Meet Rheana – Mechanical Engineer and Army Reservist

For Rheana, a career in defence doesn’t stop when the working day ends.  Alongside her role within the business, she also serves as an Army Reservist, balancing engineering, military training and leadership responsibilities side by side.

Last year, that commitment took her more than 7,000 miles from home to Hawaii, where she spent five months deployed alongside a US Army unit – an opportunity she describes as both professionally and personally transformative.

While managing two careers can sound demanding, Rheana describes it as “the best of both worlds”.

A career shaped by service

Her military journey began while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Exeter. During Freshers’ Week, she spotted students in uniform promoting the Officers’ Training Corps (OTC), a university reserve unit that allows students to experience military life alongside their studies.

“I joined initially because it looked interesting and different,” she explains. “But it quickly became something I genuinely loved doing. It was challenging, exciting and gave me the chance to work alongside really motivated people.”

Over the next three years, Rheana trained with the OTC while completing her degree, developing military skills and leadership experience and gaining first-hand insight into life in the Army Reserve. She later completed the reserve commissioning course at Sandhurst before joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).

At the same time, she had secured a graduate role with BAE Systems.

“It was a lot of firsts all at once,” she says. “Starting a new career, joining a new reserve unit and moving to a new city was definitely daunting at times, but it was also a welcomed experience.”

Balancing two careers

Today, Rheana works within BAE Systems’ consultancy business, supporting customers across the defence sector. Her role combines engineering expertise with an understanding of the operational challenges faced by the Armed Forces, helping deliver solutions that support national defence and security.

Rheana says there is a natural crossover between her reservist experience and her day-to-day role at BAE Systems. “Being in the reserves has massively helped build my confidence,” she says. “You’re constantly put into situations that challenge you and force you to develop resilience, adaptability and leadership skills.” 

As a Reservist, Rheana serves with the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) in London. Alongside regular evening training and monthly exercises, reservists can take part in leadership training, military exercises and operational deployments, working alongside regular personnel to support defence capability.

Bringing military experience into industry

Balancing reservist duties with a full-time role requires commitment. Alongside her working week, Rheana regularly attends evening training sessions in London, monthly training weekends and additional planning responsibilities outside office hours.

But she credits BAE Systems with creating an environment where reservists are genuinely supported. “BAE Systems is a hugely supportive employer,” she says. “The flexibility and additional paid leave available for reservist training make a huge difference.”

Rheana is one of around 240 Reservists employed by BAE Systems. Together, they bring a wealth of operational experience, leadership skills and real-world insight into the challenges faced by the Armed Forces, helping strengthen the connection between industry and the end user.

She has also helped strengthen that support network internally through Forces Net, BAE Systems’ resource group for veterans and reservists. Alongside another colleague, she recently became co-lead of a peer support group for reservists across the business. “The aim is to help reservists feel connected and supported,” she explains. “Whether that’s helping people network, answering questions or sharing opportunities across the business.”

More than a second career

For Rheana, being a Reservist continues to offer opportunities she never expected; from leadership experience and travel to professional development and lifelong friendships. “You still have your civilian career and ambitions, but alongside that you get all these additional opportunities through the reserves,” she says. “You meet incredible people, travel, challenge yourself and experience things you’d never normally do.

”For anyone considering joining the reserves, Rheana believes the opportunities extend far beyond military training. “It gives you the chance to develop skills, build confidence and experience things you simply wouldn’t encounter elsewhere,” she says.

“You learn a huge amount about yourself, meet incredible people and gain experiences that can benefit both your military and civilian career.”