What's your job about? 

BAE Systems is a defence company that works with Australia’s Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide dynamic and innovative defence solutions.

I work on a research and development project that aims to enhance rocket propulsion systems and technology.
I work alongside aerospace and mechanical engineers in the areas of design, manufacturing, testing and validation of the various elements and systems.

My day-to-day varies between lab and deskwork. I get to undertake hands-on work assembling parts and lead testing campaigns that are important in validating system requirements. The deskwork involves processing data that informs process and technology improvements, to maximise system performance. It’s a fast-paced workplace, which means every day is different and presents new challenges to overcome.

I work in a multidisciplinary team that also includes other graduate engineers. My role requires close collaboration across the team to ensure the best performance of our systems.

What's your background? 

I grew up in Victoria. My love for STEM was solidified after I attended the National Youth Science Forum in Canberra while in high school.

I moved to Melbourne to study and lived on campus at Monash University. Here I joined the student engineering team ‘Monash Nova Rover’ and was on the Chassis team where I learned a lot about CAD design. I also tutored maths and chemistry to high schoolers for several years while at uni.

I completed two research units as a part of my science degree modelling the chemical abundances of accretion discs (the birthplace of stars and solar systems) to help identify possible Earth-like planets.

In my final year at uni, I completed an internship with APA as an electrical engineer.

I then had the opportunity to work for an aerospace start-up company as a design engineer. I worked on designing storage systems for spacecraft.

Finally, I graduated and landed a job at BAE Systems Australia, and I love it!

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Most people in my team have a background in aerospace or mechanical engineering. However, anyone with a robust understanding of maths, physics, aerospace systems and mechanical design could work in this space.

As I work in research and development, we tackle problems that haven’t been solved yet. This requires a strong engineering and problem-solving background. 

You must also be highly adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment. Problems can arise when you least expect it and need to be solved efficiently to avoid negative impact to the system or process.

Our team and projects are also supported by engineers from other disciplines, as well as people with non-engineering backgrounds such as professionals in project management, commercial, information technology, human resources, and finance.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The ‘coolest’ thing about my job is that I get to be hands on and see so many stages of a system lifecycle. One day I will be designing a part for manufacture and the next day, I will be testing and implementing that part into our system.

BAE Systems Australia gives me real responsibility and space to grow as a graduate. I have had the opportunity to take on work packages and lead testing campaigns which are normally regarded as above graduate level. I also get to see positive system outcomes because of my hard work.

Each day, I’m mentored by subject experts who ultimately set me and my career up for success. I also get to work alongside other graduates from across Australia, and then each year we all meet in Adelaide for our annual Graduate Conference.

What are the limitations of your job?

Working in the defence industry, you’re limited with what can be shared with people outside of work. Sometimes when something ‘cool’ happens at work, you want to be able to share a story, but can’t. However, you also get respect from your friends who understand this and don’t push for answers. 

I enjoy the flexibility to work from home when I can. For lab work, the whole team is in the office which promotes a real sense of community and collaboration. The limitations here are that the stage or status of a project often defines when you need to be in the office or when you can WFH.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Go to that lecture! You’re not going to watch it later and you will get a better understanding by being there in person.
2. Extra-curricular activities are important but so are good grades and work experience. It’s a mix of these that will get you your dream job.
3. Take every opportunity you can — at work, university and in life. These shape you as a person and worst case they will be a good story.