Meet Krystina

‘My role is to look after some of the systems that makes one of our planes fly. There are many different systems involved, such as the fuel or landing system, and it’s part of my role to make sure that they’re all working correctly, interacting with each other as required, identifying any obsolete components that need to be replaced and that any issues are safely resolved.

I joined the business from another company having studied to be an aerospace engineer at university. I’ve now been here since 2014, I really enjoy it. It’s a great team with real camaraderie and I’ve been involved in some fantastic projects. I’m currently working on the Tempest jet fighter aircraft project which is something I never thought I’d do. My work has always been varied and I’ve been supported to plan my career path and make it happen. I had some maternity leave and since coming back I’ve been really focused on how I want my career to progress, I don’t want to hold myself back, and the business is helping me achieve my ambitions.

I’m seeing a lot of women gaining promotions within the business, which is really good, there’s more female role models to help inspire others to join us. There really weren’t any when I was younger and first got interested in engineering. I’m on the steering group for our Gender Equality Network and got involved in our International Women in Engineering Day activities, and outside of work I’m involved in the Women’s Engineering Society. I really think it’s important to get more girls and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) careers. Women are quick thinkers, we want to innovate, we look at things in a different way to men, and a diversity of thinking helps the business progress.

I’d say to any women thinking of a career in STEM not to be put off by stereotypes; don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There’s so much opportunity here, great teamwork, and collaboration. It’s exciting, my time here has flown by.’