Amanda Heslop

"I’m a Coach, Investigator and Manager. Reading the profiles made me smile as they align well to my day job and the work I love to do.A Coach listens to understand, works with others, thinks creatively, likes to solve problems and is trustworthy. These are key qualities of an engineer working on a complex product. It is so important to work as a team, think outside the box, listen to others for solutions and it’s important to be approachable and friendly to help get the best out of people. An Investigator is logical, collects information and works in a team. In my job, gathering the wealth of information relating to problems and arranging the facts into logical arguments and conclusions is so important when presenting robust solutions to paying customers. During those presentations, we’ve got to demonstrated that we’ve explored all angles, considered all factors and completely understand problems. It’s tricky, but as a team, it’s fun and exciting. A Manager is motivated, looks to get the best out of a team, is organised, adaptable and open minded. Early in my career, I took opportunities to development my leadership skills. Today, as a Manager in Rolls-Royce, it’s important to create a vision for a team to work towards, encourage the team to think differently to engineering problems and I like to get to know the preferences of the team so that they do work that they really enjoy. "

"I am responsible for the safety and reliability of a group of Rolls-Royce gas turbine engines. Primarily, I approve the output of engineering projects that are carried to support Rolls-Royce’s customers to fly for longer, more reliably, and safely. In my role, the engineering projects can include root cause investigations, stress/aerodynamic/thermal/vibration analysis, or reliability assessments. To complete these complex engineering projects, we need to collaborate with the experts and specialists. Team work is so important and individual perspectives on issues and solutions is key to the success. The best part of my job is working directly with our external customers. These can be airlines or international governments. Through close working with these customers, I find out about their needs and ambitions and scope out the requirements for engine modifications or engineering analysis. True Engineering at work....the application of sciences and maths, as well as other skills, to solve problems. A university graduate can start on £28,000. This is typical across the aerospace industry. This salary goes up as you increase your skills, capability, and knowledge and you are expected to set the pace for acquiring such skills and knowledge through your different jobs in the business. "

"I took 10 GCSEs, which included separate sciences and IT, as well as the mandatory English and Maths. My A levels included Maths, Physics, Deign Technology and Chemistry (AS only). I then went to Loughborough University and studied Aeronautical Engineering to Masters Level, with a one year internship at Rolls-Royce in Bristol. After my academics were completed, I applied and was accepted onto the Rolls-Royce graduate scheme, and after 4 years I gained my Engineering Chartership with the Royal Aeronautical Society. What’s important to mention is that my academics were complimented by work experience;Two weeks (unpaid) with Slingsby Aviation, summers (low pay) at an engineering company in Liverpool, 3 weeks (unpaid) at EasyTech at Liverpool airport, one year at Rolls-Royce (service engineering), summer internship at Rolls-Royce (systems design). All experiences helped prove to companies that I was serious about engineering. In a big company like Rolls-Royce, it’s possible to move jobs every 3 years. So, I’ve worked in Commercial (contracts), Operations build facility, systems design, service engineering, and I’ve had the opportunity to work and live aboard in the US twice."

"I love supporting women in engineering and take time to read up on schemes and success stories and mentoring methods. Aside from that, I play field hockey in Bristol with a great bunch of supportive girls and I attempt CrossFit to support my health and fitness. Deep down, I’m a plane-lover and I’m not afraid to admit it! I find the technology and the concept of flight fascinating, even after all these years in the industry. "

"My day is spent in meetings, collaborating and resolving problems, or listening to presentations on solutions. I feel very fortunate to work with such talented people where we can share ideas and knowledge. Outside meetings, my work is desk-based; reviewing reports or documents, and conversing with colleagues, international partners, and customers on e-mail. Typically, once per month, I’ll have to travel to visit a customer; Munich, Paris, Brazil, Kuala Lumpur, Italy, or the USA. Travel is exciting as I enjoy meeting the customers directly. During these visits - I’ll be visiting airline offices, government offices, headquarters, Naval Air bases, or Air Force squadrons. If I’m lucky, I’ll see some of the aircraft, which are powered by my engines, flying around in the skies around the bases. "

"A Level Maths (A), A Level Physics (B), A level D&T (A)Loughborough University, Aeronautical Engineering (MEng) - 1st ClassEngineering Chartership with RAeSWarwick University, Service Design and Management (MSc) - Distinction"