How do you spend your time at work?
You’ll find me mostly with my head in my PC, implementing and integrating LTE features into Cortex, our ICCS. LTE is going to be a big part of the control room of the future, so it’s rewarding to contribute to the early and hopefully seminal modules.
What’s the one gadget that you can’t live without?
Noise-cancelling headphones. Working in an open plan office is great but there are certain times when they are must for me during a crunch.
Describe your most unforgettable project.
Being a part of the first – and only – control room vendor team to be nationally accredited on the Wave platform (which has been replaced by Kodiak) for the Emergency Services Network (ESN) is a career highlight, and a reminder that I’ve joined an incredible team at APD. That was during my first year with APD-ESN1.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve seen while working in the comms sector?
Since completing ESN1 – which was a UK-based programme – I now work with colleagues and partners across three time zones.
How has your role changed since you started working within the industry?
At CCW in Malaysia I got the chance to explore Kuala Lumpur. Software engineering isn’t necessarily associated with travel opportunities, so this was a great experience.
What do you do in your free time to relax?
I recently had a great time at the Queen’s Theatre in London for a wonderful performance of Les Misérables. More typically, beyond binging Netflix, I enjoy visiting many fine ale houses in Hull.
Do you have any advice for anyone looking to become an engineer and work in the comms industry?
Critical communications is an exciting sector for software engineers. Working with real-time data is a satisfying change from reading and writing to databases. The ability to revel in change is important.
Declan graduated from the University of Hull in 2017 with a first-class BSc in computer science. During his time in the industry, he has been nominated for two awards. He is working towards a PhD in the safety and security of autonomous and connected systems.
