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Job – Senior Systems Engineer in Preston
Location: Preston, UK
Salary: £44 – £44 Per hour
Job type: Contract
Category: Defence Engineering
Job Reference: EMP422388
Posted on: 10 Sep 2018
About the Role:
The vacancy offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to be involved in the development and clearance of the future Tornado avionics system.
Key Responsibilities will include:
* To be the focal point in the Avionics team for an upgrade capability.
* Production and Maintenance of Avionic Systems design, test requirements & clearance documentation.
* Support to life cycle, design and progress reviews.
* To assist in understanding the Customer requirements including the generation of feasibility study reports, specifications and technical definition documentation.
* Detailing of Qualification & Acceptance requirements
* Deliver the Weapon System level design deliverables Avionic System Requirements, System Requirements Specification, Design Concept Analysis, Functional Interface Control Documents, etc
* Allocate to hardware and software configured items where appropriate in order that an integrated design solution can be achieved.
* Test specification (Trials Requirements Document/Verification Goals) and support to rig & flight trials
* Systems certification activities
The successful candidates will have a degree, HND or equivalent in a relevant Engineering discipline. Experience in Avionics, Systems Test, Software Requirements or an equivalent is preferable. Knowledge of the Tornado avionic System, Mil Std 1553 databus or Virtual Applications Prototyping Systems would be an advantage. An understanding of the Systems Development Lifecycle is essential. The successful candidate must; be able to work with minimal supervision, be pro-active, diligent, have strong team-working and communications skills and be committed to a delivery culture. The successful candidate should be flexible as regards working hours and travel overseas and within the UK will be mandatory.
LOCATIONS
LAND
14 Sep 18. NSW government launches defence and technology precinct. The NSW government plans to create a defence, aviation, aerospace and technology precinct, set to generate over 5,500 jobs in the Hunter region. NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the government will put up $11.7m in funding for the facility, which will be located near RAAF Base Wiliamtown. Barilaro said the new Astra Aerolab will house maintenance and support services for RAAF aircraft and will inject $246m into the NSW economy.
“This investment will capitalise on the existing economic strengths of the region, securing 76 hectares of special purpose land committed to defence and aviation related industry and employment,” he said. “Over its lifetime, this new precinct will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, including roles for aviation IT and avionic specialists, mechanics and engineers, in the Hunter. This is an exciting announcement in one of the state’s most exciting industries and regions.”
Australia’s combat aircraft, like the new F-35 Lightning Joint Strike Fighter and Hawk 127 lead-in fighter require significant long-term maintenance and upkeep. The new precinct aims to create an opening for businesses to address that demand. NSW Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said the news couldn’t come at a better time and follows the NSW government’s recent commitment of $400,000 for the STEMship Program.
That will equip Hunter students with the technical skills they need to work in the defence and aviation industries.
“The precinct will deliver employment opportunities across a range of professions, creating jobs in industries with an important future,” Minister Blair said. “With this project we are actively creating attractive, engaging career pathways for people living in the regions, supporting local economies and backing our local defence industry.”
Newcastle Airport chief executive Peter Cock said he was very proud to be working with the NSW government on Astra Aerolab.
“As a community-owned asset, we take our role in generating economic and social outcomes seriously. We want to create a precinct that fuels pride as well as growth – a place where people and businesses want to work,” he said. “In the Hunter, Astra Aerolab, adjacent to the Newcastle Airport, RAAF Base Williamtown, coupled with our unbeatable lifestyle will do just that.”
Newcastle Airport will use the $11.7m of NSW government funding towards water, sewer, gas, electrical and broadband connections, as well as construction of a major access road. Newcastle Airport will co-contribute $7.86m to the $19.66m project to activate the lead in road and initial site preparation.
Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast and Hunter Scot MacDonald said the precinct was in a prime location to tap into existing manufacturing and supply chain businesses for trade and distribution.
Newcastle Airport and major rail and road links are nearby.
