This week, we sat down with Kennedy Michael Smith, one of our Countermeasure Development Engineers, to talk about his journey into defence, what excites him about electronic warfare, and how modelling and simulation is shaping the future of UK capability. Here’s what he had to say:
Tell us about yourself
I’m an MPhys graduate from the University of Leicester (1st class grade), specialising in computational modelling, mathematical physics and electromagnetic systems, which naturally led me into modelling and simulation. I’ve since gained hands‑on experience in the defence sector, particularly in RF and EO/IR domains, where I enjoy problem‑solving, data analysis and developing models that explain complex concepts.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about science, space and engineering, closely following developments in spaceflight and motorsport. I also enjoy DIY projects and volunteer at a local speedway track repairing safety fences – an experience that’s taught me to stay calm under pressure and lead effectively during fast‑paced situations.
Why did you choose to work in defence/EW and why MASS?
I’m drawn to defence, and electronic warfare in particular, because it sits at the intersection of advanced physics, complex system behaviour, and real‑world operational impact. EW is a constantly evolving domain where threats adapt rapidly, and that creates a challenging technical environment that really appeals to me. I enjoy the blend of physics, engineering, and data‑driven decision‑making required to build models that influence actual capability development.
MASS stood out to me because of its reputation for deep specialist expertise and its commitment to innovation and collaboration. What I especially value is how MASS empowers both seasoned engineers and those early in their careers, like me, by giving them exposure to customers, technical ownership, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to capability development. MASS’s blend of SME knowledge, agile project structure, and close customer engagement makes it a perfect environment to grow.
Tell us about your work at MASS and what you enjoy about it?
At MASS, I work as a Countermeasure Development Engineer focused on RF and EO/IR modelling, developing and testing complex MATLAB models and proprietary toolsets which include CounterWorX® suite, amongst others, to support threat evaluation and EW capability development. I’ve also led technical elements of Agile projects, using Atlassian tools like JIRA and Bitbucket to deliver bespoke RF models—from gathering requirements to designing the model and presenting results.
What I’ve enjoyed most is the variety and ownership. From creating new tools and improving processes to supporting junior colleagues, as well as the customer‑facing side of the role where I translate complex physics into clear insights that guide real defence decisions.
With the defence landscape evolving quickly, how do you think modelling and simulation can further shape the future of UK defence?
Modelling and simulation will continue to be central to UK defence, especially as threats become more complex, multi‑domain, and data‑rich. It lets us test ideas quickly and safely through virtual environments, build better readiness in EW with realistic models, and use digital twins to rehearse missions before anyone steps onto the battlefield. By bringing together data from RF, EO/IR, cyber and space, simulations is helping teams make quicker, smarter decisions.
Another key benefit for modelling and simulation is the ability to develop and test novel EW or countermeasure concepts without emitting any signatures. Unlike live trials, modelling produces no detectable emissions for adversaries to capture through ELINT or SIGINT. Thus, new techniques retain their effectiveness when first deployed.
Ultimately, modelling and simulation gives the UK the ability to innovate faster, test more safely, and stay ahead of emerging threats.
What advice would you give STEM graduates thinking about a potential career in defence?
My advice would be, build a solid technical foundation, but stay adaptable. The defence world changes fast. Don’t be put off by the complexity; no one knows everything at the start, and curiosity matters far more. Strong communication skills are essential too, especially when translating technical ideas for non‑technical audiences.
Learning to code is a huge advantage across engineering, and once you grasp one language, the rest become easier. Finally, choose organisations that give early responsibility – places like MASS help graduates grow fast by trusting them with real projects and customer interaction.
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