Meet Carys - Aerodynamicist

I always liked maths and science in school, but I wanted to get outside of the classroom.
 
I had completed a range of placements and when I started my placement in Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS), I instantly found it to be different. FCAS is more hands-on. Here, you get to see it through a lifecycle in itself, and i knew i wanted to stay on the programme after my apprenticeship.
 
Since joining the team I’ve enjoyed the fast moving environment. The constant change in the programme keeps me on my feet. There’s a lot of problem solving involved; my team really values my input, and they’re willing to provide feedback and steer me in the right direction.
 
I’ve definitely learnt a lot from the senior members of my team. I’m currently doing my degree, and they’ve been so helpful, even bringing in books from when they did their degrees. I enjoy the fact I can develop my knowledge through their knowledge.
 
I’ve had experience with wind tunnel testing, which has helped me gain familiarity with the process. Supporting the tests and completing data analysis ont the test results has been really exciting.
 
I think the biggest growth in my skills has been with the software we use. I’m more familiar with it now and less dependent on my colleagues. It’s really developed my confidence.
 
When Tempest takes to the skies, I’ll have a sense of pride; it’s rare for people in this sector to be able to see something from the start through to the end, I’ve been very lucky in my career. Although the outcome is big, and I’ve played a small part, knowing that I’ve played that part makes me so proud.