Our mentoring series features impactful leaders who share their career journeys and insights. In this session we talk with Shabnam Smith, an engineering director in C4ISR Systems, about her journey through BAE Systems, reaching beyond your comfort zone, and defining career moments.
Tell me about your career at BAE Systems and the journey you’ve been on?
I’ve spent my entire career at BAE Systems, and that’s been an intentional choice. I joined the Engineering Leadership Development Program straight out of college. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of technologies – supporting programs that operate undersea, in space, and everywhere in between.
For me, engineering has always been a creative space, offering the chance to solve complex problems in innovative ways. But what has kept me at BAE Systems is more than just the technical work, it’s the people. The company has continually invested in my growth, providing opportunities to take on new assignments and expand my skills. Leadership has trusted and advocated for me, allowing me to step into increasingly impactful roles. I’ve had incredible mentors along the way who have guided, challenged, and supported me at pivotal moments in my career.
At the same time, mentoring others has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. I’ve had the privilege of working with and developing talented engineers, helping them navigate their own career paths, and watching them grow into confident capable leaders. The friendships and professional relationships I’ve built here mean so much to me.
As someone who thrives on variety and creativity, the ability to work with many different domains, collaborate across teams, and engage with customers has been incredibly rewarding.
Did you always want to be an engineer?
No, definitely not. When I was younger, I never saw myself as an engineer. I always considered myself a creative person, and I had a misconception that engineering was rigid, black and white, like a math equation with only one correct answer. I was surprised to find that there is so much space to be creative. The hard problems we’re trying to solve here at BAE Systems – there are several different ways to solve the same problem, and the challenge lies in thinking outside the box. That creative problem-solving aspect is what keeps me engaged.
Can you recall a defining moment or experience in your career?
A defining moment in my career was stepping away from Compass Call, a program I had spent almost 10 years on and one where I had essentially “grown up” professionally. At the time, I had just started my family, and staying in a familiar environment felt like the right decision. But when I finally chose to trust in myself and step into a new challenge, I quickly realized that my success wasn’t tied to a specific program – it was a reflection of my own skills and adaptability.
That experience reinforced my confidence and shaped how I approach my career. Now, I actively seek out challenges rather than staying in my comfort zone, knowing that growth comes from the unknown.
How have you benefited from mentorship relationships?
Being in engineering hasn’t always been easy and at times I questioned whether this was the right space for me. Over the years, I’ve seen the culture evolve and peer-to-peer mentorship has been a huge part of my journey. Early on, the guidance and encouragement I received from mentors helped me navigate challenges, build confidence, find my voice, and understand my own potential in ways I couldn’t always see for myself.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that mentorship isn’t just about answering questions or guiding someone through a specific event – it’s about advocacy. The best mentors don’t just offer advice, they open doors, push you to take risks, and help you recognize opportunities you may have overlooked. Some of my most meaningful mentorship moments happened outside of traditional meetings – simply stepping away from the office and going for a walk. There’s something about being outside, moving, and talking that makes conversations more open and reflective. Those walks with my mentors helped me gain clarity and perspective, and I try to create those same opportunities for the people I mentor today.
That’s why I make it a priority to mentor others, especially mid-career professionals looking to pivot and expand their impact. Sometimes mentorship means providing technical guidance or career advice, but more often, it’s about helping someone see what they’re truly capable of. Sometimes people just need a confidence boost to realize they can stretch themselves further than they thought possible. Watching someone step into new challenges and succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
At its core, mentorship is about relationships. It’s about lifting each other up, advocating for the people you believe in, and ensuring that as we grow in our careers, we’re bringing others along with us.
What advice do you have to reach beyond your career comfort zone?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that discomfort expands your comfort zone. I wasn’t always someone who took big leaps, I preferred a step-by-step approach. But I’ve realized that you don’t need to have everything figured out before jumping into a new challenge. Trust yourself, lean on your strengths, use your network, and embrace the learning process. Growth happens in the moments that feel uncertain.
If I had to sum up my career philosophy, it would be this: Run toward challenges, do not shy away. Take on demanding work and embrace discomfort to shape your career and fuel growth. Accepting challenges isn’t something to fear – it’s a privilege. The most meaningful experiences come from tackling what seems daunting and proving to yourself that you can.
As you undertake challenges, advocate for yourself. Too often, talented professionals hesitate to ask for what they deserve. If you don’t pursue opportunities no one will chase them for you – you must claim them.
Ultimately my career has been shaped not just by what I do, but by where I do it. BAE Systems has given me the opportunity to grow, innovate, and mentor others in an environment that values creativity and different perspectives. I hope to continue pushing boundaries, mentoring future leaders, and fostering an environment where the next generation of engineers feels empowered to do the same.
If you are interested in working with rising stars like Shabnam, explore career opportunities at jobs.baesystems.com.
By Emily Rodrigues, Communications