Ms Nurul Humairaak Abdullah, a principal manufacturing engineer in component repair at Singapore Aero Engine Services (SAESL), which maintains, repairs, and overhauls Rolls-Royce engines, had similar initial concerns.
But she, too, quickly discovered the sector’s commitment to supporting its workforce – even as she became a mother in 2023.
“Balancing a career with raising two young children under the age of two has its challenges, but SAESL’s support has made it possible,” she says. “The company’s emphasis on flexibility and people development reflects its commitment to helping us thrive both professionally and personally.”
Since joining the sector in 2018, Ms Nurul has taken on roles spanning shopfloor operations, business performance, client relationships, strategic cost programmes, and process optimisation.
With a mechanical engineering degree from the National University of Singapore and an MBA from Singapore Management University, she previously worked in the marine and retail sectors for short stints, but found aerospace particularly compelling.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the wonder of flight – how humanity achieved something so extraordinary despite being naturally earth-bound,” says the 33-year-old.
“The greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that our work directly impacts safety. Whether it’s passengers travelling for business or leisure, or cargo being transported across continents, our role ensures that journeys are safe and reliable,” she adds.
Training and development at the core
While there is much to learn when entering the aerospace sector, comprehensive training – both formal and informal – helps employees adapt and flourish.
Mr Teoh has been sent abroad by Rolls-Royce to work with international experts and participate in training programmes covering manufacturing, software development, digital transformation, and various accreditations.
He has also been exposed to different parts of the sector, from customer service to design engineering.
“There are also opportunities to do ‘gigs’ within Rolls-Royce, where I can work on a specific project for a few weeks or months with a different function, gaining further knowledge of the business,” he says.
Ms Kwa’s degree in supply chain management has given her a broader understanding of planning, procurement, and operations while strengthening her analytical and problem-solving skills.
“Collins Aerospace fosters a supportive and growth-oriented environment where employees are encouraged to innovate, improve processes, and grow their careers,” she says.
Shaping the future of flight
Beyond solving today’s problems, aerospace professionals find satisfaction in improving processes for tomorrow through cutting-edge technology and R&D.
Ms Nurul takes pride in how her role contributes to shaping the future of aerospace MRO. One particularly fulfilling project involved resolving a coating issue that had persisted for years. After identifying the root cause and implementing a permanent solution, workers no longer encountered the problem.
