Building a brilliant career in defence

Breaking barriers and building a rewarding career in defence – here's how I did it.

I'm Angela, writing from my desk at AtkinsRéalis in Bristol, UK, where I'm proud to be a part of the Aerospace, Defence, Security & Technology team – ADS&T for short. My career began in 1997 when I graduated with a business law degree and a postgraduate diploma in Legal Practice. I got my start in the engineering industry in 1999, joining the commercial team of a major global organization, where I first worked in their energy division before stepping into their defence business. I also discovered how broad and impactful jobs in the defence sector could be. More about our teams in ADS&T.

How do you move into senior defence jobs from other sectors?

Later, I took on energy tech and systems integration roles, gaining experience in everything from project management to cybersecurity. That variety of exposure made me well-suited for my current role. I joined AtkinsRéalis in September 2024 and now work as Divisional Commercial Director for ADS&T, leading a team of commercial professionals across a wide portfolio of defence jobs and infrastructure projects. We focus on ensuring value through rigorous governance, especially for high-stakes project management jobs.

What are the challenges and opportunities for women in defence careers?

My career path included steady promotions and a few lateral moves – but it wasn't without challenges. When I had my two children, laptops weren't standard, and flexible working wasn't widely embraced. I had to demonstrate that I could deliver results while working part-time. I'm glad the workplace has evolved – especially at AtkinsRéalis, where flexible working and hybrid models support working parents. It's one of the many reasons I feel confident promoting senior roles for women in defence today.

I've often been the only woman in the room—and that's exactly why I'm committed to championing women in defence careers. I set up a women's employee network at a former employer that helped push conversations forward. So, when considering new opportunities, it meant a lot to know that AtkinsRéalis has strong ERGs and genuinely supports the advancement of women in engineering and defence. Women at AtkinsRéalis.

Did you know the defence sector offers more than military roles?

One of the biggest misconceptions about defence jobs is that they all focus on combat or military operations. That couldn't be further from the truth. My career has taken me into logistics support (yes, even buying ration packs), research and development, engineering, cybersecurity jobs, and complex project delivery. The diversity of work in this sector is huge, as are the opportunities for innovation and making an impact. More about what we do.

How does AtkinsRéalis support career development in defence?

Since joining, I've been trusted with building and scaling a commercial team ready for our 2030 growth ambitions. The autonomy I've had, and the investment in future-focused capability, show just how seriously AtkinsRéalis takes transformation in aerospace jobs and wider defence delivery. It's a brilliant place for anyone looking to step into leadership or take their technical skills further. How your career will thrive with us.

What advice do you have for women considering jobs in the defence sector?

Go for it. You don't need a military background to thrive here. There are so many transferable skills—especially in project management, law, digital, or engineering—that can take you into a defence career. Defence is filled with roles that matter, and there's growing support from female networks, forums, and the fantastic stories shared at events like the Women in Defence Awards. Just look at the variety of senior roles for women in defence today compared to a decade ago. Browse jobs in ADS&T.

What did I learn from Women Empowering Defence?

Attending the Women Empowering Defence event was a powerful reminder that being authentic, speaking up, and challenging the status quo creates important change. I heard from women who've broken barriers, balanced families, and led missions—all while building stronger, more inclusive teams. Their stories reminded me just how far we've come, especially after my own experience of having children, and how much stronger the defence sector is when we embrace that difference. Read how everyone belongs at AtkinsRéalis.

Discover where your skills could shine with us – explore these interesting vacancies in defence.