Frazer-Nash Consultancy |

Please describe your role at Frazer-Nash.

I am an engineer in the Energetics and Vulnerability team at Frazer-Nash Consultancy. My main role is using analytical techniques to aid in the design and assessment of Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions and Explosive systems. I have been at Frazer-Nash nearly a year now, since graduating in 2022.

What made you want to work in defence engineering?

I’ve had certainty for a long time that defence engineering was the field for me, with it all starting from building things in the garage with my grandfather. My grandfather was an electrical/radar engineer in the Royal Navy, and then for Marconi, which is now part of BAE Systems. Growing up, a lot of my time was spent making things with him, where my curiosity for how things worked first started. He would often take me to Navy days, air shows, and war museums, which sparked my fascination in defence engineering.

What has been your career journey so far?

Due to my interests in defence engineering, I chose to do a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at Loughborough university with a placement year. It was during my placement year that my passion for defence engineering was cemented; I got to work on some fascinating projects centred around the British Army’s combat vehicle fleet, including Challenger 2 and Warrior.

Upon my return to university for my final two years, I chose to undertake modules in Finite Element (FE) analysis methods, or computational physics simulations. I was struck by the power of being able to simulate components virtually, as well how large the scope of numerical modelling was. This made me keen to look for careers in the defence sector with a numerical modelling aspect. I also wanted the option to do other types of work in different sectors, narrowing down the field to engineering consultancies. It was then that I found Frazer-Nash Consultancy, where I was fortunate enough to be offered a position in the Energetics & Vulnerability team that focusses on dynamic modelling, often in a defence-oriented manner…perfect!

What have you got involved with so far whilst working at Frazer-Nash?

Since, joining in September 2022, I have had the pleasure to work on a variety of different projects in different sectors, such as drop-assessments of nuclear transport containers and the modelling of mine blasts under vehicles. I have significantly built upon my numerical modelling skillset, learning even more techniques in different software suites, as well as developing new skills in engineering calculations, code assessments, and vehicle concept design. Additionally, I have begun to develop a brand for myself, presenting my independent modelling work to multiple business managers, establishing connections with other areas of the company.

What do you enjoy about working at a consultancy like Frazer-Nash?

While I have found the technical side of the work interesting, I have found the client facing side of consulting to be the most rewarding. Speaking with industry professionals and clients, both in meetings and in casual conversation, has shown me that there is always something to learn, as well as an opportunity to prove myself.

I was also given the chance to attend several client/peer-facing events, such as Fulmination 2023, where I presented as the early career’s representative for Frazer-Nash. It was a pleasure to speak at such an event, as I got to meet like-minded peers and gain a better understanding of the industry. It was also there that I began my registration process as a member of the Institute of Explosive Engineers (IExpE), beginning my journey towards chartered status.

Do you have any tips for students and graduates applying to engineering roles at Frazer-Nash?

Try to demonstrate your passion for the role you are applying to, this can be through taking relevant university modules, work experience and/ or further reading outside of university. For example, I demonstrated my passion for defence engineering through my placement year and through self-learning dynamic modelling via YouTube tutorials, journal papers, software manuals, and much trial and error!

Tell us about your career journey so far.

I joined Frazer-Nash in February of 2023 having completed a short post-doctoral stint at the University of Bristol (UoB) following my PhD and MEng in Aerospace Engineering also at UoB. I was loosely aware of Frazer-Nash as ‘an engineering company’ but wasn’t aware of other areas of work that they operated in. Having been in Frazer-Nash for 8 months now in the Strategic Modelling group within the Data Science area, I am really pleased with my decision to take the role as the work I have been able to do has been varied, exciting, and rewarding.

Through my undergrad I generally enjoyed all aspects of learning. I particularly enjoyed being able to take a problem that I knew little to nothing about, learn about it, solve an aspect of the puzzle, and show the results in a report or presentation. This process of ‘learn, solve, present’ was the main driver for my desire to enter research and do a PhD.

How did your PhD assist with your transition to working at a consultancy?

The PhD gave me a greater understanding of how to solve problems in a complex environment where no one person knew the answer. It was often a process of trying a potential solution or method, seeing what happened, evaluating, and trying again. This was sometimes collaborative and sometimes a solo venture. I believe it is this deep-dive into problem solving, coupled with my enjoyment of learning new areas, and presenting answers to complex situations that enabled me to thrive in a consulting environment.

What work have you been involved with so far at Frazer-Nash?

Whilst working at Frazer-Nash I have been able to work on projects where we have: modelled the cost and performance of a 2 km-diameter satellite to beam energy to earth; visualised possible pathways to net zero with policy decisions; estimated the weight loss of graphite bricks within the cores of nuclear reactors; modelled the cost and time of rolling out gigabit-capable internet throughout the UK; and mapped the UK’s energy and water resilience to enable Government stakeholders to understand critical dependencies. The clients of these projects have been for have varied from large corporations to small start-ups. The business side of consulting, recognising that we are providing a service to help the client, has been a great learning curve to experience.

