Martin Cullen's headshot
Martin Cullen's headshot
The greater degree of complexity in electrical subsystems means more and more engineering is required at the component level for effective integration into the platform.

I began my career, after graduating with a Masters in Aerospace, as a mechanical designer for New Product Introduction (NPI) in Gas Turbines; then later, taking a leadership role managing complex NPI projects, working the complete value chain through to Productionisation. Having completed a Masters in Project Management, a domain change to NPI in Avionics followed. It was great to experience very different products and development cycle times, and the different customer type and demands. Now working with the electrical and fibre optic systems and components of TE, I’m hunting for greater revenue, to grow our capabilities, and reach into emerging domains. Presently studying for an MBA, I feel empowered to explore how TE’s complete business can deliver value to our customers, connecting the power and data architectures of future-world platforms.

 

1

How did you get involved and interested in engineering?

I've always had a desire and passion for high technology and vehicles, especially aerospace.  From a young age I built aircraft models and remote control gliders. I would stare in awe at the gas turbine blades on my bedroom shelf. I enjoy the complexity of engineering and problem solving, imagining machines at work, developing and realising 'that new thing'.

 

2

Which connectivity challenges are you working to solve?

Many new platforms need to optimise the electrical sub-system, not just in terms of product performance, but also how they are built and used in end-users ecosystem. High Power sub-systems are the focal point for many vehicle systems in developement as more platforms are electrified for propulsion and weapons.

 

3

What changes do you expect to see in your industry over the next 5 years?

Electrification and digitisation will continue to mature and open up new functionalities not available today.

There will be a drive from regulatory authorities to electrify propulsion systems of all vehicles with high power systems, to achieve zero emmissions, and net zero carbon. This includes defence and commercial platforms, based on land or air. System weight and space envelope constraints will be a greater emphasis than before.

Open architectures for avionics and communication of devices for system health monitoring as well as command and control such as C5ISR suites will mean higher density and faster connection rates, or possibly a switch to edge computing and wireless connectivity about the platform.

We will also see the potential customer base change from established OEMs to start-ups hoping to leapfrog the competition with novel platforms via rapid developemt and market capture.

Our components will have to be innovative to adapt quickly to future gaps in product needs. TE engineers will need to think differently than before.

 

4

When you're not working, what is a favorite hobby or pastime you enjoy?

I have a couple of motorcycles and I like to travel. When the weather is good I try to go flying in a single engine plane.

 

Interview with FINN TV at Paris Air Show 2023

Martin Cullen, Senior Business Development Manager, Global eVTOL Lead meets Bryn Lucas from FINN TV at the Paris Airshow 2023 to explain how TE is well placed to help its customers address some of the challenges of electric flight, including understanding the effects of flying at altitude and the complex safety requirements.

eVTOL Insights Podcast

Martin Cullen, Senior Business Development Manager, Global eVTOL Lead joins Jason Pritchard from eVTOL Insights for a podcast discussion on how TE first got involved in the AAM market and how the company is addressing the challenges of size, weight and power of future eVTOL aircraft.

Martin Cullen's headshot
Martin Cullen's headshot
The greater degree of complexity in electrical subsystems means more and more engineering is required at the component level for effective integration into the platform.

I began my career, after graduating with a Masters in Aerospace, as a mechanical designer for New Product Introduction (NPI) in Gas Turbines; then later, taking a leadership role managing complex NPI projects, working the complete value chain through to Productionisation. Having completed a Masters in Project Management, a domain change to NPI in Avionics followed. It was great to experience very different products and development cycle times, and the different customer type and demands. Now working with the electrical and fibre optic systems and components of TE, I’m hunting for greater revenue, to grow our capabilities, and reach into emerging domains. Presently studying for an MBA, I feel empowered to explore how TE’s complete business can deliver value to our customers, connecting the power and data architectures of future-world platforms.

 

1

How did you get involved and interested in engineering?

I've always had a desire and passion for high technology and vehicles, especially aerospace.  From a young age I built aircraft models and remote control gliders. I would stare in awe at the gas turbine blades on my bedroom shelf. I enjoy the complexity of engineering and problem solving, imagining machines at work, developing and realising 'that new thing'.

 

2

Which connectivity challenges are you working to solve?

Many new platforms need to optimise the electrical sub-system, not just in terms of product performance, but also how they are built and used in end-users ecosystem. High Power sub-systems are the focal point for many vehicle systems in developement as more platforms are electrified for propulsion and weapons.

 

3

What changes do you expect to see in your industry over the next 5 years?

Electrification and digitisation will continue to mature and open up new functionalities not available today.

There will be a drive from regulatory authorities to electrify propulsion systems of all vehicles with high power systems, to achieve zero emmissions, and net zero carbon. This includes defence and commercial platforms, based on land or air. System weight and space envelope constraints will be a greater emphasis than before.

Open architectures for avionics and communication of devices for system health monitoring as well as command and control such as C5ISR suites will mean higher density and faster connection rates, or possibly a switch to edge computing and wireless connectivity about the platform.

We will also see the potential customer base change from established OEMs to start-ups hoping to leapfrog the competition with novel platforms via rapid developemt and market capture.

Our components will have to be innovative to adapt quickly to future gaps in product needs. TE engineers will need to think differently than before.

 

4

When you're not working, what is a favorite hobby or pastime you enjoy?

I have a couple of motorcycles and I like to travel. When the weather is good I try to go flying in a single engine plane.

 

Interview with FINN TV at Paris Air Show 2023

Martin Cullen, Senior Business Development Manager, Global eVTOL Lead meets Bryn Lucas from FINN TV at the Paris Airshow 2023 to explain how TE is well placed to help its customers address some of the challenges of electric flight, including understanding the effects of flying at altitude and the complex safety requirements.

eVTOL Insights Podcast

Martin Cullen, Senior Business Development Manager, Global eVTOL Lead joins Jason Pritchard from eVTOL Insights for a podcast discussion on how TE first got involved in the AAM market and how the company is addressing the challenges of size, weight and power of future eVTOL aircraft.