While I was a student at university, I had the opportunity to meet some Airbus representatives during a career event. Their description of a typical day at work convinced me that Airbus was where I wanted to be. And now here I am (15 years later), sharing my pride to be a part of the Airbus family.
Meet Anna, Landing Gear Flight Physics Integration Engineer at Airbus Filton. Anna joined Airbus in 2008 in the Loads and Aeroelastic department and is currently working on the A321XLR (a variant of the A321neo). Anna’s path to the company started as a student when she stumbled upon Airbus’ booth at a career event hosted by Polytechnic of Turin. Upon exchanging with the representatives, she knew Airbus was the place to be. And after 15 years of extensive experience within the company, she continues to hold this sentiment true.
What is your current role and where are you based?
I am part of the Landing Gear Design Office in Filton.
How long have you been working at Airbus?
I joined Airbus as a permanent employee in 2008. I have since had the opportunity to work on several different programmes and collaborate with a number of different departments.
Can you tell us a bit about your role in relation to the A320 Family aircraft?
I am currently part of the A321XLR Landing Gear team and mainly look after the landing gear shock absorber - a new design created for the XLR. I started when the initial concept came to life, and am following through with the test campaigns. In addition to this, I also support the in service/maintenance activities concerning the landing gear.
What inspired you to be a part of the aerospace sector?
My dream growing up was to join the Italian Air Force, but at the time it was only open to men. It wasn’t until 1999 that a law was passed allowing Italian female citizens to serve on active-duty and perform other ranks of voluntary service in the military. Thus, I decided to pursue my studies to become an aerospace engineer.
What was the main drive that led you to apply and join Airbus?
While I was a student at university, I had the opportunity to meet some Airbus representatives during a career event. Their description of a typical day at work at Airbus convinced me that that was where I wanted to be. And 15 years later, here I am - sharing my pride in being part of the company!
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
There is a lot of variety within the workplace and there are endless opportunities to learn something new. For example, just look at the landing gear - it’s composed of both structure and system elements, and covers multidisciplinary skills such as structure, systems, hydromechanics, aerodynamics, avionics, loads and performance!
Tell us about one of the most memorable experiences from your career at Airbus. What made it so special and unforgettable?
There have been several highlights since I joined Airbus. Personally, the most memorable experiences were the A380’s first flight, and most recently that of the A321XLR. I find it very emotional to witness these moments - all of us together in a tense silence until the landing gear leaves the ground..these are the moments that remind all of us that we have all worked hard to achieve the same goal.
What is the most important advice you have been given, and is there any important advice you would like to give?
“Misery may love company, but negativity has never lifted anyone up.” We all have had those days at the office when work can become stressful and challenging, but it is important to remember that we’re not alone. I aim to always do my best and try to stay positive. I find positivity contagious - when everyone feels like they’re on the same team, the effort is collective and there’s a feeling that anything can be achieved!
What are the benefits of working at Airbus?
Apart from offering endless development and professional opportunities, one of Airbus’ priorities is to promote employee wellbeing and to encourage a positive workplace. I feel this is quite important as it enables me to have a healthy work-life balance.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you enjoy spending your free time?
I think I can call myself a runner now. I hated running until 2019 but the pandemic made me love it. It has become part of my routine and helps me release my stress and spend time with myself.
Anna's Career Path at Airbus
Loads and Aeroelastic Engineer
Airbus in Filton, UK
Repair Stress Engineer
Airbus in Filton, UK
ATA32 Flight Physics Integration Engineer
Airbus in Filton UK
