Job Title: Head of Engineering
Company: Raeon
What is your background and how did you come to be in your present role?
I studied engineering at the University of Cambridge and graduated with a degree in aeronautical and aerothermal engineering. I began my career at Jaguar Land Rover, working in the systems engineering team, developing strategies for reducing the carbon emissions of vehicles.
Seeking a more hands-on design role, I moved to Triumph Motorcycles and designed accessories for motorbikes. Following that I joined a power electronics consultancy where I was responsible for all the mechanical aspects of power electronics components, which was something of a change but very exciting.
Still within the net zero domain I then led the engineering team at a company that develops high speed air compressors. I’ve recently joined Raeon, which is a start-up company developing custom batteries for low- to mid-volume applications.
I’m the Head of Engineering, responsible for R&D and the design of our custom battery modules, as well as support processes including handover to our manufacturing and production team.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in your career?
Having to deal with the perceptions that people still have around the engineering industry, whether it’s people from outside the sector not understanding what an engineer really does or from within the industry itself, breaking through the stereotypes of women and/or ethnic minorities in engineering.
What has been your greatest achievement so far in your career?
I’m very proud of my career and how far I’ve managed to come in the time that I’ve been in the industry. But my greatest achievements surround the teams that I’ve developed and the individuals that I have worked with. It’s been a real privilege to work with some really talented individuals and being able to work alongside them and help them develop has been a real highlight of my career.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
All the hard work is worth it as the more you put in, the more you’ll get out. Really throw yourself into finding something you’re passionate about; it’s so rewarding. Some days it feels like hard work, but most of the time, it’s a career and a job that I really, really enjoy. So keep at it, because it’s totally worth it.
How do you think we can raise the profile of careers in STEM?
Schemes like the Top 100 help to showcase real people doing real jobs and highlight the breadth of what engineering and manufacturing is all about. People have these misconceptions that manufacturing is standing in a factory watching things roll off production lines, but there’s so much more to it. So, explaining how varied and exciting it can be as a career and as an industry is really important. Once young people understand what’s involved they can link it to doing things they love, whether that’s being creative, getting hands-on or thinking outside the box. So, all those activities that young people often enjoy can actually be deployed in a really rewarding career.
What is your favourite engineered/manufactured product?
I’m the mother of a one year old toddler, so at the moment, my favourite engineered product would be something as simple as having a handheld vacuum cleaner. I don’t need to plug it in and I can just take it off the wall and suck up the mess. I hate cleaning, and anything that makes life easier is what engineering is all about.
Please give one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
I love travelling and learning about different cultures. I love meeting new people and that doesn’t just enrich my personal life, it also enhances my work. I’ve actually visited all seven continents.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in manufacturing?
Do your homework. Manufacturing is so varied; there are different types of roles, careers and routes into the sector that are available. Look at all the different aspects of careers in manufacturing and find the route that works best for you, because undoubtedly, there will be one.
