Profile

An experienced, security cleared, multi-skilled HNC qualified mechanical engineer, who has worked in the Research, Development, prototype/bespoke engineering, aerospace, trials & testing, military vehicle, gunnery systems,  rocket propulsion, rocket engine, multi-disciplined & weapons systems environments. These activities required systems to be researched, developed, designed, trialled & provision of technical support for in-service equipment in the form of both repair & field support. Routinely working to deadlines & communicating effectively with stakeholders’ e.g. briefing management & external agencies etc. Whilst working on the tasks at hand, it has been necessary to work to deadlines both as a team member & on individual tasks at home & abroadplaying a critical role in making these projects a success, receiving commendation letters. These activities also required a detailed acquisition of the technologies involved to understand & undertake these tasks, requiring the use of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical & mechanical systems. Analysing specialist vehicle mobility requirements.

These activities required definition of specifications, procurement of components, manufacture of systems, install & commission of systems, model test & trials data, analyse performance using various methods of instrumentation, ensure systems reliability & maintainability, maintain technical documentation, fault diagnosis, management of spares, membership & support of field support teams, maintain budgets & ensure Value For Money (VFM) to stakeholders e.g. MOD agencies/ Military Units & other Integrated Project Team(s) (IPT's). Enclosure engineering.

Post Design Service (PDS) activities required retrofitting of gunnery, turret & vehicle systems, manage configuration & obsolescence issues. Ensure issues are brought to the attention of stakeholders in an appropriate manner. Seconded by divisional management to carryout specialist taskings on detached duty from normal project duties, resulting in promotion.

Personal Skills

Key skills

Research & Development, design, conceptual design, design of electrical systems, prototype engineering, trials, testing, process control, production, technical, repair & field support.Innovative design of test rigs & vehicle based equipment. Materials selection & behaviour. Electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic systems design, problem solving, design support, design reviews, design validation, design optimisation, project management, vehicle testing, multi-disciplined, project & product documentation. Defect & warranty investigations. Asset & project lifecycle management from concept to delivery.

Processes used

DRACAS, FRACAS, Level Of Repair Analysis (LORA), Failure Modes Effect & Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), CADMID, Through Life Support, Integrated Logistic Support (ILS), publication form 10, MODF760s, 765s, Army Equipment Support Publications (AESP), Electrical Mechanical Engineering Regulations (EMER), Army Code (AC) books, MERLIN asset management, DEFCON & GEMS. MOD Acquisition Operating Framework (AOF). Ballistic, combustion & thermal analysis. DefenceLines of Development (DLoDs),International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).

Management

Management and co-ordination of multi-agency personnel on an ad-hoc basis to achieve set tasks e.g. research and development, field repair program(s), in-service support and trials.

General software

MS Office 2007, MS Project, MS XP Pro, FRACAS, OLIVER (Stores System 3), ISIS (NATO codification), MathCAD & DARIUS. Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS).

CAD Skills

AutoCAD (2008, 2010 & 2011) & Pro-Engineer (Pro-E).

Standards used

BS ISO(3966, 7194, 9001, TR9464), JSP (101, 181 to 188, 336, 886), BS(8888-2000,1042, 5760, 6548, 7000), BS EN ISO 14660-1-2000, Def Stan (00-3, 00-6, 0035, 00-40, 00-41, 00-42, 00-44, 00-45, 00-49, 00-52, 00-60, 00-70, 00-88, 00-810, 01-5, 05-50, 23,6, 23-8, 25-24, 40-8, 40-15, 59-411), AESP 0100-P-005-010, AESP 0200-A-(061-013, 062-013, 100-013, 307-013, 400-013), DEFCON (82,117),ARINC 404, ARINC 600, IEC 60297.

Career History (in brief), for a detailed Career History, see page 3 onwards.

Dates

2008 to present

I have spent the intervening time on freelance consultancy work (various automotive trials for research organisations), personal development (3 month career development course), informal training (AutoCAD).

2002 to 2008

UK MOD, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Monxton Road, Andover, Hampshire.

Role: Subject Matter Expert (SME).

Provide global in-service/through life  technical support for 100 Bridging systems, Mine warfare, Minefield clearance systems, 300 Tracked & wheeled high mobility (armoured, specialist & off-road) vehicles e.g. Mine Resistant Ambush Protected(MRAP) vehicles & Minefield Clearance Flail Systems.

1-year

Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), London

Role: Technical Officer & Expert Witness.

Providing expert witness testimony to the Metropolitan Police, County Constabularies & National Security Agencies.

1-year

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire.

Role: Mechanical Design Engineer.

Bespoke design & project management for equipment to be used in Nuclear environments. Project lifecycle management from concept to delivery.

