Why I joined BMT
I joined the British Army at 16 and spent 24 years as an aircraft engineer. It was a career full of structure, responsibility, and variety. I worked on all types of military helicopters, travelled the world, and gained experience in high-pressure environments where teamwork and adaptability were essential. Those lessons have stayed with me and still shape how I work today.
After leaving the Army, I applied for a role in Integrated Logistic Support with BMT. At the time, I didn’t know much about the commercial world, but I knew the work, and that was enough to get started. That was over 24 years ago and I’ve never looked back.
How my role has grown
Since then, I’ve worked across multiple sectors: defence, rail, aviation, oil and gas. Defence engineering and consultancy services at BMT have always offered variety, and that’s one of the key reasons I’ve stayed because it keeps the work fresh and challenging.
Several years ago, I was offered the chance to move to Canada to support naval programmes. At first, I declined - I’d travelled enough with the Army. But when the offer came again, we made the decision as a family to go for it. We relocated with five children, and I now lead our Defence Engineering and Consultancy Services team, supporting defence programmes in Canada.
A standout project
I oversee a major defence contract that’s grown significantly over time. We’ve developed a strong, flexible relationship with our customer - one built on trust, collaboration, and value. We’re not just ticking boxes; we’re genuinely solving problems together. That ability to pivot and work closely with the customer is what makes the role so rewarding.
Being a veteran gave me a solid foundation for this work. The military teaches you how to manage complex tasks, follow through on commitments, and work alongside diverse teams. I also brought with me a comfort with structure and process, which helps in navigating new environments like engineering consultancy and defence project management.
What makes BMT different
What sets BMT apart is our culture. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, regardless of role or seniority. That openness and respect creates space for new ideas and innovation.
“We don’t just recruit for skills; we recruit good, honest, thoughtful people.”
And we’re trusted. There’s no micromanagement here. If you make a decision that’s right for BMT and the customer, you’re supported. It’s a culture that values integrity over ego and relationships over short-term wins.
Flexible working also plays a role. Most of my work happens via Teams, so working from home suits me. I still go into the office weekly, but there’s a healthy balance. It's about outcomes, not hours at a desk - something that makes defence industry careers at BMT both sustainable and rewarding.
If you're thinking about joining BMT, I say do it. The work is meaningful, the people are excellent, and the environment is built on trust and respect. For me, it's been a place to build a long and fulfilling veteran success story and a second career that makes a real impact in the defence industry.
