Ryan Lumsden talks about his aerospace engineering journey

MEng Aerospace Engineering alumnus Ryan Lumsden is working in his dream career at BAE Systems after graduating from the University of Central Lancashire.

With a passion for aircraft and spacecraft, Ryan Lumsden chose to study MEng Aerospace Engineering at the University. Ryan wanted to enrol on a course that would allow him to understand these machines and give him the tools to build the aircraft and spacecraft of the future.

During his final year, Ryan began to think about his career and life after University and applied to several graduate schemes, attended interviews and assessment centres, securing a place on the Aerospace Engineering Graduate Scheme at Babcock International Group. Talking about the recruitment process, Ryan said: “Many of my experiences at University, such as participating in group design challenges and my work as a student ambassador, enabled me to gain a wide range of skills that helped give me an edge”

The Babcock Graduate Scheme lasted for two years, during which Ryan went on to four six-month placements around the world. He said: “My first placement was at Ciampino International Airport in Rome, where I worked to maintain and enable the operations of the fleet of nineteen firefighting aircraft on behalf of the Italian Government. My second placement was at RAF Leeming where I was integrated with 100 squadron, providing engineering solutions and support to ensure the continuous airworthiness of fast jets used by the red arrows.” 

Ryan's third placement was in business development where he worked closely with the Ministry of Defence to develop engineering solutions for the Royal Airforce. Ryan is also working towards becoming a chartered engineer (CEng) with the Royal Aeronautical Society and looks forward to gaining this accreditation in the future.

Following successful completion of his placements, Ryan currently works as Senior Airworthiness Engineer at BAE Systems, where his role is to ensure that aircraft are safe to fly and that they comply with aviation regulations.  

"University has given me a wealth of knowledge, a toolkit that I take forward in not just my professional life but my personal life. Through the graduate scheme I have had a wealth of new experiences, from living and working in Italy to maintaining and marshalling a red arrow jet."

— Ryan Lumsden, MEng Aerospace Engineering graduate

When asked about what advice he would give to those wanting to do something similar, Ryan said: “I come from a rural, working-class background, I went to state school and I did it. So can you."

He continued: “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and seize new opportunities. Throughout your life there will be opportunities, but you’ve got to take them. They are what set you apart. Whether they be a part-time job, taking part in a student society or joining a sports club, it’s these opportunities that give you new perspectives, let you make great friends for life and really set you apart. Plus it’s always fun doing something new.”