Diamond Scharfenstine
Diamond Scharfenstine
Quality Inspector
ASRC Federal
Women In Metrology Survey Answers...
1. Please attach short biography if available
My name is Diamond Scharfenstine and I’m a Quality Inspector on the Orion Program at Kennedy Space Center. I started as an Aerospace Tech Intern, three and a half years ago and after a year moved up to a Quality Inspector.
2. What was your journey like to get you to where you are now? Was there a particular challenge you had to overcome?
I have been a Quality Inspector for two and a half years now and we just recently started our training with and using the Faro arm. We use this device to measure different parts that we receive in through shipping and receiving before they get processed into stock and onto the vehicle.
3. What is your favorite aspect of your role in metrology?
Seeing how we just started using this machine, I would say that my favorite aspect of using it is to learn the different ways to measure a part and learning the software.
4. What is the most critical aspect of your role?
The fact that we are going to be flying man into deep space one day our main goal here at the Orion Program is to keep these Astronauts safe during their travels. So making sure that every part that comes in the door is “to spec” is a big deal. The smallest mistake on the floor can become a big mistake in flight.
5. Who was one of your mentors as you pursued your education and career?
I would say that my biggest mentor/role model as I pursued my education and career would have to be my Father. My dad was an Engineer in the Airforce and once he got out he then started a career out at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station as an Engineer. My Dad was always there to help me and educate me. He is the reason I chose the career field I’m in now (Aerospace). Even though he is no longer with us here on earth I know he is watching over me as I pursue my B.S. degree in Engineering, to follow in his footsteps.
6. What advice would you give to others who are considering a STEM career?
If you know the system, then using the arm is a breeze. If you are someone looking into a STEM Career, then I highly recommend you learning computers as best you can and making sure you can pick up easily on software systems. One more thing, don’t be afraid of the arm you may feel like you are going to drop it but the engineers that designed the arm have done a good job with the floating of the arm.
7. When did you get your first chance to work in the Metrology field?
My first chance to work in the Metrology field was this past year when the company decided to get a Faro arm for the receiving inspectors to better do our jobs.
8. Describe the value that your efforts have delivered for the systems, products and processes.
“If you put your mind to it anything is possible.” I believe if you want to learn the system and have the drive then you will learn how to operate the tools easily.
