Jason Jonker

Weapon Design Engineer - Thales Australia

Graduated in:

2010

Course completed:

Bachelor of Technology majoring mechanical engineering

Currently working for:

Thales Australia

How long have you been working for this organisation?

6 years

Position title and short job description:

Weapon Design Engineer.

• Develop weapon concepts from prototype to production with all technical documentation including reports, specifications, drawings and manufacturing data.
• Analyse design concepts including calculation reports, FEA, production requirements and manufacturability.
• Manage small projects such as prototype manufacture and the introduction of new processes, materials and methods.
• Plan and conduct technical tests and trials and participate in product integration and qualification.

Working highlight so far:

Being a member of the design team developing the new Infantry rifle for the LAND 125 Soldier Combat System- Enhanced F88 Rifle System project.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Knowing that the work I am doing will improve our soldiers' effectiveness and potentially keep them alive. Also, the diversity of tasks means every day holds something new and challenging.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Maths and Excel spreadsheets.

What do you intend to do in the future?

Continue along the technical stream within Thales with a view to becoming a technical specialist in Small Arms design.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Develop a really good understanding of the basic engineering principles as these will be needed daily.