“This a fantastic project that will give our local economy a boost and secure the long-term viability of both the Williamtown Base and Newcastle Airport,” he said. (Source: Defence Connect)
12 Sep 18. Thales opens maritime office to support naval programmes in Canada. Thales Canada has officially opened a new maritime office to support major naval programmes for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, the new office is the company’s eighth facility in Canada and will be able to offer up to 20 new job opportunities. The new Thales office will be dedicated to serving the requirements of the Canadian Navy, in addition to the Canadian Coast Guard, and the company’s maritime partners and suppliers. The facility has been designed to support the RCN’s AJISS programme, which is a long-term, in-service support contract originally awarded last year for the service’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and the Joint Support Ships (JSS). As the prime contractor for the AJISS programme, Thales will oversee the refit, repair and maintenance for the RCN fleets over their operational lifetime.
Thales Canada president and chief executive officer Mark Halinaty said: “Today our team is focused on readiness, ready to support the first ship under the AJISS programme. Our newest location in the maritimes marks an important milestone of our in-service support programme, which will create jobs for the maritime industry across Canada. As we move forward, we will continue to work closely with the RCN, our customers, and partners, helping them master every decisive moment along the way.”
The Halifax maritime office will also ensure comprehensive in-service support for all systems and equipment of the AOPS and JSS fleets. In addition, the office will facilitate the integration of major digital capabilities in big data and artificial intelligence to support modern in-service support practices. (Source: naval-technology.com)
10 Sep 18. Proposed UNSW Canberra city campus to house innovation precinct. The Defence and Security Innovation Precinct is proposed to be located along Constitution Avenue in the centre of Canberra’s research and innovation corridor from Belconnen to the airport, linking science, education, technology, defence and other government agencies (ASIO, ASD, DVA, Home Affairs).
“This planned precinct will open the door to new collaborative opportunities because of the access it will grant to government, global defence industry, R&D organisations, UNSW researchers, partners and students,” announced UNSW Canberra rector Professor Michael Frater at Land Forces 2018 in Adelaide.
The Defence and Security Innovation Precinct will be led by the UNSW Defence Research Institute, which aims to develop and deliver world-class defence and security capabilities to safeguard Australia.
“Earlier this year we established the UNSW Defence Research Institute, which draws on the expertise of our researchers to provide Defence with solutions to real world problems,” said Professor Frater.
UNSW Canberra is currently finalising a formal proposal for the city campus for the ACT government to consider. The proposed city campus would provide much needed space for the current and future needs of UNSW Canberra research with a range of accommodation options for a significant number of research organisations on site.
“It is the ideal home for R&D teams to work with some of the world’s leading experts in defence research in areas like space and cyber,” Professor Frater said.
He said the extensive range of stakeholders in the ACT government and community will be engaged throughout the project. (Source: Defence Connect)
07 Sep 18. USAF’s first Invisible Wounds Center opens at Eglin AFB. The US Air Force’s (USAF) 96th Medical Group has opened the first Invisible Wounds Center (IWC) at Eglin Air Force Base (AFB) to offer ‘trusted care’ to the military members. The medical centre will serve as a regional facility for the treatment of military personnel with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, associated pain conditions and psychological injuries. USAF surgeon general Lieutenant General Dorothy Hogg said: “Standing up this facility is just the first step of many in our commitment to care for our warriors with invisible wounds.”
Hogg added: “The centre is ready to treat retirees, guard, reserve, and active duty members from our sister services who carry the weight of invisible wounds.
“Our goal is to eliminate barriers to care. We want to treat our service members with dignity through every phase of their recovery.”
Designed based on the best practices of the Intrepid Spirit Centers, the new facility will have a team of 18 specialties providing treatment in a customised, holistic and integrated way. Treatment at the IWC will be delivered using a combination of both conventional and complimentary therapies, while art and music therapy, yoga, acupuncture, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health services will also be included.
Hogg further added: “Having all these services under one roof, complimenting each other, provides treatment and healing in ways that are only now being recognised.
