By Hosea Mba, Hardware and Systems Engineer

My career at BAE Systems began nearly 10 years ago. I had the opportunity to work across different business units on cutting edge technologies that span from defense programs to commercial avionics. I have held roles as a hardware design engineer, systems engineer, hardware development lead, and functional manager. But my journey to becoming an engineer began when I was about eight years old in Africa.

Growing up in Cameroon, basic necessities like clean running water and electricity were a luxury. One evening, while my dad was at work and my mom was preparing dinner, there was an unexpected power outage. It was pitch black in the kitchen, and I remember thinking to myself, “I have to think of something to bring in light so my mom can cook.”

The obvious answer was a flashlight, but ours was old and broken. However, my dad had this beat-up analog radio with two 1.5V batteries in it. I removed the batteries and walked to the nearby convenience store to buy a single light bulb. Remembering when I first saw my dad use the flashlight, I thought, “With a couple of batteries and a bulb, I think I can make a flashlight.” I was able to find a stray piece of copper wire and connected it to the light. I created an oval-like shape on one end, inserted the bulb, and connected the opposite end to the batteries in series. I thought this should work, but it didn’t.

So, I started to think of ways I could make my homemade flashlight work. I rotated one of the battery cells so the polarity was different and….voila, there was light! I remember my feeling of overwhelming joy and accomplishment. It was right at that moment I found my passion and purpose.

Hosea posing with his mom, dad and twin sister growing up in Cameroon.

Though I didn’t understand the physics behind electricity just yet, I knew that day that I wanted to become an electrical engineer. When I finally took an introductory physics class in secondary school, I learned about the relationship between current and voltage drop, and everything I discovered as a young boy made sense.

Years later, I completed my masters of science degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in radio frequency (RF) design and narrowed down my industry search to the communications or aerospace and defense industries. I knew that both would allow me to apply my skills. I was initially leaning towards aerospace and defense, because my dad was a retired lieutenant in Cameroon’s Air Force. Although I didn’t serve, I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

I discovered BAE Systems by attending a National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) convention. At the time, I was looking for an internship. I later applied for a full-time position in the Engineering Leadership Development Program and was accepted.

I started at BAE Systems in February 2012 and throughout my career at the company, one of its missions -- We Protect Those Who Protect Us® -- acutely resonated with me. Working on tough projects and challenging problems with the goal of ensuring our men and women in uniform can come home safely to their friends and family re-confirms with my passion and purpose every day.

While I loved the company’s mission, in the summer of 2017 I left BAE Systems try to gain experience in the commercial world. I also wanted a shorter commute and more flexibility for me and my family.

However, less than a year later, I came back to BAE Systems because I felt a sense of misalignment with the work I was doing. I was making an impact at the other company, but I was missing the kind of fulfillment around my achievements and contributions that comes from your day-to-day activity meshing with your purpose and passion.

In all that I strive to do, it’s important to me that I look not just at my own interests, but to the interests of others. I try to make sure that that it’s not always about me, that I’m attentive to other people’s needs, and that I show empathy.

Whatever your career goals may be, the question one needs to ask in finding a career is: what do I need to do so that my passion and purpose are fully aligned and create a positive environment for myself and those around me?

If you’re like me, and you want to align your passion, purpose, and career, reach out and apply for a career at BAE Systems today. Explore career opportunities here!