Reid then worked as a marine engineer with the Fairfield Shipyards on the River Clyde in Glasgow, Scotland.

[1] During the initial stages of the First World War, Reid worked at the Royal Aircraft Factory.

[4] In 1924, Canadian Vickers Limited hired Reid to be their chief aircraft designer.

[5] Reid, together with a man named Newall, developed the design into the aircraft known as the Vedette.

[4] The objective of the company was to design and produce a light training aircraft initially called the Reid Rambler.