At SVGC we’re proud to be a small business formed of experienced, highly qualified people operating on a national platform.
Alex is a dedicated Senior Systems Engineer specialising in space systems, driven by a passion for solving complex challenges with innovative solutions. With experience developing tools that have informed critical Ministry of Defence decisions, Alex takes pride in delivering impactful results that contribute to national security and technological advancement.
What are your ‘must haves’ to start the working day?
For me, a cup of freshly ground coffee is the only way to start a day, I can’t get going without it. Other than that, I like to ensure I’m organised by checking my work phone and calendars. I check what meetings I have so I’m mentally prepared and in the right frame of mind before starting work.
What’s your proudest work achievement to date?
I’m quite early into my career, but one of my proudest achievements has been developing innovative tools that have directly informed key decision-makers within the Ministry of Defence (MOD). These tools have not only simplified complex data analysis but also provided actionable insights, empowering leaders to make well-informed strategic decisions in high-stakes environments.
Knowing that my work has contributed to critical national security initiatives and operational efficiencies is incredibly rewarding, and it fuels my passion for creating impactful solutions that drive meaningful change.
What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my role is the immense gratification that comes from delivering solutions to complex, multifaceted problems. There’s something incredibly rewarding about taking on a challenge that initially seems insurmountable, breaking it down, and crafting an effective, tailored solution.
I really enjoy getting involved with the exploration of new technologies and delving deep into the possibilities within them, it’s great when you see the difference a new technology can make to society.
Knowing that my work contributes to important capability within the UK military is also very rewarding.
What does your typical working day look like?
My typical working day varies depending on the project I’m involved in, but I always start by tackling the most challenging or urgent tasks first. This approach helps me set a productive tone for the day and clears the path for more focused, strategic work.
I’m most productive in the mornings so I use this time to review and formulate high priority tasks from emails, ensuring I’m aligned with project priorities. From there, I often attend meetings to collaborate with team members and clients, followed by dedicating time to ongoing tasks, whether they’re critical deliverables or supporting non-urgent projects. Flexibility is key, and each day offers a mix of problem-solving, collaboration, and continuous progress.
When you hit a wall workwise, what do you do to help overcome the hurdle?
When I encounter a hurdle at work, my first approach is self-reflection. I take a step back to assess the situation and identify what’s causing the roadblock. Often, breaking the problem down into smaller, manageable chunks allows me to tackle each part systematically and regain momentum.
However, if the issue is too complex to solve alone, I’m not afraid to reach out for support from my colleagues. Collaboration is a powerful tool, and there’s no shame in recognising your limits—it’s an essential part of personal and professional growth. By seeking input from others, I not only overcome challenges but also learn new perspectives and approaches.
