Sajay Mazumdar, Engineering Operations Manager, BAE Systems

BAE Systems Australia is a partner to the Australian Defence Force, optimising Australia's defence across joint, maritime, land and air environments.

It combines key skills in engineering and systems integration and is a leading provider of communications, electronic warfare systems, military air support, air defence, mission support systems and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

What exactly is your role within BAE Systems Australia?

“I am responsible for the engineering capability for BAE Systems Australia. By that, I mean, I look after the people, process, tools and training. The engineering operations manager has accountability for the operations of the shared service engineering function, which is responsible for delivering the engineering management elements that support the creation of outputs and the technical creation processes.

At all times, the engineering operations manager must demonstrate evidence of due regard to professional accountability to the community, ensuring that the company’s outputs not only meet customer requirements, but are also safe to own and operate. In addition, the legislated requirements of occupational health, safety and the environment must be met.

A key outcome of this role will be an engineering organisation equipped to execute its function, in terms of processes, tools and competencies. This role will have particular impact on the people elements of functional development, leading to professional pride and trust throughout the engineering community.”

How long have you been working in this field?

“I’ve got seventeen years of engineering experience and nine years of working specifically in defence.”

In which branch of the armed forces are your skills utilised?”

“The Australian Defence Force (ADF) - my role is a functional one providing engineering support to our projects who in turn deliver products and solutions to the ADF.”

What led up to you working as an engineering operations manager?

“Prior to this role, I was the head of software engineering for BAE Systems Australia. That role, which reports to my current role, has functional responsibility for software engineering. Prior to that, I was in a project-based role as an engineering manager for an aspect of one of our key programs. I chose to move into a functional role as I felt that was the best opportunity to make some improvements to the way we do engineering and also to get a pan-business perspective of our operations.”

What qualifications and training do you have to enable you do the work?

“I have a first class honours degree in electrical and electronic engineering, a PhD in control systems and a management certificate all from the University of Adelaide, Australia. I am also a chartered professional engineer, fellow of engineers, Australia and a senior member of the IEEE. And, in addition to my 17 years of engineering experience, I also have around ten years experience in managing engineering teams.”

What advice would you give to people who were looking to enter your field?

“People wishing to enter engineering need to have a passion for solving complex technical problems, be able to work with ambiguity, have a ‘big picture’ view of the world and be thorough and diligent in whatever they do. Engineers need to be creative whilst still appreciating the need for process and rigour. They also need to balance their creativity with a constant focus on what the end user requires - engineers create solutions to a need.”

What challenges and difficulties do you face on a day-to-day basis?

“Our biggest challenge is the shortage of engineers. We are constantly trying to recruit but are also balancing this with a strong focus on developing our existing staff to their maximum potential.”

How do you feel your job benefits the Australian Defence Force?

“Our projects deliver solutions to the needs of the ADF. My function provides the capabilities that projects require to meet these needs. Hence, I believe it provides an invaluable role in benefiting the ADF.”

How do you see your future in five years’ time?

“To be honest, I am not sure. In the past, I have undertaken a number of different roles ranging from technical leadership through to business development. I am keen for my next role to encompass several aspects of my background - most likely running a business unit or company.”