6-years

Defence Evaluation Research Agency, Farnborough, Hampshire

Role:Rocket Propulsionist, Rocket Propulsion Research and Development.

Research, Development, trials/testing, test facility construction, test rig construction,  Design & Project engineering of Rocket Propulsion Systems that use gas propellants, Chemical monopropellant, bi-propellant, hypergolic rocket propellants. Enclosure engineering. Satellite ground station engineering. Enclosure engineering. Project lifecycle management from concept to delivery.

6-years

Marconi Command & Control Systems Limited, Frimley, Surrey

Role: Post Design Services/ Support (PDS) Engineer.

Development & Post Design (PDS) Engineering of vehicle, turret & gunnery systems e.g. LAV-150,  Stingray, Cheiftain, Challenger1, Khalid, PDS engineering of weapon systems e.g. Stingray torpedo , Rapier missile systems, Seawolf missile system, DN181 Blindfire tracker radar, Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AWACS) Ground Support Equipment (GSE). Enclosure engineering and sighting systems.

Formal Qualifications:

Farnborough College of Technology, Farnborough, Hampshire

BTEC : HNC (NVQ Level 4/5) Engineering (Mechanical) with additional Thermodynamics & Fluids subjects.

BTEC : NC (NVQ Level 3/4) Engineering (Mechanical)

City & Guilds 205 Series Part Three (NVQ Level 3): Mechanical Engineering Craft Studies.

City & Guilds 205 Series Part Two (NVQ Level 2/3): Mechanical Engineering Craft Studies.

City & Guilds 200 Series Part One (NVQ Level 2): Mechanical Engineering Craft Studies.

GCSE : English. (NVQ Level 2)

M.S.C. Basic Engineering Skills Course.(NVQ Level 2)

Farnborough Sixth Form College,Farnborough, Hampshire

GCE: Technical drawing. (NVQ Level 2)

CEE: European Studies & Humanities. (NVQ Level 2)

Fernhill Comprehensive School, Farnborough, Hampshire

CSE: Science, Technical Drawing, History, Art & Drama.(NVQ Level 1)

Non Academic Training History:

Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers (REME) ALL ARMS SCHOOL, Arborfield, Berkshire.

All Arms Equipment Support Course.

School of Electrical & Mechanical Engineering (SEME), Bordon, Hampshire.

Combat Engineer Tractor (CET) Maintainers Course.

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Foxhill, Bath.

Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) Course.

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) Andover, Hampshire.

Plain English Course.

Report Writing Course.

Microsoft Excel Course.

Spring Training, Hampshire.

Microsoft Project .

Defence Acquisition Learning, Bristol.

Principles of Integrated Logistics.

Reliability & Maintainability.

Safety Awareness.

Defence Evaluation Research Agency(DERA) Farnborough.

IS09001 Qualification Training.

Breathing Apparatus training by DERA fire service.

Microsoft Excel Course.

Marconi Command & Control Systems

Configuration control course

Level of Security Clearance

Secret  (SC) level (Ref no:- 00000910/04 expires 29/04/2012).

Employment incentives /subsidies 

£2000Government Return To Employment Grant.

Nationality

United Kingdom/ EU citizen.

Driving Licence

Full UK Licence +UK MOD FMT600 Drivers Permit.

Publications

Serial

TITLE

1

Results of the initial experiments on the Propellant Management Systems (PMS) flow controllers for use on Apogee & large rocket engines over 400N thrust.

2

Interactive Propulsion System:- Analysis of test results.

Personal Interests

Hobbies & interests

Aerospace, Airshows, Car Maintenance, Radio Control Models, Model Making, Militaria, 4x4 Off Roading Vehicles, Science, Technology, History, Armoured Vehicle Restoration, Photography & Transport.

References

Available upon request.

Career History (in Detail)

2002 to 2008

UK MOD, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Monxton Road, Andover, Hampshire.

Role: Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Responsibilities: Responsible to the equipment manager to provide Global  in service, technical SME support for 100 Combat Engineer Tractor(s) (CET), 32 Shielder Vehicle Launched Scatterable Mine System(VLSMS) (FRES Vehicle baseline variant), various Engineer Close Support systems, mine warfare systems, 96  AVRE High Mobility Trailer & 32 CRARRV High Mobility Maintenance Support Trailer. BAE Systems Mamba Mk2 (RG-31 Nyala) Mine Resistant Ambush Protected(MRAP) vehicles & Aardvark (Minefield Clearance Flail System) Joint Service Flail Unit(JSFU). Asset & project management.

Duties

1. Produce & vet technical reports on tracked & wheeled vehicles, systems & components. Produce & send immediate communications to stakeholders. Looking after Special Tools & Test Equipment (STTE).

