John, spent 22 years in the Armed Forces, undertaking a series of roles in the Royal Air Force. After transitioning to civilian life as a Consultant Project Manager, John moved to Leonardo in July 2024, where he is a Senior Project Manager. He is also Co-Chair of the company’s Armed Forces Network Group.

From a proud history in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and now working as part of the Future of Combat Air, Drew shares how he has lived a lifetime in aviation and how his passion for the industry is stronger today than ever.

Mark joined MBDA after serving 35 years in the Royal Marines, leaving as a Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1); serving in both Gulf Wars, Kurdistan, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Ron is a Senior Engineer working on FCAS / Tempest at MBDA having been on the programme for 2 years. Ron joined the team just after he finished the graduate scheme within MBDA.

Prenavin has been working as a Senior Engineer in Safety and Certification for FCAS at MBDA for almost two years. Prenavin's role is focused on ensuring that the systems MBDA deliver are safe, reliable and compliant with the relevant national and international standards. Ultimately helping to ensure that the systems MBDA develops can be operated safely and effectively by the people who rely on them.

Zoe came through the early career scheme at Rolls-Royce having first joined as a year-long intern, where she explored aerodynamics and programme management before returning for her final year studying Engineering Management. After Zoe's degree, she returned on the Engineering and Technology Grade Scheme, where she rotated around multiple disciplines and engine programmes to really get a wide breadth of knowledge of what Rolls-Royce can offer. 

Max started his career in BAE Systems as a graduate on Typhoon and quickly realised that he enjoys bringing groups together to collaborate on projects and break down silos.

Inspired by a family member to start an apprenticeship with BAE Systems, Carys is now halfway through her degree and has been working in the Flight Dynamics team for two years.

Oliver is a Systems Engineering Degree Apprentice, currently supporting the Integrated Sensing and Non‑Kinetic Effects (ISANKE) and Integrated Communications Systems (ICS) capability as part of Team Tempest.