Case studies: Aircraft engineer officer: Lt. Kenneth Markwick

Kenneth graduated with a degree in electronic and electrical engineering from Napier University. He is now an aircraft engineer officer for the Royal Navy...

Kenneth chose a career in the Royal Navy as he was looking for a career that could challenge him while offering him diversity, professional development and good career prospects, while also being drawn to the lifestyle and the opportunity for worldwide travel.

Initially, his recruitment process started through the Royal Navy Careers Office based in Glasgow which then led to a two-day selection process at the Admiralty Interview Board, which tested everything from effective intelligence via psychometric testing to leadership abilities. He is now employed as an aircraft engineer officer, although there are numerous opportunities to work outside his specialisation in a number of areas. Currently, he is involved in the recruitment of potential Royal Navy/Marines Officers.

There are several officer specialisations where no degree is necessary, however, a degree is essential for an engineer officer. Among the skills gained during his degree course were the ability to be analytical on a technical level and to develop basic project management skills which have been further developed in the Navy. To do the job he now does, Kenneth had to undertake further professional training to develop his engineering knowledge in other areas.

The Armed Forces are unique in that every couple of years you move into a different part of the organisation for professional and career development. Kenneth began as a young officer under training and has been given increasing levels of responsibility and decision-making privileges.

Kenneth has worked on fighter squadrons as one of only two engineers. His role as an operational aircraft engineer officer on a front line fighter jet squadron was both extremely enjoyable and demanding. The work required him not only to work in the UK but also on ship and abroad, both training as a squadron and on operations.

An operational aircraft engineer is responsible for the airworthiness and engineering decisions for all aircraft to ensure that all are safe to undertake the arduous flying they are put through in military operations. These decisions encompass all areas of the aircraft, including mechanical, structural, avionic and weapons.

In addition, Kenneth must devise and plan a long-term maintenance strategy to ensure that all aircraft are to the best possible standard and also have the latest hardware and software upgrades. To achieve this task, Kenneth has a team of up to 150 mechanics and technicians that they oversee to ensure that all maintenance is prioritised and conducted accordingly. In addition to this, he is responsible for organising, managing and overseeing all aircraft logisticial operations on the Squadron. This involves understanding supply chain management and utilising the necessary support networks that facilitate this.

Typically, the operational job back in the UK will be a normal working day from 9am to 5pm. However, when on ship or on operations, the working conditions can change quickly and everyone works as required, even if that means 16-hour days.

Kenneth has also been involved in a multi-billion pound acquisition programme and now finds himself in a full-time HR type role as someone involved in recruitment. As your career progresses, there is a very clear path toward promotion within the hierarchy, assuming you perform to the demanding standards expected and required.

Included among Kenneth's regular taks are: leadership, people management, organisational and general management duties, problem solving, staff work (administration), engineering, project management, requirements management and contractual and business management.

He particularly enjoys the challenge of constantly being pushed and having the responsibility that is bestowed, in addition to the fantastic camaraderie of the Armed Forces. However, it can also be hard going on deployment and trips at times due to being away from family and friends for long periods.

Within his job, Kenneth hopes, through increased exposure, to gain more experience and responsibility and, as he gains promotion, move into the defence acquisition aspect of the Forces.