In The Seat | Lee Bannon, Applications Engineering Manager
Continuing our 'In the Seat' series, where we are talking to and getting insight into some of the incredible people working here and driving Mirus forward. From Commercial, Certification, Product Design, Quality and Engineering we are lucky to call some of the most experienced and talented people in the industry our colleagues.
Next up in the series we are talking to our Applications Engineering Manager, Lee Bannon.
As Applications Engineering Manager, what does your role involve?
In my role as Applications Engineering Manager, I also have a joint role as Certification Manager too. I manage customer projects through engineering and certification to ensure that me and my team tailor and review our seats to the customers’ technical needs and requirements, then recommend specific solutions so that they are compliant from structure through to flammability testing. I also witness the testing to ensure compliance to regulatory requirements.
Previously we would carry out our testing externally, which took time. Now with access to MTEST, the state-of-the-art testing facility on the same site, it has resulted in Mirus being able to get certified products to market as quickly and effectively as possible. This speed and agility has helped greatly in terms of product development.
You have a wealth of experience in engineering, tell us about this and how your journey lead you to Mirus…
My journey and love of engineering started many years ago when I became an Apprentice Engineer aged 18 at Britax Rumbold Limited, where I was a support engineer to a Design and Development Team within the Inserts Division. It was here I completed my apprenticeship and discovered how much I enjoyed working in areas where I can make an impact and see growth within a business.
As I gained experience and developed my career, the company also evolved and became part of Zodiac Seats UK. While there I was part of the team who helped build their engineering process and managed the Engineering Design and Certification Department. After a move to Boeing I had the responsibility of ensuring all programmes are completed on time, within budget and ensuring all technical and quality requirements were fulfilled.
I enjoy seeing growth within a team and a business, and for me, this was a big part of my decision to join Mirus. I felt that the Mirus’ values aligned with my thinking and ambitions.
Having worked in aviation for more than a decade, what is the biggest change that you have seen in the industry in that time?
Over the years the aerospace market has changed dramatically. The biggest change for me has been the certification requirements which have evolved to promote the increased safety requirements within an aircraft cabin.
As well as safety, sustainability and greener thinking has become a priority for airline operators. Weight is a key point from a sustainability point of view, lighter seats mean monetary savings on fuel burn for airlines. At Mirus our ethos is to provide industry-leading product solutions to provide monetary savings to our customers whilst providing customers with enhanced living space.
Tell us about some of the standout moments for you at Mirus so far…
My stand out moment at Mirus so far has to be obtaining UKTSO of Kestrel in May 2023 after a successful certification campaign. From applying for the TSO to completion of the project, the way the seat was certified was efficient, well-structured and it was a great team effort.
Its been great to be part of the certification journey of both our Kestrel and Hawk seats for which both are now available for selection in the Airbus A320 BFE catalogue as a future product.
What do you love about your job at Mirus…
It’s great to have the MTEST facility on site, the use of the dynamic testing facility has reduced the time required to get certified products to market. This not only means Mirus can bring new products to market faster than before, it has also reduced our carbon footprint, by cutting out the need to shipping seats around the UK for testing.
Outside and alongside Mirus, what do you enjoy doing?
Outside work I enjoy valuable family time, especially time spent with my two children and watching my son play football. I’m a big fan of Formula One, and a passion of mine is building engines for project cars.
