Jamie Shone

Engineering of any kind is one of those subjects that leads you straight into a job as it is a profession and in the UK engineers are very much in demand. But that does not mean you have to be an engineer. I know many people who went on to become Project Managers or Accountants (you can still change your mind once you finish your degree).

Systems Engineering matters as it is a critical part to any successful development of complex systems as it is the glue that holds the project together and ensures the project is delivered to cost, performance, and schedule.

The degree gave me the fundamentals to take forward into the work place and apply what I had learnt. But the university experience also gave me the life skills to prevail and succeed. The degree is one thing but the other opportunities university presented made me the person I am now.

Post 16 Education: AS Level Maths, Physics, Economics & Geography; A level Maths, Physics, Economics

Higher Education: MEng Systems Engineering

Why did you choose to study Engineering?

From a young age I was always interested in how everything works. Whenever my parents brought something new home I had to push every button and on some occasions take them apart. I knew engineering was the route for me but there were several different types of engineering and I didn’t know which one would interest me the most. Before applying to University I had the opportunity to visit Loughborough University on a Headstart course exploring each type of engineering. As I have a passion for cars, automotive was the logical route but Systems Engineering caught my attention.

Jamie’s experience as a student

University was a fantastic experience. I started on a 3 year BEng and enjoyed my time so much that I left with a 5 year MEng having done a year in industry too. University provides knowledge and experience you can’t get anywhere else. The style of learning and flexibility worked for me as well as being able to take advantage of the social and sport aspects university brings with it.

Alongside my degree I was heavily involved in Lifesaving Sport, Karting and Formula Student. I had the opportunity to compete in Lifesaving Sport competitions throughout the UK and be part of a team designing, building and racing a single seater formula style racing car at events around Europe. University is so much more than an education, it’s a life experience and a wealth of opportunities available to all.

Jamie’s Career

I am currently a Systems Engineering Team Lead at Ultra Maritime – Sonar Systems. I work on a variety of projects in the Maritime Defence Industry (Ships and Submarines) in the capacities of a Line Manager, Lead Systems Engineer and Project Engineering Lead. My first full time engineering job was during my year in industry. I took a placement year to work for Northrop Grumman, Park Air Systems on designing ground to air communication systems for civil and military applications.

After completing my MEng in 2016 I started a graduate scheme with Lockheed Martin UK working on Armoured Fighting Vehicles and continued working on Vehicles after completing the graduate scheme. Lockheed Martin was a fantastic start to my career, providing me a wealth of opportunities enabling me to gain valuable experience and knowledge which led to me becoming professionally registered as a Chartered Engineer with the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET).

I had been working in the Vehicles sector of the Defence Industry since leaving university so when an opportunity came along to work for Ultra Maritime where I could gain experience in the Maritime sector, I took it. This has enabled me to expand my experience and continue to grow and learn.