Name: Nathan Turner
Job Title: Senior Noise & Vibration Engineer
Organisation: QinetiQ
Number of years in current position: 1
Qualifications: MMath Masters Degree in Mathematics, University of Oxford
Briefly describe the organisation you work for:
QinetiQ are a science and engineering company, specialising in the design, testing and maintenance of land, sea and air capabilities for the UK and many other countries. My department is responsible for understanding noise and vibration of equipment, which includes testing and maintenance of existing systems, and design of future systems. This is achieved through mathematical modelling, software design and data analysis using a wide variety of equipment and techniques. The company partakes in large Research and Development projects in addition to supporting long-term maintenance contracts.
Explain what you do on an average day at work:
I work either from home or from one of our local offices, which is great because I get to choose where to work to be most productive. My day is typically a mixture of several different things, since I work as a technical leader. This role means I plan out the technical work we do, some of which I then carry out myself and some I guide other staff members to do.
My technical tasks are usually mathematical modelling or analysis, which involve either computer-based models (e.g. of physical structures) or software-based programs. Typically, I’ll only have one or two meetings per day with other members of my team or with project managers; these are important to keep tasks on track. The remainder of my time I’m able to focus on doing technical work or supporting others to do so.
What do you like most about your job?
Working in engineering is generally quite casual, with flexible working hours which help me to fit my personal life around work. I’m also not expected to wear a suit every day, which I much prefer!
I love the variety that comes with my role. I’m a very outgoing person and get my energy from other people, so it’s nice to have the opportunity to do detailed technical work and also interact with other people every day.
As a mathematician, I enjoy getting into the underlying detail of engineering problems, but my role also requires that I fit this understanding into the wider picture to translate the mathematics into real engineering solutions!
The flexibility also enables me to hold a number of volunteering roles as a STEM ambassador, IMA trustee and advisor to the National Academy of Mathematical Sciences.
What stimulated your interest in maths, and when?
For as long as I can remember, I have always been interested in how things work, however it was at the age of 16 when I started to see the power of applied mathematics. Once I realised the range of real-world problems that could be modelled, and solved, with mathematics, I was hooked! I knew I wanted to use applied mathematics to solve problems as a career.
What influenced your career choice?
During my degree I really enjoyed applied mathematics, especially fluid mechanics, geoscience and mathematical biology. These subjects all have mathematical modelling in common, and I decided to find a job in engineering. Engineering offers good rewards without the expectation to work long hours all the time, which was attractive to me as a graduate! It also offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with universities on research projects and publish academic papers, particularly if you work in Research and Development.
Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?
There are a huge range of different people who work in engineering. Some people are more technically minded (detailed) and others are more effective integrators who are great with people. My role definitely involves skills from both ends of the spectrum; the most important skills are: Analytical acumen, communication, organisation and being detail oriented.
Any advice you may have for other individuals considering your career path?
A career in engineering offers loads of variety, I believe there is a role for anyone in the discipline. If you’re technically minded and love to understand how things work, engineering is for you. During your career you might find your strengths are more aligned to being a technical expert, or you might take a different path and become a project manager. The flexibility in career paths means you can find your niche!
Your future career plans?
I would love to stay in a technical role for several more years, to build a depth of knowledge in noise and vibration and to broaden my overall skills leading larger projects. Ultimately, I’d like to align myself as a subject matter expert in mathematics within the company, potentially becoming a Fellow which would allow me time to explore opportunities such as participation in international projects, academic collaboration and research and development projects.
What benefits of IMA membership have you observed in your career so far?
There are loads of benefits of my IMA membership. From being a member, I get to keep in touch with mathematics and like-minded people outside of my organisation and hear about conferences and events which are both interesting and great for skills development. I’ve been involved as an IMA trustee since 2017, which has allowed me to hold a number of voluntary roles – these have been a great way to broaden my skills and expand my network in the world of mathematics.
Do you have any advice for Maths Graduates who want to pursue a career in engineering?
During my degree I wondered whether I would be qualified for a career in engineering as a graduate mathematician. During my exploration of career opportunities, it became clear that mathematicians are really sought-after in engineering and can fulfil a niche, in my case as a more detail-oriented analyst. If you’re looking to pursue a career in engineering as a mathematician, your skills will certainly be valued! I would recommend supplementing your knowledge with applied skills such as 3D CAD modelling, computational analysis or machine learning techniques; these are all important focusses in engineering, and ones at which mathematicians are generally adept!
