Jana Sanford

Jana Sanford is an emerging engineering professional whose career has already spanned some of the most innovative sectors in technology and manufacturing. Based in Texas, she is beginning a new role as a Quality Engineer at an electronics manufacturing company in Austin, where she will focus on printed circuit board (PCB) assembly, harnessing, and quality processes supporting products used in robotics, artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, energy, and consumer technology. Passionate about delivering excellence in manufacturing, Jana is dedicated to ensuring that complex electronic systems meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

After earning her degree in Engineering Physics from Tarleton State University, Jana launched her career in the aerospace industry with Firefly Aerospace. There, she contributed to launch vehicle production and spacecraft integration, including work on the Blue Ghost lunar lander, which successfully traveled to the moon. Her responsibilities included process improvement, prototyping, design support, and manufacturing integration, providing her with valuable experience at the forefront of space exploration. She later joined Cypress Technologies, where she worked in new product development, manufacturing, and project management, collaborating on a wide range of technologies including robotics, defense systems, and advanced electronics.

Throughout her career, Jana has worked alongside organizations across the United States to help bring innovative products from concept and prototype through production and deployment. She is driven by the satisfaction of seeing a project evolve from an initial idea into a finished product that creates real-world impact. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jana is committed to giving back to her community through support of local shelters, churches, and organizations that assist women and combat human trafficking. Recognized as one of the women featured by the Influential Women program representing Texas, she continues to advocate for resilience, self-belief, and excellence in engineering and leadership.