Developing a novel VTOL aircraft optimised for exceptional payload capacity and operational efficiency.
• Led the conceptual design phase with a multidisciplinary team of 8 engineers to define aircraft architecture and key systems
• Developed comprehensive aircraft modelling framework in Python, integrating engineering tools (MATLAB/Simulink, OpenVSP, AVL, Siemens NX) for rapid trade-off analysis and design optimisation
• Established version control system for design data, enabling structured collaboration across disciplines, concurrent development of multiple design iterations, and eliminating previous inefficiencies in data sharing
• Determined and wrote technical requirements for propulsion, hybrid power plant, and primary structures
• Managed technical development roadmap while maintaining hands-on engineering involvement in advanced systems design
• Led technical development of Thermal Management Systems, High Lift Devices, and Ice Protection Systems
• Supervised flight trials, installed instrumentation systems, and derived key insights from test data
• Responsible for Weights & Balance, developing methodologies and tools for estimating, tracking, and controlling aircraft mass properties
• Responsible for performance analysis, developing and implementing methods to evaluate aircraft point performance (take-off, climb, cruise, landing) and mission performance characteristics (range, endurance, payload capacity) through computational modelling and simulation
• Built and mentored engineering team through performance management, training, and career development

Led mechanical systems development for successful technology demonstrator aircraft program.
• Designed and developed primary flight controls including surfaces, mechanisms, and actuation systems
• Pioneered manufacturing method achieving 33% mass reduction and 50% cost/ time savings for the system
• Wrote comprehensive test procedures and designed custom test rigs to validate system performance
• Created detailed kinematic models incorporating static and dynamic loading for design optimisation
• Produced technical documentation to BS 8888 and GD&T standards, including critical tolerance analysis
• Conducted technical reviews across engineering disciplines and supported procurement/production activities

Defence start-up developing Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles for urban environments.
• Led vehicle architecture development, with responsibility for aircraft design methodology
• Designed and sized mechanical components through CAD and FEA, optimising structural efficiency whilst balancing mass, space, vibration, and thermal constraints
• Developed rapid prototypes for systems integration testing, validating design concepts and identifying improvements

Development of PYRAMID Reference Architecture for reusable mission systems.
• Applied Model-Based Systems Engineering methodologies to develop and document reusable avionics architectures
• Created detailed UML and SysML models using PTC Integrity Modeller to define system interfaces and component relationships
• Implemented architecture patterns supporting technology obsolescence management and cross-platform compatibility for defence avionics

On secondment from BAE Systems, I worked on the novel propulsion system SABRE – the Synergetic Air-Breathing Rocket Engine.

• Developed engine control software of several concurrent designs of increasing complexity.
• Integrated software changes with a physical test rig (hardware-in-the-loop), allowing for rapid testing and
  verification.
• Wrote test procedures for software verification and ensuring traceability with requirements.
• Integrated engine control system with high-fidelity dynamic models of the engine (model-in-the-loop).

Research & Technology – Long Range Sensing:
• Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems study investigating limitations of current drone sensing technologies, in-house capabilities, and market analysis.
• Exploration of an overall sensor management and fusion system working closely with academic partners and utilising the BAE Systems sponsored 2020 UAV Competition.
• Worked with technologists, research theme leads, and operational analysists to understand hypersonic interactions with sensor systems.

Chief Technologist Team – Strategic University Partnership Liaison:
• Primary role was to manage the company’s relationship with Cranfield University, a strategic university partner.
• Engaged with external business development managers and academics to identify key research areas and possible collaborative activities (funding, training, technology development, etc.).
• Organised engagement sessions and events between the company and the university, such as strategic meetings, steering groups, and the inaugural inter-university UAV competition.
• Disseminated information regarding the university across the business through the creation of documents and webpages detailing current work with the university and their capabilities.
• Supported the Chief Technologist and her team in achieving its goals.

Engineering Support System – Systems Engineer:
• Investigated the ability of upgrading functionality of the ESS software. Had to manage both internal and external requirements across several sub-systems.
• Managed requirements and traceability through IBM DOORS.

Part of the multinational aerospace and defence company, Cobham SATCOM designs and manufactures satellite communication antennas for land, sea and air operations.
• Led a major project, fault finding a problem related to a mechanically steered antenna’s gearbox/ motor sub-assembly.
• Collaborated with senior engineers to develop and test an antenna mounting plate for the Airbus A350, specially designed to not impart stresses to the composite airframe.
• Integral in producing and inspecting composite components, often working long hours to meet increased production targets.
• Implemented a system to reduce time a technician spent on a batch job by 50% by incorporating two unskilled operators. Generated initial designs for automating some parts of the process.
• Investigated failure of composite fairings under impact of hail using a pneumatic gun.