also had a lifelong passion for space exploration, starting when my dad introduced me to Star Wars as a kid. Today, I get to combine that passion with human-centered engineering on the Artemis Program, a mission that will shape the future of spaceflight. For me, this is more than a career; it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to something historic. I’m grateful to Amentum for giving me the chance to turn that vision into reality.

Any insights or perspectives you gained working for Amentum that you didn’t expect?

One insight I’ve gained while working at Amentum is how much the “who” matters in any job. I didn’t expect the culture to have such a big impact on me, but the genuine teamwork, collaboration, and friendliness here make a huge difference day to day. Every person I’ve worked with has been kind, motivated, and willing to help, especially my Human Factors team. Having a team, and a broader directorate, that you can rely on and even build real friendships with is something I truly value. It’s a reminder that great work happens when great people come together.