Profile

I work for QinetiQ, at our Hydrodynamic (movement of water around an object) testing facilities in Haslar.

We produce scale models for full size ships and submarines to identify whether the designs can be improved. They range in size from less than a meter up to 7 meters long.

Within my work I look at scheduling/planning for my 3 production teams:

The first is the Design team who produce CAD data and technical drawings for manufacture
The second is the Workshop team, split into Metalwork and GRP/Boatbuilding – The metalwork team use traditional lathes and miss as well as CNC machines to produce components which are used within our testing models. The GRP/Boatbuilding team manufacture GRP models and various other components.
Finally the instrumentation team, who use testing equipment such as Servos to control rudder and data recording equipment so that we can find out the results of our tests.
Other parts of my role include identify staff and equipment capacity and development of new skills. I also have a background in design engineering with a degree in Engineering and Management Studies.

Within my typical day I will work with the team leaders to look at what work has been done and what we need to do moving forward. I attend progress meetings to ensure that key people are aware of progress and support the team to resolve any issues. I also work on bids for new work. There is quite a lot of spreadsheet work but I get to go on some cool trips every now and then.