Position: Principal Hardware Engineer
First joined BAE Systems: June 2009

During my university degree, I was fortunate to gain an Industrial Placement at BAE Systems in Rochester, leading to me starting my career on the Graduate Scheme in June 2009. During this time I have enjoyed working across a number of projects and product ranges including; active inceptors, helmet-mounted displays and head-up displays. In this time I have been responsible for several module designs and contributed to critical system level design decisions and architecture definitions. I have been fully supported in my progression from a Graduate Engineer to a Principal Engineer including gaining Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineering & Technology.
I have appreciated working in all aspects of the hardware design life cycle during my time in Rochester; from requirements, concept design, and detailed schematic capture, to analysis, testing and qualification of products. Working for BAE Systems has enabled me to work on varying projects and designs, ensuring that I have exposure to new technologies, and provided exciting new challenges in my professional development. This includes having the opportunity to work with talented engineers across all engineering functions, and has allowed me to not only become a mentor to junior engineers, but being mentored to support my personal progression and development within the company.
Working at BAE Systems has provided many interesting and exciting experiences. One highlight has included attending and showcasing our latest display product technologies at the IDEX International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. As well as great career opportunities, there is a real sense of community within the company, which is reinforced with numerous social events organised as part of the Wellness Scheme. Beyond the day-to-day work, BAE Systems has given me the chance to get involved in several charity events and challenges. Personally, this has included the annual London to Brighton bike ride, and volunteering at the Farnborough International Air Show.