Professional appointments

Current role and title

Project Officer in Dismounted Close Combat IPT – DCC Short Range Lethality 1. In my current post I am responsible for the procurement of several ammunition and weapons projects. The projects are all relatively small and fast moving with a requirement to have them on the front line from anything from 1 to 2 years time! I am responsible for ensuring the projects enter service on time and to cost and the required performance. My day to day role can include anything from liaison with trials and support authorities, Industry and various subject matter experts to ensuring that safety cases for equipment is up to date, trials are arranged and up dating stakeholders on the progress of the project.

What attracted you to DESG:

DESG offered the opportunity to allow me to experience the different elements of engineering and the roles a professional engineer may be expected to work as through out their career. It was this ability to experience the roles and suss out what I would like to do/develop as that appealed to me.

Highlights of your career to date:

My first post has been pretty full on and gave me the opportunity to manage several small projects at various stages of their life cycle. I have enjoyed the responsibility and fast pace of the work. The highlight, professionally, so far has been getting an over view of all stages of a project, which I hope will see me in good stead for the rest of my career. However, on a personal level, being allowed to fire a half inch calibre rifle, 40mm grenade launcher and various other pistols and rifles during trials and courses definitely counts as a highlight!

What you hope to achieve in the future:

I hope to be able to gain my Chartered Engineer status within the next year and then progress my career (and move up the food chain) by moving onto different project teams to get a better appreciation of how different sized projects at various stages are run and to gain an experience of working with different equipment.

What advice would you give someone thinking of a career in the MOD:

Ensure that you take the opportunity to talk to someone or read about the various roles and experiences to be gained both within the MOD and as a graduate on the DESG graduate scheme. Think about what you would like to do and where you want to end up, including level of responsibility and not just location or project, as the MOD is a very big place with lots of different opportunities to explore and career paths to take. Be aware of what the MOD does and what it means to be a Civil Servant. Research these elements to ensure you know what to expect and what you what to do and achieve. Make sure to leave space for change though as the MOD is constantly evolving and there may just be something you never expected around the corner to take your fancy!