In our regular column highlighting the life and careers of new RAeS Members and Fellows, we interview Principal Engineer, Design Assurance – Canadian Surface Combatant Programme FARAZ KHAN CEng MRAeS.
Name: Faraz Khan CEng MRAeS
Age: 31
Location: Glasgow, UK
Job title: Principal Engineer, Design Assurance – Canadian Surface Combatant Programme.
What inspired you into aviation?
From an early age I had an aspiration to be a pilot – it was my answer in school when asked what I would like to be when older! However, through the course of my education I found that I particularly enjoyed the engineering side of aerospace. Through my career I have had the opportunity to work in multiple engineering fields (aerospace and maritime), locations (Glasgow, Bristol, Preston and even Australia), and engineering domains (cockpit design, mission systems, and supportability, to name a few).
What is the best thing about your current role?
My current role enables me to play a pivotal role in Canada’s key national shipbuilding programme – in this role, I am developing and embedding the processes required for the design of the Canadian Surface Combatant, and these processes are there to ensure the design is done in the right way with the required involvement throughout from internal stakeholders and the customer community.
What made you join the Royal Aeronautical Society?
As an aeronautical engineer, I aspire to continue growing and developing in the field. Membership of the Royal Aeronautical Society allows me to grow and maintain my industry network and maintain continuous professional development.
What do you get out of your membership and hope to get out of your new registration with RAeS?
My RAeS membership enables me to keep informed on current events in the Aerospace industry and new developments. As a Chartered Engineer with the RAeS, I also now have professional recognition of my aerospace (and wider systems) engineering knowledge and experience. My goal is to support my colleagues to achieve the same professional registration aspiration through mentoring and, who knows…perhaps I can work towards becoming a Fellow!
What three items would you take with you to the space station?
Great question – I would take a good camera, lots of coffee and a book (preferably a lengthy one).
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I’m going to cheat here and name two! One would be my father, who was my biggest inspiration growing up, for his sheer determination and hard work. Secondly, my first line manager, who was, in my view, an expert in the field – he truly mastered his craft and could respond to any technical question with ease and knew how to attack any challenging problem. He inspires me to focus on achieving depth of knowledge in everything I do.
Piece of advice for someone looking to enter your field?
Whatever field you wish to enter within engineering, whether it’s aerospace, maritime, or another, you will find that there is a breadth of opportunity in there and your career could take you to areas in that field that you haven’t anticipated. So apply with an open mind, look into opportunities in the field that relate to your studies, passions, and interests and speak to others who are already in the field and grow your network.
10 February 2023
In our regular column highlighting the life and careers of new RAeS Members and Fellows, we interview Fleet Support Engineer at Qatar Airways MOCC (Maintenance Operation Control Center) ALI PALTA MRAeS.
In our regular column highlighting the life and careers of new RAeS Members and Fellows, we interview Boeing 777 pilot AISHA JIBREEL ALEXANDER.
In our regular column highlighting the life and careers of new RAeS Members and Fellows, we interview ALASDAIR GERRARD AMRAeS, Systems design engineer – gas turbine performance.
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