Why work at a consultancy?

The projects I have worked on have been an excellent mix of individual effort and collaboration both within Frazer-Nash and with the client. We have regular meeting to discuss progress, identify next steps and update the client for a transparent working environment. The tools we use to solve these complex projects range from off-the-shelf data science packages in Python to bespoke and interactive tools for the client to use after the project is finished. It is this variety in topic and tool that is extremely rewarding and why I would recommend consulting to anyone who is looking for a consistent challenge in a dynamic environment.

What made you want to work in nuclear and why Frazer-Nash Consultancy?

During my third year, on study abroad, I took a course in nuclear physics. The lecturer for the module was extremely passionate, he saw I had interest in my engagement with the content as well as potential and encouraged me to explore the industry further. After only a short search, you find that a headline of the nuclear industry is setting yourself up with a ‘career for life’, to anyone sensible this is a no-brainer! From looking at the work of nuclear engineers you find that it is an interesting application of STEM to the real world, with real, future-proof impacts.

Frazer-Nash is an industry leader in systems, engineering, and technology, and the company’s core values strongly resonate with my own personal principles. “We deliver success” is a strong commitment, yet confident, something I am myself. The people of Frazer-Nash Consultancy really do care. And as a scientist by background, their focus on the environment and sustainability that forms the DNA of the company is inspiring. Moreover, my first project was challenging but interesting work that made a real difference to a safety critical system, and I was fully trusted to complete the work.

What is your academic background?

I took A-Levels in Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry, which led me into studying Natural Sciences with International Study at University. As part of my degree, I study everything and anything, from biology, chemistry, physics, maths and even some computer science. Module choices take me from quantum mechanics to ecology, physical chemistry to differential equations, bioinformatics to vector calculus, and why not throw some organic chemistry in there too!

What are the skills and attributes that have helped you most in getting into engineering with a science-based background?

Though science and engineering are two distinct fields, they are inextricably linked. Many skills required in engineering are interwoven with those underpinning science. My scientific background primed a strong problem-solving skillset along with computer skills and meticulous attention to detail, which are quintessential in the 21st century. Working under pressure and interpersonal skills are crucial and just one of the ways I continually improve these skills is through part time work along with sports and university work.

Skills not interlinked between science and engineering include commercial awareness and technical knowledge. These skills are something you must develop in your own time through passion and inquisitiveness, which came naturally to me as I really enjoyed delving into the world of nuclear.

Working at a consultancy requires tact, persuasive ability, and presentation skills, all I found were easily developed by putting myself into situations that were initially uncomfortable to me but that my confidence quickly grew with practise.

How was the onboarding process at Frazer-Nash?

As part of onboarding and induction at Frazer-Nash Consultancy, Summer and Year-In-Industry students were invited down to the Bristol office to take part in the Insight and Discovery Day. During the day, there were a mixture of activities including ice breakers, a creative task, and Q&A sessions. But for me, the highlight of the day was the ‘Meet the Directors’ session. This session allowed us to ask directors any questions that we had, to which they openly answered each question with genuine honesty. The directors also sat with us in the lunch hour to have general chats too, which was a pleasant surprise.

What attracted you to Frazer-Nash Consultancy?

Their values – we care, we are trusted, we deliver success, we want to do things that matter – certainly stood out to me. In my short time with FNC I’ve found them to really hold true. Their experience and expertise across diverse sectors also excited me as I looked to gain as much exposure as possible.

What do you enjoy about working at Frazer-Nash?

With Frazer-Nash you get to work on a wide range of projects, offering a great insight into industries. I’ve gained so much experience in such a short amount of time, and with client delivery work there’s always new and varied challenges to face.

The amount of responsibility I’ve been given has allowed me to really get involved in projects and develop my skillset, I’ve even had the opportunity to manage my own project. I’ve felt very welcomed into the team and had great support from colleagues. My work has been valued and appreciated; you feel you are making a difference and having a real, positive impact.

What are you excited for in your future at Frazer-Nash?

I’m excited for the last few weeks of my placement at Frazer-Nash. I continue to face a variety of complex and interesting problems and know there’s still so much I can learn. I’ll enjoy spending time in such a great environment, expanding my network, and discovering more about the business.

What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?

Don’t underestimate the value of soft skills. At Frazer-Nash you’ll be regularly engaging with clients and working in teams so demonstrating interpersonal skills can be just as important as your technical capability. Most importantly, show your enthusiasm and mention any areas or sectors that you’d like to explore – Frazer-Nash are great at finding things suited to your skills and interests.

I recently joined Frazer-Nash Consultancy, as part of their graduate recruitment. While I’ve only been at the company 3 months, I’m already settling in and feeling the most positive I ever have about an employer.