“The providers will also address physical, spiritual, mental and social well-being to further ensure positive health outcomes.” (Source: airforce-technology.com)
MARITIME
10 Sep 18. Nigerian Navy commissions Ocea fast patrol boats. The Nigerian Navy commissioned six new Ocea fast patrol boats during an official ceremony held at the Naval Dockyard in Lagos on 3 September. The patrol boats include two FPB 110 MKII hulls – Nguru (P 187) and Ekulu (P 188) – and four smaller FPB 72 MKII hulls – Shiroro (P 185), Ose (P 186), Gongola (P 189), and Calabar (P 190). All vessels were delivered between late 2017 and April 2018. The FPB 72 hulls seen in the commissioning ceremony appeared to be fitted with a single pintle-mounted Chinese-made 12.7 mm heavy machine gun on the foredeck, while the FPB 110s have two additional guns mounted behind their bridges. Both types can launch and recover a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB). For this purpose, the Nigerian Navy also commissioned 10 RHIBs during the 4 September ceremony. The boats appear to comprise a mix of Guardian 8.5m and 9.5m designs supplied by South African boat builder Nautic Africa. The outboard-powered RHIBs have ballistic protection and are armed with a single pintle-mounted machine gun similar to those on the Ocea patrol craft. The Nigerian Navy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, said the service has inducted more than 200 small craft (gunboats in Nigerian Navy parlance) in the past two years, with the vast majority being built by local boat builders including Epenal and John Holt. He added that the Naval Dockyard in Lagos is on course for the delivery of a 42 m Seaward Defence Boat. Speaking to Jane’s, the Nigerian Navy’s Director of Information, Commodore Ayo Olugbode, said the new acquisitions will boost the navy’s capability to tackle a range of maritime security threats within Nigeria’s exclusive economic zone. The new vessels are part of the service’s ongoing recapitalisation and capacity-building efforts, which include platform sourcing from overseas and local shipyards. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Sep 18. Naval Group launches first Egypt-built Gowind-class corvette. French defence company Naval Group, formerly known as DCNS, has launched its first Egypt-built Gowind-class corvette, Port-Said, during a ceremony in Alexandria, Egypt. Constructed by Egypt-based shipbuilding company Alexandria Shipyard, the vessel’s development has strengthened the strategic partnership between Naval Group and Egypt. Port-Said is the first warship to be constructed in the country and will be deployed into service with the Egyptian Navy. Naval Group chief executive officer Hervé Guillou said: “Naval Group is very proud to be part of this long-term partnership with the Egyptian authorities and industry. This ceremony is an opportunity to reiterate our strong commitment to execute all the programmes and to equip the Egyptian Navy with a homogeneous fleet.
“In addition, Naval Group is pleased to participate in the maintenance and modernisation of this fleet. Naval Group has a long-term presence in Egypt and will remain involved for many years to come in Alexandria as partner of the Egyptian Navy to secure their operations.”
Port-Said is the fifth ship designed by Naval Group following the delivery of the FREMM frigate Tahya Misr in 2015, two Landing Helicopter Docks Nasser and Sadat in 2016, and the first Gowind-class corvette El-fateh last year. The Gowind-class corvette, along with El-fateh that has already been deployed with the Egyptian Navy on a number of operations, will help bolster the capabilities of the service. Construction on El-fateh commenced on 16 April 2015 at Naval Group’s manufacturing site in Lorient, France, and is one of the four vessels that are slated to be delivered to Egypt before next year. In addition to the Egyptian Navy, the Malaysian Navy acquired the Gowind-class corvettes in 2012. (Source: naval-technology.com)
AIR
13 Sep 18. MD Helicopters delivers first batch of MD 530Fs to Afghan Air Force. MD Helicopters has completed the initial delivery of the new-generation MD 530F Cayuse Warrior helicopters to the Afghan Air Force as part of a $1.4bn contract. The indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity contract was originally awarded in September last year for a period of five years. Under the deal, MD Helicopters carried out the delivery of the first five of the 30 new MD 530F aircraft that are slated to enter into service with the Afghan Air Force’s Aviation Unit this year.
MD Helicopters chief executive officer Lynn Tilton said: “It is an honour to deliver these first five of 30 new Cayuse Warrior aircraft to the Afghan Air Force in support of their vigilant efforts to protect their country and their citizens in the global fight against terror.”
The multipurpose helicopter features the company’s newly certified glass cockpit fitted with advanced technologies. The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior fleet also comprises a ballistically tolerant crashworthy fuel system, including a main fuel tank and a 38-gallon auxiliary fuel tank.
