b'16 Member News March 2022Professional DevelopmentLt Cdr Thomas Wallis MEng IEng MIET RN wins 2021 Baroness Platt of Writtle Award for most outstanding Incorporated EngineerLt Cdr Thomas Wallis MEng IEng MIET RN has won the 2021 Baroness Engineer (IEng). Thomas received a medal, certificate Platt of Writtle Award for his outstanding work with the Royal Navy.and prize money of 1,000. Thomas was shortlisted out of Thomas Wallis joined the Royalthe IETs 330 registered IEngs Navy as an Air Engineer Officerlast year and we are very proud in 2009 following graduationthat Thomas was awarded this from the University of Warwickprestigious award. with a First-Class Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He completed his professional engineering training in early 2012Receiving The and was employed as a juniorBaroness Platt of engineer officer on 814 Naval Air Squadron (NAS). That assignmentWrittle Award is a took him on deployment togreat honour and the Middle East, to a largewas also a massive NATO exercise embarked insurprise. I have always HMS Illustrious, and he helpedbeen passionate to prepare the squadron forabout engineering, the security tasking during the London 2012 Olympics.engineering profession, After this first appointment,and the exciting Thomas began flying trainingopportunities that with the aim of becoming abeing an Air Engineer helicopter Maintenance Test Pilot.Officer in the Royal He completed his pilot trainingLt Cdr Thomas Wallis MEng IEng MIET RN Navy has provided in 2016 and was assigned backwho provide airworthinesswithin and outside the Royalbut didnt expect any to 814 NAS as a pilot. Followingassurance of the whole MerlinNavy, and by mentoring juniorformal recognition a successful four-year period,Mk2 fleet. He is responsible forofficers. Thomas impressed in January 2020, he joinedproducing high quality technicalthe judges with his clearfor doing a job that I the Flight Test Department attest flight reports that are seenpassion for engineering duringgenuinely enjoy. The RNAS Culdrose as the aircraftat all levels of the Royal Navyhis interview, his adaptability,ongoing support from Subject Matter Expert withinAirworthiness Managementexcellent problem-solving abilitythe IET in my career a team tasked with providingOrganisation and for briefingand the critical nature of hisdevelopment and in an intelligent diagnostic systemsenior and junior membersrole within the defence aviation for Merlin Mk2 helicopters. Withnominating me for his comprehensive training asof both military and civiliancommunity.this award has made the Merlin Maintenance Testorganisations. In so doing, heThe award was presented bya real impact on me Pilot, he was appointed Officerhas to adapt his style to ensure that information is passed andthe Worshipful Company ofand is something I am in Command of Royal Naval Airretained in an effective manner. Engineers at its virtual Annualextremely grateful for.Station Culdrose Flight TestAwards presentations on 13 Department in June 2020, 10Thomas has always championedJuly 2021, this prestigious months earlier than expected.a career in engineering andannual award recognises regularly takes part in careerthe achievements of a newlyLt Cdr Thomas WallisIn his current role, he leads aMEng IEng MIET RNteam of 15 experienced engineersdays promoting STEM roles,registered Incorporated Nominations for the 2022 Baroness Platt of Writtle Award are now open for this year. Please see engineerstrust.org.uk/award/#baroness-platt-of-writtle-award for further details of the award.'