Tobi Watson, Graduate Engineer, BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions

BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions works with partners and customers to deliver surface warship Through Life Capability Management (TLCR) to the UK and export customers.

It is involved with every stage of the maritime capability lifecycle, from concept through to design, manufacture and in-service support to regeneration and disposal.

You have only been working a year in this field, what qualifications and training do you have to enable you to do the work?

"I studied at the Glasgow School of Art, gaining a masters in product design engineering. This course is based around mechanical engineering, but has a heavy focus on the design process and especially human factors. This human element is vitally important for ship design, yet has traditionally been overlooked. During the build there is a large human effort required, which can be made easy or difficult through the design; then during the ship's 25 year life cycle, people must live and work on the ship for weeks at a time, which can be a better experience through thoughtful design. I feel there is a huge opportunity for improvement in this area within shipbuilding, simultaneously reducing the build cost and improving the customer experience."

In which branch of the armed forces are your skills utilised?

"Predominantly the Royal Navy but I've also worked on projects on behalf of the Royal Air Force."

What specifically does your job entail?

"As a graduate engineer at Surface Fleet Solutions, I have the opportunity to move around the business through many different departments for two years before taking a permanent position. Generally, I am taking placements in each role for three month periods, so far working in strategy, export marketing and production cost reduction for Type 45 and detailed design for CVF. The variety of positions I am able to experience first hand is an important aspect of this two-year development period, allowing me to both see the company from many sides and to develop extra skills to complement my university training. Most placements provide the opportunity to take the lead on a short project, always with the need to liaise with several stakeholders, exploring opportunities and negotiating compromises."

What challenges and difficulties do you face on a day-to-day basis?

"Depending on what placement I am currently involved in there are many different problems that appear, but there are always supportive people within the team to offer advice of possible solutions. As it is such a big company, there are often many stakeholders with an interest in a particular problem and managing these situations is a daily challenge."

How do you feel your job benefits the navy?

"Currently my influence is small, but I hope the two years of development will give me a solid foundation to increase my responsibilities, which I aim to use to help reduce the product cost and improve how easy it is to use."

What advice would you give to people who were looking to enter your field?

"Shipbuilding had picked up a negative reputation in past years, but I don't believe the stereotypes hold true anymore. Surface Fleet Solutions certainly values diversity, encourages innovative ideas and invests in personal training - I advise that people are not put off by the reputation and consider how their expertise can help in improving shipbuilding. Everyone can fit in somewhere if they want to because it is such a varied activity."