Zanjabil Qureshi
Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman
If you don't make mistakes, you don't make anything!
About Zanjabil...
Who am I?
"I have matched with being a Coach, Co-ordinator and Developer and these personalities most definitely play a part in being a successful Systems Engineer! I'm understanding, creative, and good at working with people. I exceed expectations and listen well. You can trust me, as I'm honest and a problem solver. I'm friendly, too!I'm also a developer who loves making things better. I'm curious, flexible, and always eager to learn. I can work alone or in a team, and I'm interested in improving products and services. I'm practical and always find solutions.Being organised is my strength as a coordinator. I communicate well and understand what people need. I work well with others, help when needed, and get things done on time and within budget. I'm patient, compassionate, and bring people together.As a Systems Engineer, I combine all these qualities. I love understanding complex systems, being creative, and solving problems. You can trust me to deliver great results and make a positive impact. Let's create a better future together!"
What do I do?
"I work in the Defence sector, specifically with the UK's Type 45 Destroyer Naval Ships. At Northrop Grumman my job is to help support the Platform Management System of these ships. As a Systems Engineer, I get to be a part of complex projects that involve advanced technology and problem-solving. In the past, I worked on a project called Atlântico, where the Brazilian Navy acquired a ship called HMS Ocean from the UK in 2018. It was a big undertaking, and I played a role in making sure everything went smoothly.Recently, I've been involved in integrating aerial drones into the Type-23 frigate's Combat Management System. This means that the drones can work together with the ship's control system to enhance its capabilities. It's really exciting to be a part of these cutting-edge projects!My work as a Systems Engineer is all about making sure everything works together smoothly and efficiently. I use my skills and knowledge to ensure that the technology on the ships is top-notch and that they can perform their important defensive duties.While I can't go into too much detail about specific projects, I can tell you that being a Systems Engineer in the defence sector is challenging, rewarding, and allows me to contribute to keeping our country safe. It's an important job, and I'm proud to be a part of it!\"The starting salary was £28,000 + £2K bonus (BAE Systems, Graduate Scheme) but this has now been increased to £34,000 + £2k bonus!Regenerate response"
How did I get here?
"To reach my current role, I followed a path focused on education and gaining practical experience. Here's how I got here:I attended Tiffin Girls School, where I studied both my GCSE and A-levels. For GCSE, I chose a diverse range of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, French, English Language and Literature, Geography, Computing, and Art. This allowed me to explore various disciplines and broaden my knowledge base.At the A-level stage, I continued my studies in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Psychology. These subjects provided me with a solid foundation in the sciences and analytical thinking.After completing my A-levels, I pursued my passion for Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering by enrolling in Biochemical Engineering at UCL (University College London). This course offered the perfect balance of these disciplines, allowing me to dive deeper into their applications and the interface between them.During my time at UCL, I had the opportunity to study a range of modules, but the ones I enjoyed the most were Vaccine Bio-process Development, Bioprocess Systems Engineering, and Sustainable Industrial Bioprocesses and Biorefineries. These modules further fuelled my interest and provided me with specialised knowledge in key areas of biochemical engineering.Following my Master's degree, I joined the BAE Systems Graduate Scheme. This program offered me the chance to gain valuable practical experience and expand my skill set. I completed placements in Future Technology, Environmental Challenges, System Architecture, and Combat System Design. These diverse placements allowed me to understand different aspects of engineering, tackle real-world challenges, and develop a holistic perspective.After the graduate program, I continued my journey with BAE Systems, focusing on the Combat System within Naval Ships in New Malden. This allowed me to deepen my understanding of how complex systems are designed and integrated into naval platforms.Throughout my educational and professional journey, I have consistently pursued my passion for STEM subjects, combining my love for biology, chemistry, and engineering. This has led me to my current role, where I am able to apply my knowledge and skills in a meaningful way within the defence industry.Each step of my journey has contributed to my growth as a Systems Engineer, equipping me with the necessary expertise and experiences to excel in this field. I am excited to continue learning and contributing to the development of innovative solutions within my latest role at Northrop Grumman."
