Set up company to independently publish books specialising in non-fiction adventure travel.• Copy editing and proof reading manuscripts.• Designing book covers and interior layouts.• Book publishing paperbacks and limited edition hardbacks.• Design, creating and publishing e-books.• Annual accounting.

Writing:• Author of three published books: Iceland Serow Saga (Feb 2020), A Siberian Winter's Tale (Dec2015), Desert Snow – One Girl's Take On Africa by Bike (May 2013).• Contributor of writing and photography to adventure travel books, websites and magazines.• Personal website and blog (www.HelensTakeOn.com).Public Speaking:• Motivational speaker giving inspirational talks in schools, clubs, at travel shows and adventure festivals.

Independent Adventure and Exploration:• Motorbiking solo around Iceland and across Europe - 2018 (5 months)• Motorbiking through Africa and Europe - 2015 – 2017 (24 months) • Cycling and horse-riding solo across Asia, and winter cycling in Siberia - 2013 – 2014 (10 months) • Cycling and packrafting through North and Central America - 2011 – 2012 (8 months)• Cycling 25,000 kilometres solo through Africa from the UK to Cape Town - 2009 – 2011 (20 months)• Backpacking in China and Pakistan (2005) and South America (2004).Group expeditions: • Assistant leader with Brathay Exploration Group to Bolivia (2003) and USA (2001).• Expedition member with Quest Overseas to South America (2000), and with Brathay to Morocco (1998) and Indian Himalayas (1997)

Managed, mentored and provided technical support for team of five test engineers to ensure successfulcompletion of test programs for pyrotechnic and legacy products.• Used the PMS system to manage environmental (inc. vibration, shock and climatic) and system testprograms and test engineers' work packages• Provided cost estimates and developed qualification test programmes to meet customer requirements andspecifications.• Wrote, reviewed and approved technical reports and conducted RAs.• Provided training in technical document reviewing and use of SBM.• Developed and introduced new 8D and RCA process to department .• Updated and streamlined department document management system.

• Responsible for writing Build Plans for all pyro products.• Created Build Plans and Inspection Sheets for all rocket motor assemblies, requiring thorough review ofdrawings, process specifications, acceptance test plans, production routings, existing assembly methods.• Compiled simplified set of Build Plans for 100+ different cartridges based around common processes and designs. Mitigated risk by moving all non-pyro work outside of licensed pyro area.• Identified common processes, obsolete instructions, tooling and safety requirements to streamline andsimplify work instructions, and reduce process variability while minimising safety risk and hazards.• Created and updated Process Work Instructions for all Proof Test Department and common pyro operations.

Tasked with identifying and carrying out process and quality improvements within pyro manufacture.• Researched and implemented solutions to automate Proof Test department data analysis and documentcontrol processes.◦ Programmed, tested and integrated data acquisition and analysis software (FAMOS) for Proof Test.◦ Optimised output, added automatic checks and electronic approval process, reduced human error risk.• Wrote company Quality Manual for pyrotechnics manufacturing and test facility.• Demonstrated QMS compliance with ISO 9001 requirements and identified areas for improvement. • Carried out risk assessments for propellant machining facility.

Investigated cartridge and rocket motor lot acceptance test (LAT) failures to identify the root causes, recommended and reported corrective actions (FRACAS).• Carried out statistical analyses of historical pyro test data (SPC) to identify out-of-control performance.• Reviewed and updated LAT limits to represent normal production variation to reduce the failure rate.• Proposed design changes to return cartridge and rocket motor performance to nominal to ensure overall system requirements were met.• Initiated digitisation and electronic approval of all QA documents and records. Wrote and implemented new control procedures for maintaining, updating and distributing QA documentation to meet ISO 9001 standards. • Formalised company-wide Design Review process from system requirements, design, test and verification through to new product introduction. Met with directors and managers to discuss departmental roles and priorities and encourage adoption of process.• Defined and managed KPIs for JSF pyro.• Participated regularly in contract review meetings.• Conducted supplier audits.• Liaised with major aerospace prime contractors (e.g. BAE Systems, Raytheon), government organisations (e.g. NSWC Indian Head) and suppliers (e.g. Chemring, Wallop Defence) on pyrotechnic projects.

Gap year and summer placements gaining experience in multiple engineering disciplines at Martin-Baker.• Systems Engineer: Modelled ejection systems and predicted performance using in-house simulation software. Created program to configure rocket motor design for desired seat performance.• Design Engineer: Modelled rocket propellant designs using CAD for JSF programme.• Environmental Test Engineer: Wrote qualification test programs and reports.• Programme Management: Collated documentation and reviewed data for JPATS pyro review and oversaw Physical Configuration Audit.