Engineer at Ampthill based Lockheed Martin honoured with national award

Steve Green, 54, of Bedford, was named technician of the year by the Science, Engineering, Manufacturing and Technologies Alliance (SEMTA) at a skills awards ceremony in London.

Senior prototype engineer Steve was recognised for his efforts to go beyond a typical technician role, playing a key part in designing, producing and demonstrating an armoured vehicle turret simulator to train soldiers and showcase the company’s sophisticated electronic hardware. His support of apprentices and his championing of engineering as a career were also commended.

Steve said: “I feel massively humbled. I love my job, I love coming into work, and I’m very proud of what I do.

“I’ve been given the freedom to go above and beyond what would usually be expected from a technician. I’ve also had the opportunity to work closely with our apprentices – seeing the potential in them, drawing that out and helping them develop.

“I feel British engineers are the best in the world and will do anything to help show that.

“To be given an award for doing the job I love is awesome. I’m over the moon.”

Alan Lines, vice president and managing director of Lockheed Martin UK Ampthill said: “Steve’s contribution is massive. He is involved in just about every research and development programme we do on site – he goes way beyond being a technician, involved in designing and putting real world engineering into all of our products at an early stage.

“He epitomises the drive and success within the company and he doesn’t just do it in this one year but in every year he has worked here.

“This is an outstanding achievement for Steve and for Lockheed Martin. We’re all very proud of him.”

Steve’s Lockheed Martin Ampthill colleague Alex Godfrey was also shortlisted at the ceremony, for graduate of the year. He reached the final three out of hundreds of UK entries.

SEMTA hosts the ceremony each year to celebrate the very best of British engineering. Steve beat off competition from hundreds of other nominees across the UK to reach a shortlist of three in his category.

Steve was presented with his award by BBC journalist and presenter Steph McGovern.