James Donnelly

Pioneered Advanced Proof-of-Concepts: Led several technology proof-of-concept initiatives through to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, validating innovative aerospace capabilities and demonstrating the practical feasibility of emerging solutions.

Secured Significant Funding: Successfully obtained multi‐million-pound research funding in collaboration with the Aerospace Technology Institute, underpinning key innovation projects.

Managed Digital Transformation: Oversaw complex digital transformation projects using the SAFe Agile framework, ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies across various business functions.

Forged Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated closely with UK aviation organisations to drive research and technology (R&T) initiatives, strengthening industry alliances.

Contributed to InnerSource Projects: Actively engaged in collaborative open-source projects utilising Python and Node.js, promoting cross-team innovation and shared development practices.

Technical Oversight Leadership: Appointed to the Airbus Technical Oversight Committee for the Generative AI taskforce, providing strategic guidance on AI-driven initiatives.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Delivered a suite of digital tools that significantly improved operational efficiency and streamlined business processes.

Comprehensive Hands-On Experience: Acquired in-depth knowledge of digital transformation and engineering methodologies through placement rotations across 10 diverse business areas: Manufacturing Engineering Digitalisation, Transverse Digital Engineering, Digital Workplace, Manufacturing Engineering Integration, Wing of Tomorrow R&T, Manufacturing Quality, IT Proximity Support, Environment Health & Safety, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Cyber Security for Identity (Bristol-based)

Innovative Automation Design: Designed and implemented automation tools with projected cost savings exceeding £100K, demonstrating a strong return on investment and improved efficiency.

Advanced Data Visualisation: Developed interactive dashboards utilising the Palantir 'Skywise' Big Data platform, facilitating real-time decision making and enhanced data analytics.

Industry Collaboration: Worked in partnership with industry stakeholders to drive forward-thinking digital transformation initiatives, ensuring alignment with best practice and emerging trends.

Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: Implemented robust access controls and monitoring systems, significantly elevating industrial cybersecurity standards.

Award Winner: Earned a 'Recognition of Learning' award, 'Unite the Union Award' recognising exceptional achievement and professional growth throughout the apprenticeship at Airbus Commercial.

Global Business Development: Established and managed a global e-commerce operation specialising in luxury fashion, successfully reaching an international customer base.

Innovative Software Solutions: Developed proprietary automation software for purchasing high-demand items online, engaging over 200 active paying users each month.

Reverse Engineering: Enhanced application automation performance by reverse-engineering major bot protection systems and APIs, ensuring smooth operation.

Automation Tool Development: Created robust automation tools in Python and Java tailored for e-commerce applications, streamlining operational tasks.

Collaborative Development: Worked as part of a distributed UK/US development team utilising Git for effective version control and project coordination.

Security Research and Innovation: Investigated and implemented website security protocols and bot protection mechanisms, contributing to the overall integrity of systems.

Scalable Backend Engineering: Engineered scalable backend systems utilising Node.js, MongoDB, and Express, forming a reliable foundation for dynamic web applications.

Secure Authentication Systems: Designed and implemented an HMAC-based licence key authentication system, reinforcing software security.

Social Media Growth: Successfully grew the company's social media following to over 50,000 users, demonstrating effective digital marketing and community engagement.

Degree Achievement: Graduated with 1st Class Honours, underscoring academic excellence and a commitment to technical mastery.

Industry-Focused Research: Applied artificial intelligence for workplace safety at Airbus by conducting a machine learning study to predict workplace accidents and injuries.