Could you tell us a bit more about what you do as a Senior Systems Engineer at SEA?
I am responsible for the Voice and Data Networks subsystem within the project that I currently work on, it has involved designing the baseband network and selecting the hardware for it, which in turn became a fully-fledged subsystem design document with subsystem drawings. Within the team we need to be able to understand not just our own subsystem but the system as a whole; we read and review each other’s design documents to ensure that the system works as a whole and there is consistency across the board. It must be fit for purpose and meet the customer requirements.
A network invariably means cables (and in my current case, lots of them!) so we need cable data sheets and cable drawings, all of these have to be produced and reviewed. On to that list you can add mechanical drawings and wiring schedules, the components are designed by mechanical engineers but the technical drawings and wiring schedules still have to be reviewed and approved.
My tasks can vary quite a lot from week to week although I have a number of regular/continuous tasks; I run the Change Control Boards (CCB) for observations (ORs) that have been raised against the project, ensuring that they are reviewed, assigned (including to myself) and progressed. I manage the EA system model and run the configuration database. I attend (and have presented technical information at) customer and supplier meetings as required.
Inevitably as the project progresses some things do need to change and that’s where the CCBs come in. An OR might be raised for something as straight forward as an incorrect label on a cable, or a COTS component selected as part of the network might have suddenly become unavailable, in which case it’s back to the drawing board to find a replacement with the same fit, form and function and can be delivered on time. All of these changes need to be incorporated into the design documentation.
Systems Engineering also covers Verification & Validation, Qualification and Integration and there is input to be made to these areas, which are covered by other members of the team, as needed.
It is always busy!
How did you become a Senior Systems Engineer at SEA?
I didn’t pursue a career in engineering, at least not to start with. I started working for the Ministry of Defence (MoD) when I was 16, and I worked in finance on very high-level budgets for fleets until I turned 25.
A role in IT then beckoned to me, as I do love a good spreadsheet! I started working on a job that was used throughout the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) that used Ingres databases on SQL server stand-alone boxes.
A Systems Engineering Lead at SEA then alerted me to a new Integration Engineer role and I jumped at it. I worked on a lot of smaller jobs, side projects and building things for the MoD. I moved around in my first few years, working on Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) for three years, which was a new experience, and then into the Land & Littoral side of the business. I worked with some great people, and I got to visit the range and test fire some weapons, which was fantastic. I managed to hit a target at 700 yards using a sniper rifle, which I’m quite proud of!
I worked in project management for a while as well, but realised I’d always been happiest in a technical role. Even though I’d been out of the world of Engineering for eight years, I decided to go for it, and here I am!
You’ve been with us for several years, in a few different roles, has the company changed over time?
We’re a lot bigger now than when I joined, that’s for sure! That said, a lot of the feeling is still the same, and that comes down to the people. It’s the people that keep you where you are, and the team we have here works great together.
Hybrid and flexible working have come in as well, and I got a lot of support when I wanted to move from our Barnstaple site to Beckington. The company has always been very supportive in that respect. The fact that we’re not always physically in the same room makes no difference to how we work and how we deliver.
Of course, ways of working change, leadership and strategy changes, but at the end of the day, I just love working on naval projects, and we’re always thinking about what’s best for the end user, that never changes. I love being a part of something that provides protection to our country, it’s a small part, but it matters.
You’ve been a part of change yourself too as a member of our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Group, could you tell us a bit more about that?
I always try to be involved in something more than my day job, I’ve been a part of the Works and Staff Councils, I participated in the Sports and Social Committee, and now I’m a part of the EDI Group, which is all about promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the company.
One project I’ve worked on is the introduction of “Menopausing for Thought”, a quarterly event where people can take time and sit down to talk about the effects of menopause, either to share their issues, or just to learn more. Menopause has a big impact on any workplace with the number of women who leave their jobs because of it, so I feel strongly that we can always do more. We’re hosting our second event soon, and I’m very excited.
Do you have any advice for people considering an Engineering role?
Understand how your role fits within the larger business or project objectives and listen to those around you. Take the information in and ask if there’s something you don’t understand. It’s important to respect other people for the strengths and knowledge they have and learn from them.
I wasn’t an apprentice, and I don’t have a degree, I’ve learned everything I know on the job, and that really hasn’t stopped my progression. If you want something, go for it.
Would you like to join our Engineering Team?
Read more about the careers we offer here.
