Meet Vilash – senior system engineer

What was your route into General Dynamics UK?

I joined the Company in 2003 as a technical support assistant, gradually moving into a system engineering role. Over the 20 years of working at GDUK, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of programmes including, BCIP, VERTEX, Force Protection, Bid work, IR&D, and now DSC.

Tell us about your role

Currently, I am working on the Design Services Contract (DSC), which introduces new Land domain Tactical Communications and Information Systems capability to address the needs or issues faced by the British Armed Forces, acquired incrementally by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Working within the DSC System Design Team, this involves capturing the Bowman ComBAT Infrastructure and Platform Battlefield Information System Application (BCIP) capability update architecture design within an integrity modeller tool. My role also involves supporting members of the team with system modelling support and process guidance, as required.

Why do you think it is important to encourage young females to study STEM subjects?

I think STEM is important as it teaches us life skills that other subjects do not. It’s great to see more and more female engineers emerging in the workplace.

“STEM helps build skills and encourages exploration, creativity and innovation which are vital for the next generation.”

What does engineering mean to you?

For me, engineering means continual improvement through problem solving and coming up with better solutions. It means breaking down complex problems into more manageable chunks. I think engineering is important in managing complex systems over their entire lifecycle including requirements management, concept exploration, analysis, design, development, manufacture, delivery, operational support and obsolescence. I believe engineering is fundamental in acquiring knowledge and learning new skills.

Why would you recommend General Dynamics UK as a great place to work?

General Dynamics UK supports flexible working and provides a great selection of benefits, including childcare vouchers. You have the opportunity to work a compressed nine-day fortnight, with every other Friday off which is great. The Company also offers you the opportunity to tailor your benefits package to meet your personal and family needs.

The Company also encourages females to take on STEM subjects through the graduate scheme, as well as actively recruiting female engineers.