I was nervous to start a new role, as most people are, but even more so as someone who identifies as LGBT+. This brings new challenges, such as fear that the company won’t have an accepting culture or that you won’t ‘fit in’ with others – especially in a stereotypically masculine field such as engineering.

Upon starting at Frazer-Nash Consultancy I was immediately hit with how welcoming everyone was. During my initial meeting with my manager, he was wearing one of our rainbow lanyards, and during IT inductions everyone was shown how to include their pronouns on Teams. Little things like this mean a lot and represent the experience I’ve had across the business.

The fact I can just be myself at work means I can instead focus on delivering results to clients. D&I isn’t just important for the individuals but helps drive innovation and success as everyone is able to be their best self.

I have also joined the Pride and Allies ERG, which meets twice a month to discuss both strategy and socially check-in with each other. It’s great to have the opportunity to talk to others with similar life experiences, and how that influences our work and general wellbeing. Colleagues across the business came together only a couple of weeks after I started, to march in Bristol Pride, giving me group of friendly faces to go with and celebrate.

Allies in the group, and across the company, are loud and visible. I was glad to see that even those in senior roles step forward to promote the importance of acceptance. This has been particularly evident during the recent Pride Week, where employees were able to come together and share their experiences. In an engineering consultancy, there are people from all different backgrounds, and at Frazer-Nash Consultancy people are not only willing to share their knowledge but engage and learn how they can better support others.

Inclusivity is present at Frazer-Nash Consultancy from the highest level, and I know there are talks about how the (already excellent) health insurance can be expanded to include trans’ healthcare. This makes you feel safe and supported in a wider world which often isn’t. Members of senior leadership will often approach the ERG to get insight into how people feel about working with certain companies, or in certain areas of the world and use that to feed into the bid/no bid process.

Work for me feels like a safe space, where I can come and get on with my role and the only thing which matters is my skills – not anything else whether that’s sexuality, gender identity, race, or disability.

Describe your career journey so far.

My career journey before starting at Frazer-Nash involved a series of internships and placements in varying industries, including, energy, transport, banking and even insurance. These opportunities were useful in showing me what I enjoy, and more importantly, what I don’t enjoy.

What attracted you to Frazer-Nash?

FNC had everything I was looking for: interesting technical work that was at the cutting edge of research and innovation, a variety of different workstreams in different industries and an emphasis on personal development in a culture that really cares for me as an individual as well as an asset. I realised that FNC is a place where I can flourish and develop my skills in whatever direction I wish, allowing me to take control of my development and pursue work I find meaningful.

What are you excited for in your future at Frazer-Nash?

I’m excited to see a project from ideation to implementation, being able to bid for work that I find interesting and then shape it to provide the absolute highest quality to our customers in a way that builds longstanding trust with our company.

What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?

Consultancy firms only have one product; their people. Articulate on the reasons why you – as a unique individual – bring value to the company and evidence that in the insights you’ve gained from working on various projects, whether that is an internship you’ve had or an individual passion that you pursued. FNC values the experiences and unique insights that their people offer, so don’t be afraid to show your personality and stand out.

Since I studied during COVID I decided that I would be picky when choosing a graduate job instead of just rushing in to the first one I found so after a year of looking and working in hospitality I stumbled across Frazer-Nash and have never looked back.

What attracted you to Frazer-Nash Consultancy?

As I said I was picky when it came to choosing a graduate job, I had friends from my cohort who had rushed into places and ended up hating it or feeling stuck doing something, they didn’t want to do, somewhere they weren’t comfortable. For me working somewhere that I felt I would fit in and be comfortable being myself was extremely important and Frazer-Nash, when researching, ticked all those boxes. They seemingly championed women, valued their staff on all levels of employment, had global offices giving the opportunity to possibly emigrate in the future and the pay was really good (which also helped).

What do you enjoy about working at Frazer-Nash?

That even though often I am the youngest and most inexperienced person in the room I am still valued and listened too. Questions are encouraged, not mocked. I have been told countless times that everyone has to start somewhere, and Frazer-Nash really shows this as I have never had anyone not take the time to help me with something I have never done before, even when they are incredibly busy. The amount I have learnt in 6 months would take some people in other companies years to learn as the environment just doesn’t nurture in the same way.

What are you excited for in your future at Frazer-Nash?

Absolutely! I am excited to continue to grow and develop new skills. I have done work in numerous industries where honestly; I had never expected such as with submarines. The way I am treated with respect and encouraged to go on courses and grow my talents makes me understand why so many of my colleagues have been around in the company for numerous years.

What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?

Be yourself. Frazer-Nash encourages independence and uniqueness, don’t try to be someone you’re not, they want YOU for what YOU can bring to the company. Everyone deserves to be comfortable in themselves and not need to wear a ‘mask’ at work – Frazer-Nash is great for this; they want individuals not just people who can tick boxes.