I am currently doing contract work at BAE Systems where I work on high integrity complex systems for the new dreadnought nuclear deterrent submarine.My main system is depth however I have knowledge that covers a variety of systems including the steering and diving control system, Hover system and active vehicle control.

My role as System Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover involves the implementation of system engineering processes from requirement derivation through to delivery. I am responsible for ensuring a robust strategy is implemented for the delivery of all Human Machine Interface (HMI) elements in the cars. This requires the collaboration off all areas of a design system owners, legal and legislation, safety, electrical, mechanical and human factors; to name a few.By utilising model based system engineering software such as SysML and IBM Rhapsody, Verification and Validation of system designs can be performed iteratively throughout the design process rather than after the commodities have been purchased. This cuts the project timescale significantly and reduces rework costs after implementation.Tools and Standards: SysML, IBM Rhapsody, DOORs, ISO 26262

I am Systems Lead for the Active Vehicle Control (AVC) Team for the developing Dreadnought Nuclear Submarine (the replacement of the Vanguard class nuclear deterrent). My role is to hold an overarching technical view of all EC&I systems under AVC, allocate resource and plan the team’s tasks appropriately based on project priorities and timescales, and liaison with the customer, suppliers and management.System lead requires an understanding of the Lifecycle Management for mission critical systems implemented at BAE Systems. It requires knowledge of every stage of the submarine build from concept to delivery and through life support. Tools & standards: Teamcenter, Microsoft Project, Word, Visio and Excel, DOORs, SCADE, SysML, SAP, ARP4754A, IEC61508.

Being system owner required me to have a detailed understanding of hydraulic actuation systems, complex hydrodynamic and hydrostatic effects, mid to low energy power systems ranging from 24Vdc to 440Vac, including how the nuclear reactor generates the power, Ethernet and fiber networking protocols and system safety processes. It required close interaction with a wide range of areas across the business including, legislation, EMC, V&V, Standards, Shock & Vibration, Naval Architecture, Human Factors, Operability, Safety, Materials and software. I therefore got a clear understanding of which aspects need to be considered when designing a mission critical system.

I learnt how to work well as a team, providing customer service, as well as organising stock and income. I have worked both in term time and out, in three different coops who allowed me to come back any time.