Tilton added: “The MD 530F Cayuse Warrior has played a critical role in creating an effective, efficient, and sustainable airforce in Afghanistan. It has been a proven performer in support of training and combat operations since joining the Afghan fleet, and has evolved to become the standard for light scout attack helicopter solutions worldwide.”
The company will deliver an estimated 150 armed MD 530F Cayuse Warrior and / or MD 530G attack helicopters to the US and partner nation military aviation forces. The 9.8m-long MD 530F Cayuse Warrior is an armed version of MD Helicopters’ OH-6 Cayuse light observation aircraft and can be used to improve the scout attack, armed escort and close air attack capabilities of the Afghan Air Force. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
07 Sep 18. NAVAIR receives modified G550 ahead of range support telemetry installation. The US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has taken delivery of a modified Gulfstream G550 business jet that will now be further customised by Raytheon to serve as a telemetry range support aircraft (TRSA) on the Point Mugu Sea Range off California. Accepted on 30 July by NAVAIR’s Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) Commercial Modifications and Range Support team, the aircraft has been built to the same structural configuration as the G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) variant in service with Italy, Israel, and Singapore. The CAEW airframe provides additional volume for the installation of unique role fit of telemetry sensors and instrumentation. The requirement to acquire a new range support aircraft for the US Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division stems from the need to replace the existing NP-3D Orion TRSA asset operated by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 (VX 30). The NP-3D is facing age-related sustainment challenges and obsolescence of the telemetry system.
The replacement TRSA asset is being acquired under a two-part strategy. Under Phase I, PMA-207 has acquired a commercial derivative G550, with a FAA Type Certificate, featuring CAEW structural mould line modifications and mission systems provisions. Gulfstream Aerospace, as original equipment manufacturer, was in March 2016 awarded a USD91.9m sole-source contract for the aircraft purchase. Currently registered as N544GD, the G550 has been built ‘green’ on the standard production line at Gulfstream’s Savannah, Georgia, facility. Post production, it was modified to embody AEW modifications (specific changes include an enlarged nose, tail and side fairings; cable conduits and channels; interior layout; and the addition of a liquid cooling system). Phase II will see the G550 CAEW aircraft, as government-furbished equipment, handed over to Raytheon for the installation of the telemetry suite. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
10 Sep 18. An M28 short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft manufactured at PZL Mielec, a facility in Poland owned by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), has arrived in Ecuador following a trans-Atlantic flight from Poland. Delivered five months after contract award, the twin-engine turboprop will meet the Ecuadorian Army’s need for a proven multi-role transport aircraft that can perform in diverse climates and terrain. The Ecuadorian Army contracted for the aircraft in April this year. PZL Mielec conducted training for Army pilots and mechanics, and a Polish crew piloted the aircraft 13,500 km via Iceland and Greenland, across the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, the United States and Central America to Shell Mera in Ecuador, where the aircraft was officially accepted by the Army.
“The M28 aircraft’s powerful turbo-prop engines, a large cabin with clamshell rear door, and the airframe’s rugged structural characteristics, will give the Ecuadorian Army a highly versatile short takeoff and landing platform with which to perform multiple types of missions in diverse climates,” said Adam Schierholz, Sikorsky regional executive for Latin America. “We welcome Ecuador to the M28 family.”
A proven, durable and reliable STOL aircraft, the M28 aircraft can operate from runways or airstrips inaccessible by other airplanes, and can fly in extreme environmental conditions and temperatures ranging from +50° C to -50° C. Currently, over 100 M28 planes are used worldwide, both in commercial and military configurations. Among other missions, they perform passenger transport, parachutist training, border patrol and supervision over fisheries. The Polish Air Force flies the M28 Bryza variant for both maritime and transport operations. The M28 aircraft weighs 7,500 kg (16,500 pounds) and can be equipped with 19 passenger seats, or transport up to 2,300 kg (5,000 pounds) of cargo, as well as perform parachute missions via the rear cabin door.
