Paul Loasby BSc Aeronautics and Astronautics and PhD, 1993/1998

Engineering Dynamics Specialist; Hawker de Havilland/Boeing

Southampton has the best aero course in the country. Simple decision really. As it turned out, it's a really nice campus, and with the coast, the New Forest and London only a stone's throw away (to name three), it's ideally placed for all sorts of activities.

What do you do?

Design airplane structures for sonic fatigue and dynamic flight loadings. This includes airplane stability and flight dynamics. On previous jobs, I've worked on military aircraft including Tornado, Hawk, Harrier and Joint Strike Fighter. I moved to the US for a stint at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in Seattle, in the dynamic flight loads field, and now work in Melbourne, Australia on the 787. Engineers are wanted all over the world!! It's a very transferable skill.

What's the best part of your job?

Getting on a plane and going 'did I do this one?'. I enjoy working under pressure, and there is enormous pressure to get an aeroplane certified and to the customer on time. And that pressure can be very public (see A380 and 787 roll out). The job has also allowed me to live in the US and Australia, with other opportunities all over the world available too.

Why did you go into this career?

I found maths and physics easy, but wanted to do something practical but also something that I found interesting, and finally discovered aeronautical engineering. Specialising in dynamics came out of trying to stretch myself even more and do something just a bit different.

What is your education/experience:

Up to age of 16: Nottingham High School; After 16: University of Southampton, twice.

Any advice on getting the first job?

This was really hard work. I wasn't sponsored so had no experience, but eventually started in a company consulting in dynamic problems in civil engineering. Once I had that first experience, jobs just flowed on. The next one was actually a PhD, then moved onto BAE Systems (twice), Boeing and most recently Hawker de Havilland.

Why did you choose Southampton?

It has the best aero course in the country. Simple decision really. As it turned out, it's a really nice campus, and with the coast, the New Forest and London only a stone's throw away (to name three), it's ideally placed for all sorts of activities.

What was the best part about studying at Southampton?

It was a darn good degree. May sound odd, but if you're busy working you know it must be difficult and therefore challenging and therefore rewarding. There was still plenty of time to do sports and socialising.

What is your advice to potential students?

Do what you enjoy doing and find rewarding.

What are your hobbies?

Ocean sailing racing, paragliding, travel.