Our People
We employ highly motivated engineers, scientists and mathematicians who enjoy having the freedom to innovate and create novel solutions to some of the most demanding sensor processing and modelling problems. All degree-qualified, and many with second degrees, our people work closely with each other and Customers to build strong relationships and deliver rapid solutions that meet or exceed their expectations. Our highly qualified and experienced staff provide a leading-edge design capability from fundamental research to product development.
Meet our Management Team
Dr Moira Smith – Managing Director
Moira founded the Company in September 1999 after spending the early part of her career working firstly for a blue-chip software house, and then with a leading aerospace and defence contractor. With a BEng degree in Avionics, Moira initially worked as part of large project teams designing, developed and implementing complex software systems for major space and aircraft programmes before moving towards research and development of algorithms and mathematical models for defence applications. Through this period Moira also completed a part-time Doctorate in engineering and her last role before founding Waterfall Solutions was running the Algorithms & Modelling Group for a major defence supplier. Moira is a Chartered Engineer, Member of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, and also a Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society.
Dr Duncan Hickman – Chief Engineer
Duncan brings a wealth of experience to Waterfall Solutions and currently holds the role of Chief Engineer. With a BSc and PhD in Theoretical Physics, Duncan has experience of the space and defence sectors that spans research, development, project management, line management and large programme management. He has also held Business Development roles for major defence suppliers and has a Diploma in Management Science. Before joining Waterfall Solutions Duncan ran a £250M defence equipment programme for a large UK contractor.
Mark Bernhardt – Chief Scientist
Mark leads Waterfall Solutions’ new technology and research portfolio, including our focus on innovation and novel approaches to problem solving. With a BSc and MSc in Physics, Mark spent most of his career as a research scientist working for the UK government before the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency was privatised and he became an employee of QinetiQ. His experience of algorithms, modelling and scientific research is wide-ranging across the defence sector and his role within QinetiQ before joining Waterfall Solutions was Leader of the Sensor System Group at Farnborough.
Dr Ben James – Projects Manager
Ben is responsible for the delivery of all projects conducted by Waterfall Solutions, which includes maintaining our Quality Standards. A very experienced project and programme manager, Ben began his career as a reseach scientist working for the UK government before progressing to lead the UK Ministry of Defence’s research programme in Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear technology. With a BSc in Applied Biochemistry and a PhD in Biochemistry, Ben brings a substantial track record of designing, managing and delivering the highest quality defence programmes.