07 Sep 18. IAF successfully conducts air-to-air refuelling of Tejas MK 1 fighter jet. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully carried out the maiden mid-air refuelling of the service’s Tejas MK 1 light combat jet. The mid-air refuelling of the fighter aircraft was conducted by a Russian Ilyushin IL-78 MKI aerial refuelling tanker deployed under the IAF’s No 78 Squadron. Operated by IAF commanding officer group captain R Arvind, the IL-78 tanker was launched from its base at the Agra Air Force Station. The Tejas MK 1 aircraft was launched by test pilot group captain Joshi from the Gwalior airbase in India. Following the launch, the upgraded Tejas variant carried out a series of test profiles, including ‘dry contact’ with the refuelling tanker. In addition, another Tejas aircraft flying in formation was deployed to observe the exercise. All flight parameters of the receiver jet were transmitted in real-time to a ground control unit set up at Gwalior. Once transmitted, scientists from India-based aircraft manufacturer Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) constantly monitored the technical parameters of the mission. Before conducting the test flight, extensive ground trials were carried out in all possible conditions under the supervision of the ADA scientists. With the successful completion of the air-to-air refuelling trial, the Tejas MK 1 light combat aircraft has met a critical requirement to attain final operational clearance. In February last year, Saab offered an advanced sensor package to be integrated on to the IAF’s Tejas Mk1A jet, comprising an airborne electronically scanned array fighter radar combined with a compact electronic warfare suite using Gallium Nitride-based AESA technology. (Source: airforce-technology.com)
PLANT CLOSURES, JOB LOSSES AND STRIKES
13 Sep 18. William McRaven, the retired four-star admiral who led U.S. Special Operations Command from 2011 to 2014, has resigned from the Pentagon’s technology advisory board following a public critique of President Donald Trump, Defense News has learned. McRaven resigned from the Defense Innovation Board, a group of technology leaders and innovators tasked with advising the secretary of defense on pertinent issues, on Aug. 20, four days after he posted a scathing op-ed in the Washington Post calling out Trump for revoking the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan. (Source: Defense News)
12 Sep 18. Chinese navy decommissions fleet replenishment ship. One of China’s first-generation fleet replenishment ships, Hongze Hu, was decommissioned in a ceremony held on 6 September at a naval base near Qingdao. Originally named Taicang, the 22,000-tonne vessel carried pennant numbers X575, Beiyun 575, and 575 before being renamed in 2002 and given pennant number 881. It is one of four Type 905 Fuqing-class auxiliary ships built in Dalian and was in service for 38 years. Of the other ships in the class, one was transferred for commercial use, one is in service with the Pakistan Navy as PNS Nasr , and the third ( Poyang Hu 882) remains in service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN’s) East Sea Fleet. Poyang Hu was launched two years after Hongze Hu and was commissioned in 1982. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
13 Sep 18. The Royal Navy’s second Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales has welcomed its first sea-going captain, commodore Stephen Moorhouse. To serve under the local rank of sea-going captain, Moorhouse has taken command of the aircraft carrier that is currently being constructed at Rosyth Dockyard in Scotland. (Source: naval-technology.com)
13 Sep 18. SACT Change Of Command. On September 11 a new Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) has entered office. During the ceremony at Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Virginia, General Denis Mercier (French Air Force), Supreme Allied Commander Transformation, changed responsibility with General André Lanata (French Air Force). Lanata was born on October 10, 1961 and entered the French École de l’air in 1981. In 1984, he became a Hunter Pilot on the Mirage F1C4, then in 1985 he became the Squadron Commander of the Escadron de Reconnaissance 1/33 Belfort. After several other stations Lanata became Chief of Staff of the French Air Force in 2015. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
14 Sep 18. USAF MG Timothy G. Fay for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general, and assignment as deputy chief of staff, Strategy, Integration and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia. Fay is currently serving as special assistant to the vice chief of staff of the Air Force, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, District of Columbia.