1. Equipment Failure Reporting (EFR) assessment solutions to technical problems & attend meetings with stakeholders. Warranty investigations, CADMID.Stakeholder visits throughout the UK & worldwide.Chasing down faults & investigating statistical information to improve field reliability. Health & Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS). 

1. Carry out in-service techinical support elements, design problem solving, validation, optimisation, vehicle trials/testing & reviews throughout the UK & worldwide. Analysing mobility requirements.

1. Testing & evaluation of vehicle engine, powertrain, gearbox systems which use pneumatic/ electro hydraulic components using test rigs & vehicle trials/ testing.Evaluate/report on stakeholder suggestions, modifications, risk reduction, trials & testing. Defining & maturing specialist Vehicle architecture e.g. engine, transmission, suspension, tracks & supporting systems around these vehicles.

1. Vet publications, reports, drawings, modifications & maintain stakeholder publication changes. Produce articles for technical publications & in-house magazines (e.g. Kit Magazine).

1. Management of maintenance, spares, obsolescence, reverse engineering of systems & components. LORA. Checking out equipment (vetronic & CBRN systems).

1. Whilst working in this role it has been necessary for me to provide support for high mobility (specialist & off-road) vehicles, 32 Shielder Vehicle Launched Scatterable Mine System (VLSMS) & other mine warfare systems e.g. Aardvark Minefield Flail Systems, 100 Barmine Layer(s) & 30 Python minefield breaching system(s). 30 BR90 military bridging systems SME support.

1. Carry Reliability & Maintainability (FMECA) studies on equipment to improve through life reliability & Value for Money (VFM). Familiarity with MoD Acquisition Operating Framework (AOF).

2000 to 2001

Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), London (see Page 6 for details, as non-engineering Post).

1998 to 1999

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire

Role: Mechanical Design Engineer

Responsibilities: Design & Project engineering of experimental & bespoke equipment for use on the Particle Pulsed beam Neutron& MuonSource for the ISIS spallation neutron source, to study the structure & properties of matter for science & engineering. Asset & project management. Became Classified RA worker.

Duties

1. Compile specification from customer’s requirements & act as project design authority.

1. Devise various solutions based upon specifications & present them to stakeholders’.

1. Conceptual & outline design of equipment, e.g. neutron dynamic beam control rods, mechanism(s),precision motion systems & major components

1. Designed & constructed Test equipment, instrumentation & facilities, using load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, Linear Variable Displacement Transducers (LVDT), servo mechanisms, Coriolis flow-meters  Enclosure & 19-inch racking modification

1. Use of PC based instrumentation & data acquisition systems.

1. Stakeholder design support & reviews, System Design Reviews, Critical Design Review Design validation & optimisation, Production Readiness Review.

1. Design problem solving e.g. component & materials selection (e.g. mechanical properties of elastomers, plastics & metals). Systems which use pneumatic/ electro hydraulic components.

1. Project management & methodologies. project deliverables to budget & timescale

1. Rapid Prototyping manufacture & testing Commissioning of equipment.

1990 to 1996

Defence Evaluation Research Agency, Farnborough, Hampshire

Role:Rocket Propulsionist, Rocket Propulsion Research & Development.

Responsibilities: Design & Project engineering of Rocket Propulsion Systems which use gas propellants, Chemical monopropellant, bi-propellant, hypergolic rocket propellants, rocket engines ranging in size from 2Newtonsto 600Newtons thrust upwards.Asset & project lifecycle management from concept to delivery.

Duties

1. Studies into the use of pump fed propellant management systems for the Liquid Apogee Engines (LAE) used on spacecraft which resulted in further development work. Testing, characterisation & evaluation of different types of innovative positive displacement pumps & displacement devices.

1. Research & Development of a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) Propellant Management System for the LAE's. In the process designing & constructing of a Test Facility; trialled successfully.

1. Redesigned & rebuilt an ultrasonic frequency generation system to make it suitable for use in a two Newton rocket engine propellant injection system. This system uses ultrasonic frequency generation to achieve correct propellant atomisation; trialled successfully under space conditions.

1. Preparation & execution of hot firing trials & altitude testing for various rocket engines propulsion systems under space conditions. understand mechanical & electro-mechanical devices such as filters, pressure regulators, check valves, solenoid valves, latch valves, pyrotechnic valves, pressure vessels, enclosure & 19-inch racking modification.

1.  The design & construction of a propellant flow meter calibration experiment. This involved designing, specifying, manufacturing & installing various components; trialled successfullyunder space conditions. Enclosure & 19-inch racking modification

1. Designed & constructed Test equipment, instrumentation & facilities to support trials & testing under space conditions, using load cells, thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, various types of flow-meters, thrust balances etc. Enclosure & racking engineering & modification.

