If I Knew Then: Alison Green

Alison Green currently works at Airbus in Filton as the head of engineering for the A330neo Sharklet device managing a team of 15 engineers. Previously she has worked as an airframe architect, lean sigma specialist and materials and processes engineer. She has a degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Sheffield and prior to Airbus worked as a manufacturing engineer in the Investment Casting divisions of Rolls Royce and Alcoa for six years. She has worked for Airbus for 12 years and lives in Bristol with her husband and son.

How did you start work at Airbus? 

After working at Rolls-Royce and Alcoa making aircraft engine turbine blades, I joined Airbus in 2003 as a contractor looking at the design and testing of fasteners for aircraft parts and then was recruited 18 months later.

If you knew then what you know now, what mistakes might you have avoided? 

I would have understood that everyone makes mistakes and you are judged more on how you deal with fixing it then actually making the mistake.  I would have spent less time worrying about what people thought of me and focussed on doing my job to the best of my ability.  

What advice would you have given yourself when starting out? 

Work hard so you deliver what you need to but also take time to manage your own career as no one else will do this for you.  Make sure you make your aspirations known to key people as well as they can really help you on your way.  Also, don’t be afraid to ask people how they’ve got to where they are, most people will happily give you advice if you ask. 

If you knew then what you know now, would you still be sitting there? 

Definitely, I’m lucky enough to have a job that I love and is challenging.  Every day is different and I always am learning something new, and I like the variety that this brings.

What do you know now that you didn’t know then? 

I was always concerned that starting a family would halt my career; however my experience of returning to work has been the opposite.  I got promoted within three months of coming back and was given a new and challenging job leading a new team in a key fast-track project, the A330neo, which will update one of our current aircraft to make it much more fuel efficient. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received so far? 

Managing your work and home life is different for everyone; you just have to find a way that works for you.   

What is your business highlight? 

There are many things which I would consider a highlight but in general watching the first A320, fitted with a fuel saving Sharklet, take off on its first flight, that I worked on with some brilliant people. I was responsible leading the team for the structural testing of that wing tip device. Knowing that you’ve had an important input into that moment is pretty cool!

What is your business low point? 

Coming back from maternity leave and trying to adjust to my new timescales and priorities.  It took me a while to get the balance right but I was lucky to get really great support when I needed it. 

What keeps you awake? 

At the moment my 22 month old son, Sebbie.

What’s changed from when you started out? 

There are lots more women working in engineering which is great.  When I started out (not that long ago!) the perceived view was that women were only there as administrators.  Over the years I’ve seen attitudes change so much. Airbus has been one of the most diverse companies I’ve worked for. 

What’s still on your to-do list? 

I would like to lead a design team responsible for the whole wing, work abroad and buy a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes!

What’s next for you at Airbus?

I’m focussed on delivering on time the project I’m working on now and then moving onto the next development project with a larger scope of responsibility. 

Read about Airbus’ latest electric aircraft.