INDUSTRY
PERSONNEL
EUROPE APPOINTMENTS
13 Sep 18. Dr. Tjerk De Vries New CEO At AERIUS Marine. AERIUS Marine GmbH announced Dr. Tjerk de Vries as their new CEO from September 17. Together with Ulf Meyer (CFO) and Klaus Aulich (COO), de Vries forms the new management team. De Vries has gained his shipbuilding experience within the classification society Germanischer Lloyd (GL). From 2010 to 2014, Dr. Tjerk de Vries was CTO and responsible for the classification business. In 2014, he managed the maritime merger between DNV and GL as integration director. In 2015, he became Regional Director for Western Europe and Africa and was located in the DNV-GL office in London. With Dr. Tjerk de Vries, AERIUS Marine gets the necessary support to reposition itself in a turbulent market. (Source: ESD Spotlight)
13 Sep 18. Airbus (AIR.PA) named its second new sales chief in less than a year on Thursday after chief commercial officer Eric Schulz abruptly resigned nine months after being poached from Rolls-Royce (RR.L) to lead the battle for jet sales against Boeing. The European planemaker said Christian Scherer, head of turboprop maker ATR and an Airbus veteran who had been beaten to the job by Schulz in November last year, would take over the position immediately, reporting to Chief Executive Tom Enders. Reuters earlier exclusively reported that Schulz was expected to resign. Airbus said his decision had been taken for personal reasons. (Source: Reuters)
U.S. APPOINTMENTS
05 Sep 18. ABS’ Major Management Shakeup of Nine Executives Reflects Transition to Company’s Next Phase. This is a huge management change that has taken place at ABS as they announce new appointments and changes of its executive management team to reflect its transition into the next phase of company growth and its ongoing commitment to customer service. These leadership changes include the following appointments and promotions:
James Frownfelter has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jim Frownfelter, who will also continue to serve as the Chairman of ABS’ Board of Directors, has over 30 years of technology and communications experience in the satellite, aeronautical, broadband, and wireless fields. Before joining ABS in 2010, Mr. Frownfelter served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Intelsat and the President and COO of PanAmSat Corporation. Mr. Frownfelter successfully merged PanAmSat and Intelsat in 2006 to create the largest commercial satellite corporation with annual revenues and backlog exceeding $2bn and $8bn, respectively.
Mr. Frownfelter has a strong track record of achievements through working with various private equity firms’ technology, media, and telecom (TMT) divisions, to accelerate growth and value in various technology related businesses.
Sam Wong previously Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Wong has over 30 years of experience in financial management and possesses a strong track record in corporate finance, investment projects and financial controller-ship.
Mr. Wong is also highly experienced in the telecom & media sector and in emerging markets. Prior to joining ABS in 2012, he worked as the CFO and EVP at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and as Finance Director at Hutchison Port Holdings. He is a Chartered Accountant and a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Directors.
Dee Schwalb previously EVP of Business Development, is promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO). Ms. Schwalb manages ABS’ regulatory and network services divisions, and leads the business development team responsible for the strategic exploration of new business opportunities to better leverage ABS’ current capabilities through innovative and non-standard service solutions. Ms. Schwalb is a satellite industry veteran bringing over 23 years of satellite communications experience in media, broadband, government and internet sectors. She has consulted private equity companies in the TMT sector with a key focus on value creation for the portfolio companies. Most recently, Ms. Schwalb was the Vice President of Business Development at Intelsat and a Director of Product Management for Media at PanAmSat Corporation.
Carmen Gonzalez–Sanfeliu has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO). Carmen Sanfeliu will be responsible for the management of global sales and marketing. Ms. Sanfeliu is a satellite industry veteran bringing over 30 years of satellite telecommunications experience in media, broadband internet, VSAT, cellular backhaul, government, and mobility sectors in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Most recently, Ms. Sanfeliu was the Regional Vice President of Latin America and Caribbean Region at Intelsat. Ms. Sanfeliu will be taking over from Raymond Chow who previously held the position of EVP Sales and Marketing.
Stephen Salem has been appointed as General Counsel. Mr. Salem leads the company’s legal function to support its business and operational activities, and will now also oversee the company’s human resources and administration functions. Mr. Salem brings over 20 years of experience in the satellite, aerospace and pay-TV sectors with expertise in strategic mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, commercial agreements, and satellite construction and launch agreements.
Prior to joining ABS, he served as the Deputy General Counsel at Aerojet Rocketdyne, Inc. He previously held senior legal positions with PanAmSat Corporation and Hughes Communications.
Ron Busch previously Vice President, Network Services, is promoted to Executive Vice President, Network Services. Mr. Busch is responsible for overall management of ABS’ engineering operations. He has over 30 years of experience in satellite and terrestrial network engineering, operations, and program management.
