Kirk Mayes from 23 years in the RAF to Lead Systems Engineer at Leonardo
Tell us about your time in Service
I spent just over 23yrs in the Royal Air Force (RAF). Initially trained as an Air Radar Mechanic, but through further training I became an Avionics Engineer, responsible for Air Radar, Air Communications, Lasers, EW & Flight Systems. I served within the UK and overseas, achieving supervisory/managerial status through promotion. I provided a high standard of engineering support for modern avionic and electronic equipment, both on and off various aircraft platforms (Jaguar, Hawk, Tornado, Harrier, Sentry E3D, TIALD, VICON) down to third line servicing.
As I joined the RAF with no qualifications, so during the latter part of my career in the RAF, I decided that I needed to pursue an education before leaving the RAF. I therefore studied night classes & obtained GCE’s / GCSE’s in Maths, Physics, English, Technical Drawing, Commerce and General Paper. Then I studied for an HNC in Computer Aided Engineering, an HND in Engineering (Electronic Bias) and then obtained a BSc (Hons) degree as part of my resettlement just as I left the RAF.
Since leaving the RAF I have worked for an number of companies such as BAe Systems, Rolls-Royce Marine, Oceaneering, GE Oil & Gas, Foodmek and Ross-Shire Engineering in various roles such as Project Lead, Project Manager, Engineering Manager and Production Manager.
I joined Leonardo in Oct 2020, as a Principal Systems Engineer and have now taken on the role of Team Tempest EOIR Product Safety Lead. This means I am responsible for the Hazard Analysis for products during concept, manufacture, testing and integration. In March 2022, I was promoted to Lead Systems Engineer.
I am a Chartered Engineer (CEng) via the Engineering Council and a Member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET). I am an IET Mentor for a number of graduates in Leonardo, guiding them whilst they work towards their Chartered Engineer.
I have been a STEM Ambassador since November 2012, representing the Company in local schools and colleges. I am part of the Leonardo Enable Network Group, acting as Site Lead for Edinburgh, Communication & Culture Coordinator.
Which aspects of Service life did you enjoy the most?
The comradery within the service and the banter within the services, that is when in the day you could get away with it. The opportunity to travel the world, as seen many places I would not have seen if I hadn’t joined the services. I received trade training, which is second to none. Although I did my time in the Gulf, we still made the most of a bad thing, as that is what you do.
I believe that because I was in the services, it has made me the person I am today, highly skilled, motivated and driven, to achieve the best. Finally, being supported in my later years to gain academic qualifications.
Tell us a little about your current job and what it entails
My current role is a Lead Systems Engineer, but having completed a Systems Safety course in Leonardo, I am now the Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) Product Safety Lead. This means that I am responsible for carrying out the Hazard Analysis, which entails the following, but not limited to: Functional Failure Analysis, Preliminary Hazard Analysis, Hazard Log generation & monitoring, Safety Assessment / Safety Case etc. for various EOIR projects and products, from concept, through design, manufacture, testing, integration, operation, up until out of service. My role is to ensure that the EOIR Systems are safe to use on the ground and in the air.
This role now covers an Environmental Impact Assessment, which means carrying out an assessment into what impact that piece of equipment can have on the environment, as per the hazard analysis, from cradle to grave.
This is a very interesting and demanding role, with good prospects, which should hopefully take me through to retirement. This role has enabled me to use all my knowledge and experience gained in the RAF and in other industries since leaving the RAF, to be put to good use and certainly helps me do the role.
Did you face any challenges when settling into your job?
It was an easy transition for me, as I already knew my Line manager & department Boss for 3 years prior to starting working for them.
Probably the only things I can think of that are of any relevance, was knowing the dress code, as for 23yrs I had known what to wear, now I had to buy my own clothes for work. The only other thing would be what banter could you get away with, if at all in the work place, that was probably the biggest challenge, especially in this day of political correctness.
What advice would you give other Service leavers?
• Having civilian recognised qualifications will certainly help back up your service career and help you land middle management & senior roles
• Get professional help with your CV, as some Companies will find it hard to read across your experience to their job roles. Leonardo and other Companies I have worked for, have used Veterans within the company to assist in reviewing CV’s from military personnel for Hiring Managers
• Do your research on any company you wish to work for, as this will help during interviews, as they will usually ask; What do you know about the Company & why do you want to work for the Company
• Believe in your abilities and transferable skills
• Reach out to your network to see what opportunities are out there. A person you know in a Company can give you a better understanding of working for the Company