The life I live
"In my spare time, I have some activities that I enjoy, and they help me connect with younger girls like you. One of my favorite things to do is watching movies. Recently, I was really inspired by the latest Black Panther movie. It features a character named Princess Shuri, played by Letitia Wright. Shuri is a talented and spunky 16-year-old who is also a brilliant tech inventor.Shuri has the amazing ability to manipulate the energy of a fictional metal called Vibranium, which exists in the Marvel Comics universe. She uses this technology to create incredible inventions. For example, she designed her brother's Black Panther suit, which allows him to absorb energy from hits and use it to fight back even harder. She even added sound-absorbing shoes to the suit, which she playfully calls \"sneakers.\"Shuri's inventions go beyond just the Black Panther suit. She has also designed technology for other Avengers, like Captain America's new shield and Bucky's new arm. She even contributes to improving Wakanda's transit system and has saved lives using her Vibranium-based medical technology.In the end, Shuri's talent and innovation are recognised, and she becomes the head of the science and information exchange at the Wakandan International Outreach Centre.This movie is hugely inpiring as it shows how young girls can make a big impact with their creativity and intelligence. It got me thinking about the future of technology and how I can contribute to it too!Another activity I enjoy to stay active is Zumba. It's a dance-based fitness program that combines energetic movements with music. I find it a fun way to exercise and keep my body healthy while having a great time dancing."
My typical day
"My typical day as a Systems Engineer can be quite diverse, depending on the stage of the engineering life cycle and ongoing projects. Here's an overview of what my day looks like:I usually start my day by checking emails and responding to any urgent messages. This helps me stay updated on any new developments or tasks that require immediate attention.If there are any ongoing projects or tasks, such as creating an Engineering Management Plan or writing requirements for a new project, I prioritise those and get started on them. These documents are essential for ensuring the smooth execution of engineering activities and project management.Sometimes, I engage in training courses to enhance my skills and knowledge. This may involve learning to use tools like IBM Rational Doors, which help with requirements management, or utilising Microsoft Visio to create complex engineering diagrams. These courses allow me to stay up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques in the field.A significant part of my role involves testing and verification. I work diligently to ensure that the products we develop are fit for installation on ships and ready to be integrated into the larger systems. This involves performing various tests and checks to verify their functionality and performance.Occasionally, I have the opportunity to visit the actual ships to ensure there are no issues with the integration of new systems or technologies. It's important to physically inspect and assess the installations to guarantee everything is functioning as intended.In addition to my project work, I hold a meaningful role as the chair of NGWIN (Northrop Grummans Women's International Network). As the chair, I organise events and Lunch and Learns, where female engineers come together to share knowledge and experiences. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect, support, and empower fellow women in the field of engineering.Overall, my day as a Systems Engineer is filled with a variety of tasks, from document creation and training to testing and ship visits. It's an exciting and dynamic role that allows me to contribute to important projects while also fostering a supportive community of female engineers."
My qualifications
"Following my Master's degree, I joined the BAE Systems Graduate Scheme. This program offered me the chance to gain valuable practical experience and expand my skill set. I completed placements in Future Technology, Environmental Challenges, System Architecture, and Combat System Design. These diverse placements allowed me to understand different aspects of engineering, tackle real-world challenges, and develop a holistic perspective.After the graduate program, I continued my journey with BAE Systems, focusing on the Combat System within Naval Ships in New Malden. This allowed me to deepen my understanding of how complex systems are designed and integrated into naval platforms.Throughout my educational and professional journey, I have consistently pursued my passion for STEM subjects, combining my love for biology, chemistry, and engineering. This has led me to my current role, where I am able to apply my knowledge and skills in a meaningful way within the defence industry.Each step of my journey has contributed to my growth as a Systems Engineer, equipping me with the necessary expertise and experiences to excel in this field. I am excited to continue learning and contributing to the development of innovative solutions within my latest role at Northrop Grumman."