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Meet Thomas - Bringing engineering ideas to life every day
When analytical thinking meets hands-on engineering, big ideas take flight. Read Thomas’s blog to find out how.
What kind of work do you do here?
My team and I test the seekers and their combined hardware and software using flight motion simulators. We provide a representative environment of the missiles’ flight to their targets.
What does that involve?
We look to make sure that the algorithms work the way we expect them to and that all the individual subsystems work together properly. They've all been tested independently before they reach us, but we make sure that they mesh. It’s always rewarding to see it all come together when we put the seekers onto the motion tables and they start moving to perform the flight.
What made you join MBDA?
My former mentor heavily recommended that I look at a role here. He had really positive things to say about the people, the working environment, the interesting projects and the flexible working. I’m very glad I took his advice.
What do you think makes working here unique?
For me, it’s the mix of technical, analytical work and hands-on engagement that sets us apart. You don’t see this in many other places. In the morning, I’ll be writing a report on a new electrical circuit I designed, and in the afternoon, I'll be soldering it up and bolting it onto the system.
How has your MBDA career evolved?
I’ve had so many opportunities to work in different disciplines. In my previous job, I had to stick to my speciality, but here I get to do stress analysis, mechanical, electrical, systems performance, as well as maintenance, repairs and overhauls, all in the one role.