Most recently, Mr. Busch was Intelsat’s Vice President, Network Engineering and Vice President, Network Operations responsible for all ground design, implementation, and operation. Mr. Busch has also held various engineering and operation positions with the U.S. Air Force, Satellite Business Systems, MCI, Timeplex and Hughes Communications.
Justin Derksen is appointed as Senior Vice President, Business Development. Mr. Derksen is responsible for strategic initiatives involving new opportunities and leveraging ABS’ existing fleet and ground network. Mr. Derksen has over 10 years of investment banking experience with Morgan Stanley.
He was based in Toronto, Singapore, Jakarta and New York and advised a wide range of clients from early stage companies to large cap publicly listed companies in the Media & Communications and Technology sectors on strategic M&A and capital raising transactions. Most recently, Mr. Derksen was an Executive Director in Morgan Stanley’s Media & Communications Investment Banking team in New York with a focus on satellite investment banking.
Patrick French previously Vice President Global Business Development is promoted to Senior Vice President, Global Business Development. Mr. French is responsible for global partnerships for new business opportunities as well as ABS’ consumer business portfolio.
Patrick French has over 28 years of experience in market research analysis and satellite communications. Previously, Mr. French served as Head of Business Development, Asia Pacific, at Intelsat and as Senior Analyst for Northern Sky Research (NSR) LLC.
Jason Miller is appointed as Vice President, Sales Support & Market Research. Mr. Miller has over 18 years of expertise in corporate strategy and in market research fields. Prior to ABS, Mr. Miller was a Strategy Advisor for Intelsat and was responsible for market intelligence and business analysis. He also headed the market research function at PanAmSat Corporation. (Source: Satnews)
12 Sep 18. Harris Names Dana Mehnert President of Communication Systems Business. Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) has named Dana Mehnert president of the company’s $1.9bn Communication Systems business, reporting to Harris Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer William M. Brown, effective September 30, 2018. Mehnert succeeds Chris Young, who is retiring following a distinguished 36-year career at Harris, Exelis and ITT. Harris acquired Exelis in May of 2015 and named Young president of the Communication Systems business at that time. “Chris has done an outstanding job leading this important business. I want to thank him for his efforts and wish him well in his retirement,” said Brown. Mehnert is a 33-year Harris employee and most recently served as senior vice president and chief global business development officer for the company, overseeing initiatives to drive revenue growth across the company’s three business segments. Previously he served as president of the RF Communications business for 10 years, establishing Harris as a leading provider of tactical communication solutions and defense and public safety networks. (Source: ASD Network)
10 Sep 18. ST Engineering today announced the appointment of Tom Vecchiolla as President & CEO (Designate) of its US Headquarters, VT Systems. He will take over as President & CEO from General (Ret.) John Coburn on 1 December 2018, who will relinquish his CEO position but remain as non-executive Chairman of VT Systems. Gen. Coburn has been helming VT Systems for 17 years since it was set up in 2001 to support the Group’s overseas expansion. Today, the US is the Group’s single largest market outside of Singapore, with operating companies and major operations in 16 cities, contributing more than 20% to Group revenue.
10 Sep 18. Ultra Electronics, 3eTI, a leading cyber-physical technology company, today announced Dirk van der Vaart as the new president of the company. Van der Vaart’s influential background and extensive expertise is expected to drive profitability and organizational growth through new innovation and accountability. His track record of delivering growth internationally, for start-ups as well as established enterprises, spans two decades in the security, intelligence and special operations fields.
REST OF THE WORLD APPOINTMENTS
12 Sep 18. The head of Airbus in Australia, Tony Fraser, AO, CSC, is to be the new head of the Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) in the Department of Defence. Fraser, a pilot and former head of Army Aviation, replaces Kim Gillis who came to CASG after heading Boeing Defence Australia. Defence Minister Christopher Pyne and Defence Industry Minister Steven Ciobo welcomed Fraser, who will lead CASG at a time of unprecedented investment in Australian Defence capability. Minister Pyne said Fraser had a substantial background in defence capability, equipment acquisition and sustainment. (Source: Defence Connect)
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