Profile
Paul Norridge
Curriculum Vitae
-
Education:
I went to Gosford Hill School in Kidlington. Then university at Cambridge and Swansea.
-
Qualifications:
10 O Levels. A levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. At Uni, I did Maths and then Physics.
-
Work History:
I have always worked for Airbus, but changed the jobs I did. I started off designing processors for communications satellites and SatNav systems. Then I switched to science spacecraft, where I looked after the computers.
-
Current Job:
I lead the team responsible for the electrical and electronic systems on the Rover.
-
Favourite thing to do in my job: Solve problems and hang out with smart people.
-
About Me
I'm Paul. I live near Cambridge, UK, with my wife Rachel, our three children, two guinea pigs, a tarantula and a python
-
My Work on the ExoMars Mission
I lead the team that look after all the electrical bits of the rover - battery, solar power, computers, wiring, etc.
-
My Typical Day: I get in to the office about 7.45 and read emails. After that it depends what is going on with the Rover development. At the moment, a lot of my time is checking what happened when we tested the Rover and making sure it did the right things.
-
My Interview
-
How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Inquisitive, friendly, quiet-ish
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
I'm really proud to have worked on Gaia, which was a spaceraft that mapped the galaxy. It was great to see all the astronomers get excited about the discoveries it made.
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
It happened by accident, but once I ended up here it was a great place to be.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Maths.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Something where I could keep learning interesting stuff.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
It depends how I'm feeling, but you could pick from Arcade Fire, John Coltrane and Bruce Cockburn.
-