I spent just over 23 years in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Initially I trained as an Air Radar Mechanic, but through further training became an Avionics Engineer, responsible for Air Radar, Air Communications, Lasers, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Flight Systems. I served in the UK and overseas, achieving supervisory/managerial status through promotion. I provided a high standard of engineering support for modern avionic and electronic equipment, both on and off various aircraft platforms (Jaguar, Hawk, Tornado, Harrier, Sentry E3D, TIALD, VICON) down to third line servicing.
Having joined the RAF with no qualifications, during the latter part of my military career, I decided to pursue an education before leaving the RAF. I therefore studied night classes and obtained GCEs / GCSEs in Maths, Physics, English, Technical Drawing, Commerce and General Paper. I then studied for an HNC in Computer Aided Engineering, an HND in Engineering (Electronic Bias) and subsequently obtained a BSc (Hons) degree as part of my resettlement just as I left the RAF.
Since leaving the RAF, I have worked for several companies including BAA Systems, Rolls-Royce Marine, Oceaneering, GE Oil & Gas, Foodmek and Ross-Shire Engineering, undertaking various roles such as Project Lead, Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Production Manager.
In October 2020, I joined Leonardo as a Principal Systems Engineer, and am now the Team Tempest EOIR Product Safety Lead. This gives me responsibility for the Hazard Analysis for products during concept, manufacture, testing and integration. In March 2022, I was promoted to Lead Systems Engineer.
I am a Chartered Engineer (CEng) via the Engineering Council and a Member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET). I am an IET Mentor for several Leonardo graduates, guiding them whilst they work towards their Chartered Engineer qualification.
I have been a STEM Ambassador since November 2012, and represent the company in local schools and colleges. I am also part of the Leonardo Enable Network Group, acting as Site Lead for Edinburgh, Communication & Culture Coordinator.
Which aspects of Service life did you enjoy the most?
The comradery within the service and the banter within the services. The opportunity to travel the world, seeing places I would not have seen if I hadn’t joined the services. I received trade training, which is second to none. Although I did my time in the Gulf, we still made the most of a bad thing, as that is what you do. Being in the services has made me the person I am today – highly skilled, motivated and driven to achieve the best. It also supported me in gaining academic qualifications.
Tell us a little about your current job and what it entails
My current role is a Lead Systems Engineer, but having completed a Systems Safety course in Leonardo, I am now the Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) Product Safety Lead. This means that I have responsibility for carrying out the Hazard Analysis, which includes Functional Failure Analysis, Preliminary Hazard Analysis, Hazard Log generation and monitoring, and Safety Assessment / Safety Case for various EOIR projects and products, from concept, through design, manufacture, testing, integration, operation, up until out of service. My role is to ensure that the EOIR Systems are safe to use on the ground and in the air.
This role now covers an Environmental Impact Assessment, which means carrying out an assessment into what impact equipment can have on the environment, as per the hazard analysis, from cradle to grave. It is a very interesting and demanding role, with good prospects, which should hopefully take me through to retirement. This role has enabled me to use all my knowledge and experience gained in the RAF and in other industries since leaving.
Did you face any challenges when settling into your job?
It was an easy transition for me, as I already knew my line manager and department boss for three years prior to starting working for them. Aside from that, I had to think about the dress code, as for 23 years I had known what to wear. Now I had to buy my own clothes for work. Additionally, moving from an RAF to civilian workplace meant consideration for what banter I could use was probably the biggest challenge, especially in this day of political correctness.
What advice would you give other Service leavers?
- Having civilian recognised qualifications will certainly help back up your service career and help you land middle management and senior roles.
- Get professional help with your CV, as some companies will find it hard to apply your experience to their job roles. Leonardo and other companies I have worked for have used veterans within the company to assist Hiring Managers in reviewing CVs from military personnel.
- Do your research on any company you wish to work for, as this will help during interviews when they ask what you know about the company and why you want to work there.
- Believe in your abilities and transferable skills.
- Reach out to your network to see what opportunities are out there. A person you know in a company can give you a better understanding of working for that business.