Open To Work
Russell Ardagh
Ashford,SRY
Summary
Technical Director specializing in composite materials and design engineering. Led project management and business development efforts, delivering innovative solutions and enhancing production processes. Problem-solving skills combined with experience in leading cross-functional teams to meet strategic objectives in high-pressure environments.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Director
Rospardo MCT Limited
11.2019 - Current
- All design based activities, materials and performance calculations, construction of samples and prototypes.
- Led technical teams in developing innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges.
- Managed project lifecycles from concept through execution and delivery.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align technical strategies with business goals.
- Rospardo MCT are a consultation / design, test, certification & small scale manufacturing company based in the UK specialising in land, marine & aero based protection & lightweight composites. We have worked on projects for Leonardo, Sikorsky, Boeing, Qinetiq, UK MoD
General Manager
MS Instruments Ltd
07.2025 - 01.2026
- Managed operational systems, business development, sales, and export control to drive organizational efficiency.
- Directed daily operations to ensure smooth workflow and productivity.
- Collaborated with Engineering and Production to refresh product lineup, enhancing market competitiveness.
- Coordinated cross-departmental projects to align with business objectives, fostering teamwork and strategic alignment.
Sales Manager
MS Instruments Ltd
12.2024 - 07.2025
- Increased sales through targeted engagement with potential customers
- Created sales forecasts to optimize inventory management
- Managed export control processes to maintain compliance with regulations
- Developed concept designs to visualize project ideas
Senior Ballistics Engineer
Busch PROtective GmbH & Co. KG
03.2020 - 11.2024
- Analysed materials and processes, recommending alternatives or new combinations to address specific challenges, including development of ceramic faced systems for enhanced threat protection.
- Designed safety solutions for protective equipment in high-risk environments.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative product designs.
- Evaluated products through simulation and testing, focusing on material solutions for protection challenges.
Technology Consultant & Design – Freelance
09.2018 - 03.2020
- Designed a custom composites manufacturing cell to enhance production efficiency.
- Developed fireproof, lightweight construction material
- Delivered structural composites orders to premium end users, including defense-related items.
- Designed protection system for FPSO vessels operating in dangerous waters.
- Contributed to creation of working prototype for hydrogen power plant core.
Owner / Technical Director
Optimal Armour Limited
09.2006 - 07.2018
- Created designs, test protocols, project plans, and costings while collaborating with customer engineering and project management teams to deliver a Gold Rated Product.
- Developed lightweight protection system for UK Prime for drone launch process
- Developed lightweight aircraft armour to replace current UK RAF systems
- Conceived lightweight 4x4 protected occupant cell system for MoD and developed materials that met operational requirements.
- Developed personal armour product within tight timeframe and resource limitations.
Design & Production Engineer
Secomak Limited
03.2003 - 08.2006
- Designed new machinery and collaborated with suppliers, production, and engineering teams to meet project specifications.
- Implemented Solidworks organization-wide to enhance design capabilities.
- Commissioned and repaired machinery on-site to maintain operational efficiency.
Project Design & management
Cable Access Limited
01.2001 - 02.2003
- Designed specialist high rise access & egress equipment, managed customer liaison, and coordinated all project construction meetings.
- Produced project plans and detailed build costings, overseeing site commission and maintenance.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
Project Engineer
Bridgestone Industrial Limited
07.1999 - 11.2000
- Oversaw project timelines and resource allocation to achieve successful project delivery.
- Design of offshore petrochemical distribution systems & ship docking systems.
- Cultivated partnerships with suppliers and customers to strengthen collaboration.
Design & Project Engineer
Meggitt Armour & Composites
06.1994 - 06.1999
- Design, development, test & initial manufacture of various soft & hard armour & composite systems for civilian & military use.
- Led technical efforts and managed projects for petrochemical and offshore systems, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to specifications.
- Designed lightweight composite systems to meet project requirements and enhance product performance.
- Conducted testing for body armour projects and air & naval systems, collaborating with international teams.
- Conducted quality audits to ensure compliance with industry standards.
- MRP systems engineer.
Education
BEng (Hons) -
Integrated Engineering & Management Systems
HND -
Materials Technology
Skills
- Design engineering
- Composite materials
- Prototyping techniques
- Performance testing
- Quality assurance testing
- Technical solutions
- Development pipeline oversight
- Project management
- Project planning
- Technical leadership
- Technical consulting
- Enterprise resource planning
- Production improvements
- Production updates
- Business process analysis
- Problem solving
Hobbies and Interests
- Walking
- Cycling
- Autosport
- Movies
- Live shows/concerts
- Cooking
- Good food
References
- Shammass Khan, shammasskhan@yahoo.co.uk
- Simone Sposato, simspos@hotmail.com
Personal Information
- Citizenship: British
- Driving License: Full U.K. driving licence
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeContract WorkLocation Preference
On-SiteRemoteHybridSalary Range
£50000/yr - £200000/yrTimeline
General Manager
MS Instruments Ltd
07.2025 - 01.2026
Sales Manager
MS Instruments Ltd
12.2024 - 07.2025
Senior Ballistics Engineer
Busch PROtective GmbH & Co. KG
03.2020 - 11.2024
Technical Director
Rospardo MCT Limited
11.2019 - Current
Technology Consultant & Design – Freelance
09.2018 - 03.2020
Owner / Technical Director
Optimal Armour Limited
09.2006 - 07.2018
Design & Production Engineer
Secomak Limited
03.2003 - 08.2006
Project Design & management
Cable Access Limited
01.2001 - 02.2003
Project Engineer
Bridgestone Industrial Limited
07.1999 - 11.2000
Design & Project Engineer
Meggitt Armour & Composites
06.1994 - 06.1999
BEng (Hons) -
Integrated Engineering & Management Systems
HND -
Materials Technology