1. Use of PC based instrumentation & data acquisition systems.

1. Carried out feasibility studies on various types of propulsion systems & components that use other types of storable propellants e.g. High Test Peroxide (HTP), electric propulsion (electro-thermal & electro-magnetic), arcjets,colloid thrusterField Emission Electric Propulsion.

1. Assisted in upgrading a satellite ground receiving station design support, reviews, optimisation & documentation. Management & analysis of project bids, proposals & tenders.

1. System analyses - encompassing pressurant analysis, propellant tank
   capacity, main engine performance, propellant loading, pressure drop &
   residuals analysis

1. Understanding of fluid physical properties, fluid flow & gas thermodynamics.

1. Design problem solving e.g. component & materials selection e.g. mechanical properties of elastomers’, plastics & metals

1. Responsible for the component selection, system analyses Rapid Prototyping manufacture & testing e.g. using bespoke & military grade electrical connectors & components.

1. Project deliverables to budget & timescale.Rapid Prototyping manufacture, testing & commissioning of equipment. Project lifecycle management from concept to delivery.

1. Act as project design authority & contribute to towards project bids, proposals & tenders.

1. Hands-on component manufacture using appropriate tools.

1984 to 1989

Marconi Command & Control Systems Limited, Frimley, Camberley, Surrey

1985 to 1989

Role: Post Design Services/ Support (PDS) Engineer

Responsibilities: working on the Improved Fire Control System (IFCS) used on Chieftain, Challenger & Khalid Main Battle Tank(s) (MBT) for the Sub-Systems Design Authority (SSDA) & the Post Design Services Offices. Turret systems using the L11 A5 & L15 A1 120mm rifled gun.

Duties

1. Amending specifications & drawings.

1. Modifying vehicle sub-systems e.g. turret components and sighting systems.

1. Defining & maturing specialist Vehicle architecture e.g. turret systems & supporting sub-systems around the vehicle(s). Looking after Special Tools & Test Equipment (STTE).

1. Checking out equipment (vetronic & CBRN systems).Equipment Failure Reporting assessment solutions to technical problems, problem solving, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) testing,

1. Software production.Produce & vet technical reports. Advise & provision of support with regard to build test & measurement procedures.

1. Vet publications, drawings, modifications & maintain user publication changes.

1. Delivering equipment to stakeholders.

1. Testing & trialling of the following equipment:

1. Gun Control Equipment (GCE) & Turret Systems. Testing & evaluation of turret Powertrain/ gearbox systems which use pneumatic/ electro hydraulic components.

1. Vehicle Electrical Equipment. EMC/ (Radio Frequency Interference) RFI testing.

1. Computer & Interface Units (CIU) target tracking ballistic computational computer.

1. First Line Integrated Test Equipment (FLITE), Second Line Automated Test Equipment (SLATE) & Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

1. Program Loading & Interface Equipment (PLAICE).

1. Ballistic & software testing.

1984 to 1985

Role: Technical Clerk

Responsibilities:working on the Digital Fire Control System (DFCS) Development team.DFCS was a retrofit Fire Control System (FCS) for the Textron Marine & L& Systems Division’s'Stingray’ Light Tank's105mm L7A3 low recoil main armament. DFCS FCS has also been retrofitted to the Textron Marine & L& Systems Division’s LAV-150 command vehicle fitted with a turret containing ether a Cockerill Mk3 90 mm gun or a 90mm Mecar cannon,106 Stingray tanks are in service with the Thai Army & the LAV-150 is used by numerous countries around the world.

Duties:

1. Provide technical support to various members of the development team.

1. Ballistic analysis of 90mm & 105mm gun firing trials using DFCS.

1. Design & development support.

1. Drawing management.

Secondment to other Marconi projects

Whilst working on IFCS was placed on detached duty to provide assistance on the following projects & systems in the various capacities

1. DN181 Blindfire Tracker Radar for the Rapier surface to air missile system & its Service Life Extension Program (SLEP).

1. Mine warfare systems, munitions fuses

1. Seawolf point defence missile system.

1. Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AWACS) Ground Support Equipment (GSE) .

1. Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment commercial methodologies.

1. Singapore Teleview (Teletext system) performing software testing & trials.

1. EMC/ (Radio Frequency Interference) RFI testing of components & systems in for military vehicles etc.

1. Management & analysis of project bids, proposals & tenders.

1. Asset & project management.

2000 to 2001

Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), London

Role: Technical Officer & Expert Witness

Responsibilities:To obtain & provide evidence from telecommunications equipment for the MPS, police officers from other constabularies & the security services

Duties

1. To interrogate telecommunications equipment

1. Make evidential statements to support police & security service investigations. Attest to evidential statements in court.

1. Attend on site investigations & raids to interrogate telecommunications equipment found.

1. Liaise with the public & MPS police officers, police officers from other constabularies & the security services.

1. Use special equipment & tools to provide evidence.