Two Lancashire Engineers Recognised for Work on F-35 Aircraft

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Two BAE Systems engineers from Lancashire have been awarded medals by The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for their work on the F-35 programme.

BAE Systems manufactures the fuselage of the fifth generation F-35 aircraft, used by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, at its site in Samlesbury in Lancashire. Around 1,500 employees support the 24/6 manufacturing on site, with an additional 1,000 employees across the UK in engineering, aircraft support and functional roles who help support the global F-35 fleet.

The IET Achievement Awards recognise some of the world’s top engineering talent and acknowledge individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to the advancement of science, engineering and technology in any sector.

Rebecca Sell TMIETRebecca Sell TMIET, a Manufacturing Engineer, won the Mike Sargeant Career Achievement Award as a result of her outstanding achievements.

Since joining BAE Systems five years ago as a craft apprentice at 16, Rebecca has progressed to her current role where she is responsible for ensuring the effective production of parts for the F-35 aircraft. She has recently gained a place at Manchester Metropolitan University to study Mechanical Engineering.

"It was a huge shock to win such a prestigious award like the IET Mike Sargeant Achievement Medal," she said. "Reading the biographies of everyone who had been shortlisted for this award, it was an honour to be ranked amongst such a high calibre of individuals. I feel as though this award truly acknowledges the support of every individual who has influenced my career over the last 5 years and I am thankful to everyone who has aided my development."

Also receiving a medal was Dr Paul Needham PhD CEng FIET, head of Engineering & Capability on the F-35 Programme at BAE Systems. Paul was awarded the Viscount Nuffield Silver Medal for Manufacturing.

Paul has over 35 years international experience in aerospace design and manufacture engineering across multiple aircraft platforms and is internationally recognised in this field.

“It is an honour to be awarded the IET Viscount Nuffield Medal following on from many prestigious engineers," he said. "Starting my engineering career from a vocational background and studying part time through to a Ph.D. supported by BAE Systems has given me a very broad knowledge of engineering and manufacturing. I hope that I can inspire the next generation of engineers to follow a similar path.”