Helping an aerospace engineer land on his feet

Opening doors

John wanted to be an RAF pilot, but when it became clear his colour blindness meant that wasn’t an option, he decided to become an engineer instead. He used his ELS funds on a tour of five US aerospace companies, which helped set his future course, noting, “it wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t been on the scheme. The ELS programme opened doors”.

Using new technologies

After graduating, John joined Westland Helicopters’ research and development team and then moved to join BAE Systems’ Advanced Technology Centre to pursue his interest in robotics. He worked on a variety of autonomous systems programmes including looking at how driverless cars could be used by the military. John helped lead BAE Systems’ MO-ATV project, designing a driverless robotic vehicle to carry soldiers’ bags for them while on patrol. “Driverless cars have been a massive career highlight and it’s been amazing to be at the cutting edge of this new technology” he says.

Taking on leadership

Following a period as head of technology, where John was responsible for leading the technology and innovation strategy for the business, a new opportunity arose with Ultra PCS – a company that designs and manufactures control systems for military and civil platforms.

Originally leading the engineering function, John was quickly able to shape the innovation landscape in the company. He launched an agile research and development team to deliver rapid innovation within a business that was more used to traditional engineering systems and processes. With more than 20 agile projects delivered in just two years, John then seized an opportunity to take one of those concepts forward to market, delivering modular electronic solutions for military land customers. As Director – Land Systems, John is now responsible for driving the strategy, product innovation, delivery and operational execution for land systems.