What's it really like being

What's it really like being a … space engineer?

In our series profiling careers you may never have considered, we speak to engineer Edwina Paisley, Director of Space Programmes at Inmarsat, who works on cutting- edge Inmarsat-6 satellites.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

By far, it’s the one I'm working on now: the Inmarsat-6 satellites. These two satellites are Inmarsat's latest addition to its already-comprehensive satellite fleet. They are the largest, most advanced and most complex commercial communications satellites ever launched.

From an engineering perspective, it's a once-in-alifetime opportunity to work on something of this calibre. And, while it is immensely satisfying to play a key role in Inmarsat-6's journey to orbit, it’s even more fulfilling to work alongside the brilliant team that builds and tests the satellites.

Building a satellite like this comes with many technical challenges, but it's the people who make it successful. The feeling of pride and accomplishment makes it a pleasure to go to work every day. CAREERS

'The launch is terrifying and exhilarating at the same time'

What’s the best element of your job?

Hands down it’s the opportunity to see and touch real space hardware! In my role, I'm responsible for all aspects of the satellite development, including technical and programmatic.

On a typical day I may be analysing schedule constraints in the morning and, in the afternoon, be dressed in a cleanroom suit and crawling under the satellite to inspect hardware installations and harness routings before final-flight closures.

Seeing and appreciating the exquisite detail that goes into every centimetre of a perfectly constructed satellite is hugely rewarding, particularly given all the steps that need to be taken to get to that point.

Highlight of your career so far?

The launch of the Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite from Tanegashima, Japan, in December 2021. Not only was our satellite unique in its complexity and size, but the opportunity to launch from the southernmost tip of the Japanese archipelago, nicknamed ‘the most beautiful launch site in the world’, was an unforgettable experience.

Nothing quite compares to seeing (and feeling) a launch, even more so when the satellite on top of the rocket is one to which you have devoted so much time and energy. It's nothing short of terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. But the feeling at the end is always the same … you want to do it all over again.

What inspired you to become an engineer?

As a child, building and creating things was always something that brought me a great deal of pleasure. I grew up in the Philippines and would spend weekends in the country in a relatively rugged environment. My parents gave me a lot of freedom to do what I liked with any tools or materials that were nearby.

I was never told that I couldn't use a tool (after learning the safety basics) nor that I wasn't capable or experienced enough to build something. One of my best memories was helping my father build two trimaran boats from scratch, and in those days there was no YouTube. We did it the old-fashioned way, creating blueprints and reading books on boat building. It gave me a real appreciation for the basics of engineering, while also having a safe space in which to be curious.

What route did you take into engineering?

I had a fondness for the hard sciences, and initially wanted to go into medicine. I studied biology and chemistry at first, then switched to computer science and mathematics partway through.

When I left university, I ended up getting a role in the space industry and realised my passion was actually geared more towards aerospace engineering. I then built upon my existing engineering foundation and switched to aerospace as a career and have never regretted it. I believe that a strong educational background in the hard sciences gives an excellent foundation for flexibility in your career.

Was it unusual for girls to pursue STEM careers when you trained?

There were certainly more men than women in my university classes; typically only ten per cent were women. Despite the low representation, I was never put off and considered it a unique opportunity to advance in those areas.

There has been much improvement in the gender balance, but there is further to go because the unconscious biases that prevent women from taking engineering roles are still present, to a certain extent, in day-to-day life and conversations.

'From an engineering perspective, it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'

. Why is it important for the space industry to attract females?

Any industry that has been geared towards just 50 per cent of the population is inherently only half as capable as it could be. Developing a more diverse workforce is good for everyone – not only does it bring instant benefits, it also creates a perpetual cycle of role models who inspire a more diverse group of individuals to join.

At Inmarsat, we have strong representation of women in technical and non-technical roles. Significant investment is being made in recruiting and supporting women as they advance their space careers.

Despite the space industry being male dominated, things are changing rapidly and I see more young girls showing an interest in pursuing engineering. It's a great trend and I hope all women and men in leadership roles will play their part in balancing the scales.

Every career has its less enjoyable elements – what are the downsides?

To be honest, that depends entirely on perspective. The space environment is a hard place to operate a satellite: it's unforgiving and there's no room for error. To have a successful career in space, you

CAREERS

Inmarsat-6 satellite in orbit The Army Cadet STEM Camp runs from 23-28 October 2022 at Knook Camp on Salisbury Plain Training Area near Warminster.

need to appreciate details and be willing to address technical challenges when they arise – which they inevitably will. However, the sense of gratification and satisfaction that comes from working through a tough problem with a great team is very rewarding.

What's been key to your success?

A role like mine requires capacity but also an innate enjoyment of being in a constantly changing and unpredictable environment. By far the most important thing is to find a role where you enjoy the work, even on the so-called "bad days".

With the right perspective, even the most challenging day can transform into one of the best. Personally, I thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes, high-pressure environment and throughout my career I've sought opportunities outside my comfort zone. If you don't try, you don't know what you are capable of.

YouTube

Watch Edwina preparing for the launch of the Inmarsat-6 F1 satellite here (or scan the QR code).

Tips for getting into aerospace engineering?

Just do it! Anyone who is remotely considering a career in engineering should follow their instinct. I have yet to meet an aerospace engineer who has regretted pursuing aerospace. When you ask an aerospace engineer ‘What do you do?’, there is a discernible twinkle in our eyes and a noticeable tone of pride when we describe our roles. It’s almost like we're bursting at the seams to tell you about our jobs, but are forced to summarise in a few meagre sentences.

My advice for anyone contemplating a career in STEM should think about their future selves and the sense of pride they hope to feel when recounting their experiences to others. Pursue the path that fuels that sense of satisfaction. Don't be put off by anyone who says ‘it's too difficult’, ‘it takes time’, or ‘it's not for you’. If you shortchange your education, your future self is at stake.