Stuart

Qualifications

A Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, MEng Mechanical Engineering with a Diploma in Industrial Studies from Loughborough University.

Career journey

I started with Rolls Royce part way through my degree as I did a year in industry working with them in their internship programme. I then did another internship with them in the summer before my final year of university. Once I graduated from Loughborough, I went on their graduate programme in engineering. The graduate programme is where you get the opportunity to try a number of different areas of the business, building your breath and knowledge. You then transition to your full time role, which for me was in the development engineering function for flight testing and that’s where I have been for the last 3 years.

Knowledge and skills important to your role

• Understanding systems engineering
• Fluid dynamics
• Electronics
• Control systems
• Manufacturing techniques  

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering

Physics was the big thing I liked in sixth form, but I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it. I could go and study physics, but then what would I do. I looked into it more and then my mum said ‘what about engineering’ as engineering as applied physics.

Project examples

I support the flight test work that goes on at Rolls Royce and that is so that we can enable ourselves to go and prove our designs work at altitude. There are certain things that you physically cannot replicate on the ground, so you have to go and test in the sky. My proudest achievement was when we took an old flight test engine and I was responsible for basically getting it stripped down, rebuilt with the new hardware, getting it all flight cleared, then supporting the team with the testing. It was a huge project and I learnt so much from it.

Other teams you work with

• Other development teams
• Systems specialists
• Flight operations team
• Industry experts
• Patient lawyers

Favourite part of your job

I love the moment when you have delivered something, and your clients/teammates get to use it.

Challenges facing the engineering sector

Sustainability. It goes further than just emissions. We have to look at what materials we are using for the engines. What happens to them when the engine has finished its life in service. How do we improve testing?

Where do you see yourself in 20 years

I’d like to be part of something that has made a difference.

You want to leave the industry in a better position that when you joined, that should be the goal.