At SVGC we’re proud to be a small business formed of experienced, highly qualified people operating on a national platform.
Harj brings a wealth of experience, including specifying and designing the scientific sensor suite for the Huygens planetary probe, which journeyed to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. Harj’s expertise in space exploration and cutting-edge technology will help SVGC continue to push the boundaries of innovation and we’re excited to see the impact on our space projects.
What are your ‘must haves’ to start the working day?
To start my day off right, I always need a mug of tea—just milk, no sugar. It’s my essential morning ritual that helps me ease into the day.
If I’m heading out for a drive, I make sure to catch the Today Program on Radio 4—it’s my go-to source for staying informed and setting the tone for the day ahead.
When I’m working from home or have a later meeting on-site, I like to take some time for a run or walk with my dog. His company is always enjoyable, even though he tends to dawdle a bit! These simple routines help me feel ready to tackle the day ahead.
What’s your proudest work achievement to date?
One of my proudest achievements is specifying and designing a scientific sensor suite for the Huygens planetary probe, which was part of the mission to explore Titan, Saturn’s largest moon.
Contributing to this groundbreaking project was both intellectually challenging and immensely rewarding, as it involved pushing the boundaries of technology to support such an ambitious space mission.
Knowing that the sensors I helped design played a role in advancing our understanding of Titan and space exploration is something I look back on with great pride. It was an experience that not only expanded my technical expertise but also fuelled my passion for contributing to projects that have a lasting impact on science and exploration.
What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my work is the incredible opportunity to be involved with technologies, systems, and products that relatively few people have the chance to experience. It’s both exciting and humbling to work on innovative projects at the cutting edge, where I’m exposed to groundbreaking ideas and solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Being able to witness the development and application of these technologies not only expands my knowledge but also fuels my passion for creating impactful change. The sense of discovery and the privilege of contributing to such transformative work is what truly drives me every day.
What does your typical working day look like?
Typically, unless I’m working from home, my day follows a familiar routine that many professionals can relate to.
It begins with an early start, driving to an office—usually within a MOD or MOD contractor facility. Once I arrive, I spend time reading and responding to emails, reviewing or drafting reports, and holding both face-to-face and remote meetings.
What makes the work particularly interesting is the subject matter I’m engaged with—military space systems. The complexity and relevance of these systems keep me challenged and engaged throughout the day. The combination of dynamic work, collaboration, and cutting-edge technology keeps every day both varied and fulfilling.
When you hit a wall workwise, what do you do to help overcome the hurdle?
When I hit a wall at work, I find that it helps to pause and clear some of the low-hanging fruit off my to-do list. By tackling simpler, less demanding tasks first, I create some mental space, which allows me to reset and refocus.
This approach often provides the clarity I need to return to the more complex challenges with a fresh perspective. Taking a step back and making progress, even on smaller tasks, helps me regain momentum and work through the hurdle more effectively.
