Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?

Well, because I'm a bit of a geek, it's the R&D and the new product development that I enjoy most. Especially setting the strategic plan and define what the vision is going forward. This is a part of the role where I can use my creativity and combine the technology with how we achieve our business goals. It is a great achievement seeing the missions we have worked on, being launched successfully, and receiving the results back.

Q: How did your research background help with working in Space Imaging?

My research project was in particle physics. During my research years, I developed an optical system for dark matter research, and I was using detectors, developed here at e2v. The goal was to measure dark matter interactions in a controlled environment on Earth. The experiment I was building was to run in an underground mine. That is when I became interested in working at Teledyne as I wanted to learn more about the sensing technology I was using at that time. Teledyne e2v is like the Space X of imaging sensors and I just wanted to come and work here.

Q: Who inspires you in the international Space sector?

There are quite a few role models in the space sector. And a number of them actually work here in Chelmsford at Teledyne e2v Space Imaging. I was very fortunate to work with and learn from Mr Paul Jerram, our Chief Engineer who recently retired. I also find inspirations in figures such as Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Gobels Johnson. They crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big ensured a successful mission and John Glenn's safe return from space.

In terms of mission, I do like all the learning from space science. For example, New Horizons, when I saw those first images of Pluto, when previously we only had a pixel or two illuminated, it makes you realise what an exceptional achievement it is to be able to send a spacecraft all that way and then being able to learn so much about this dwarf planet at the edge of our Solar System.

I am particularly inspired by projects that bring us more knowledge about space or about our planet and the evolution of our planet, it keeps me really motivated because there is so much learning.

Q: How can we encourage more women to join the Space industry?

It is a constant challenge to attract more women into the Space industry in the UK. I have been quite involved in a variety of STEM activities to encourage more women into our sector. It was a cultural shock moving to the UK from Romania, where there is a more balanced uptake of STEM subject at university level and also in the related industries. The percentage of women studying STEM subjects in the UK who then pursue them further in their careers is much lower. I think we need to start addressing this from quite a young age. We need to be showing that these roles are accessible, that they are flexible, and that they are exciting. There is a misconception about what Physics/Engineering actually entails, and if we all support shifting that perception we will see a move in the right direction.

Things are changing slowly, but as a woman you need to be a little bit more resilient as you are surrounded primarily by men. And that in itself takes some adjusting and adapting to in the various environments. But we can bring our own authenticity whilst at the same time providing a more diverse environment so the employers can achieve a variety of things. My team has been working quite hard with our equality, diversity and inclusion committee to make sure that our environment is open to women in engineering.

We are very active with the local councils, local schools, and we're working on being more visible at college and university career fairs.

Q: The leadership team at Teledyne e2v Space Imaging is 60% women?

Yes 60% women at Director level, which is fantastic.

Q: What advice do you have for students who are seeking a career in space?

People shouldn't think that they do not have the right skills because the space industry is unique. Our technology is also unique within the space sector. It's very rare that someone will study about it in university or at college. But we have good training programs. We've got very skilled people who are more than happy to share their knowledge. I don't think future candidates should limit themselves. Students come out of their studies with an amazing set of skills which my team can build on, develop their potential skills further.

Q: Are you currently recruiting?

Yes, we have just had a careers evening which was attended by over 60 people from the local area. We currently have a variety of engineering and technician vacancies. We're recruiting across the board as our team continues to grow. ​