(Dr) Kathryn Graham
Senior System Engineer
I am an enthusiastic space professional working within the industry for over 25 years.
I started my career working on space based concepts from remote sensing, communications and PNT (Position, Navigation and Timing) to interplanetary, for both the defence and civilian sectors. I then moved into engineering management, leading engineering teams, such as system engineering.
I am excited by the opportunity to use my experience on new exciting projects in a wide range of areas, from concept design, to mission delivery, writing and delivering training and supporting STEM throughout education and the industry.
My professional background:
I started my career at DERA/QinetiQ as a mission design engineer, working on a range of mission studies and projects within the defence arena. One of the highlights during my 10 years, was processing the first imagery for the TopSat mission. From there I moved onto working at Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) I started as a systems engineer before becoming the Mission Concepts team leader, forming the team from scratch, to deliver the system engineering, AOCS (Attitude and Orbit Control System) and thermal elements of missions.
I progressed to manage the entire System Engineering team at SSTL. Over the 13 years at SSTL I developed my role to manage the systems engineering, AOCS and thermal teams, at one stage line managing 60 engineers.
In addition to these roles, I also supported the training programmes provided by SSTL, including delivery of the system engineering courses to students both internally and to partners around the world.
Prior to joining KISPE I spent a year at Prismatic Ltd, a small Research and Development company developing High Altitude Pseudo Satellite UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). In my time here I took on the role of Chief Operating Officer covering all the operations aspects for the company from Human Resources, Health and Safety, facilities, IT and Security. During this time I gained a great deal of leadership and small company experience before the lure of space drew me back.
I have a PhD in X-Ray Astronomy from University of Leicester and a Bachelors in Physics with Astrophysics from the University of Birmingham.
What I enjoy doing:
Outside of work I like to do more creative activities, such as sewing, crochet and photography. I also enjoy getting out with my husband on my mountain bike and walking my gorgeous Lurcher Lucie.
Get in touch with me to talk about:
- Systems engineering
- Mission concept development and evaluation
- Concepts of Operations (CONOPs)
- Requirements capture, validation and verification
- Training and Development
- Open source development and collaborative projects
Contact me to discuss how KISPE can support your team.
