Agnès, Engineer Responsible for the HMI, Airbus France
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Hello,
I am currently in charge of the A380 HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for the ATC application system. This is a system that allows aircraft to be in digital communication with air traffic controllers.
I write the technical specifications describing my system and I work on defining the HMI.
The HMI relates to the on-screen displays for pilots. We define the interface by using a simulated mock-up showing future screens for pilots.
I cooperate with ergonomic specialists, operational context specialists and Airbus test pilots in defining the interface, and I contribute to the work on the mock-up.
The HMI is an interface for pilots and my work on the interface involves definition meetings with Airbus test pilots and regular interviews to collect the views of pilots with air companies.
I therefore have a very clear view of the utility of my system on board aircraft.
On a typical day, I invariably have at least two hours of meetings. I prepare the meetings and draw up the minutes. These meetings often comprise technical discussions. This is because a system on an aircraft is always linked up with other systems.
Technical discussions between various system teams are an essential part of the process.
I took a degree in computer science and studied my special subject in Toulouse. I worked for some ten years at the European Space Agency, also holding various posts with service companies in a number of different sectors.
After working for three companies in four cities, I decided to settle down and join a large company with long-term prospects.
At that time I had gained five years’ experience in aeronautics and I focused on EADS and Airbus. I was able to make contact with an Airbus engineer through a former colleague of mine.
The recruitment procedure then went very smoothly and quickly, i.e. within 2 weeks.
What I really like about this job is the teamwork. This was a new experience for me. There is a great deal of interaction between different teams working on various systems here. I also have a competent senior manager, who places trust in me and gives me independence.
The work I am responsible for now is screen-based and this makes it very visual. It is something I enjoy very much. I work on the system’s graphical design and textual specification, and I also manage its realization.
This is a very varied job and I like that.
