Over the past few months, we have had some fascinating interviews with the future leader panellists from ADS’ pre-COP26 event covering areas of sustainability and skills.
Following on from this, ADS’ current MBDA Secondee, Chiedza Lunga, who supports the ADS’ New Professional Forum, has created a new series – New Professional Perspectives. In this series, we will be running interviews with notable new professionals and those involved in the recruitment and development of new professionals within the ADS sectors.
In this blog, we hear from Myles Johnson, a Systems Engineer with D-Orbit UK who has co-founded his own business, Astroverse.
Tell us about your journey to your current role?
I’ve actually just moved jobs to a Systems Engineering position at D-Orbit UK, where I will be supporting the future of space logistics and In-Orbit Servicing (IOS).
Between 2014-2019 I studied mechanical engineering at Loughborough University and graduated with a masters degree and a Diploma in Industrial Studies (DIS). The biggest contributor to my career up to this point has been the two placements and graduate scheme I undertook with Lockheed Martin UK.
These opportunities allowed me to gain systems engineering experience of European Space Agency (ESA) and MoD programmes and accelerated my access to the space industry as I began applying to space-specific academic programmes outside of work. Incredibly valuable personal development opportunities which arose from this included the ESA Academy session with the Rosetta Operations team in Belgium, the ESA Summer School in Alpbach, Austria, and the International Space University (ISU) Space Studies Program (SSP) in Granada, Spain.
Alongside my working day, I founded Astroverse UK; an industry surveying business which publishes opportunities to join the UK Space Industry. Currently we have just over 440 subscribers who will receive 40-60 events per month in their inbox (it’s just one email – we promise not to clutter your email account!)
What brought you to the Space sector and what inspires you about it?
I’ve always felt that space is an industry which is on the cutting edge of engineering, science and technology. As an engineer I am drawn to the toughest problems, and where else is this demanded more on systems. I am also very intrigued by the idea of propelling humanity into space and identifying life in the cosmos (see the Starshot Mission by the Breakthrough Foundation for a good example of this).
How did you make the leap into starting a new business alongside a full-time role? What have been the challenges, how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge is time. Within the UK Space Industry we are quite lucky to already have a large range of funding/networking opportunities (industry surveying is quite useful in this sense!) But for every opportunity there comes another commitment of time. I’m very self aware of growing my business sustainably and so our aim is incrementally improving our current products/services.
What do you feel needs to be done across the sector to better encourage and develop the next generation to ensure key skills are maintained?
From a top level I would encourage training in job specific skill areas; a basic understanding of the space ecosystem; and access to key stakeholders through events. At Astroverse we are trying to increase knowledge of events in the space industry which will ultimately give greater access to key stakeholders who could mentor/support those looking to join the industry.
What tips would you give to those who have just started their career and are looking to develop the skills needed for the future?
Find a mentor early and say yes to every opportunity you can.
Thanks to Myles for his insights from both an engineering and business perspective, which we really appreciated. See you again for the next entry.
Want to be featured?
If you or any new professionals you know in your organisation have a topic in mind and would like to be featured, please contact NPF@adsgroup.org.uk
