Team - Rob Lilly

WHAT DO YOU DO AS SDO DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER?

Along with SDO Project Manager Liz Citrin, I oversee and ensure execution of all aspects of the mission. Together, we make sure SDO will meet all of its requirements and is delivered on time and within budget.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Working with a great team and watching this thing progress from a concept to an observatory, along with the sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing we built it right here at Goddard.

WHEN DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO WORK FOR NASA?

I was 9 when Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, and I guess that event planted the seed. It wasn't until after I graduated from college and began working in the aerospace industry that I came to the realization that NASA was where I wanted to be.

WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL AND WHAT DEGREES DID YOU GET?

I graduated from West Virginia University with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

WHAT WAS THE FIRST JOB YOU EVER HAD?

I worked at a marina putting boats in and out of the water, driving a fork lift, pumping gas and cleaning boats.

HOW DID YOU COME TO ACTUALLY WORK FOR NASA?

After completing a 3-year Project Management training program as a civilian employee of the Naval Air Command, I became aware of a job opening here at Goddard and went for it. That was 1989.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON THE SDO MISSION?

I've worked on the SDO mission since March 2002.

SDO Deputy Project Manager