James Donnelly

Professional Experience

• JANUARY 2025 - PRESENT

  Digital R&T Project Engineer

  Airbus Commercial · BROUGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM
  • Pioneered Advanced Proof-of-Concepts: Worked on progressing technology proof-of-concept initiatives through to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6, to validate innovative aerospace manufacturing capabilities and demonstrate the practical feasibility of emerging solutions.
  • Secured Significant Funding: Part of a team that obtained multi‐million-pound research funding in collaboration with the Aerospace Technology Institute, underpinning key innovation projects in the UK.
  • Managed Digital Transformation: Oversaw complex digital transformation projects using the SAFe Agile framework, ensuring timely delivery, alignment with business objectives, and effective stakeholder engagement.
  • 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 inner-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: Worked to deliver a suite of digital tools that significantly improve operational efficiency and streamline business processes.
• JANUARY 2021 – DECEMBER 2024

  Digital & Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice

  Airbus Commercial · BROUGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM
  • 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.
• DECEMBER 2015 – DECEMBER 2020

  Self-Employed — E-commerce & Software

  Independent
  • 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.
• FEBRUARY 2017 - APRIL 2019

  Junior Software Engineer & Cyber Security Researcher

  Force Software Ltd · REMOTE WORK
  • 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.

Education

Skills & Expertise