Today, on International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), we’re celebrating the talented women across our organisation who help drive innovation, solve complex challenges and make a difference every day.
To mark the occasion, we invited colleagues from a range of departments, disciplines and career stages to share their thoughts, experiences and reflections. From technical specialists to colleagues in supporting functions, their stories highlight the many pathways into our industry, the achievements they are most proud of, and the advice they would offer to future generations considering a career in engineering.
We hope these insights inspire conversation, celebrate success and showcase the incredible people who contribute to our business every day.
Amy Hands – Head of Marketing
Engineering shapes so much of the world around us, and throughout my career in marketing, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some brilliant female engineers who can solve complex problems.
Working in marketing for an engineering company is definitely interesting. One minute you’re planning product launches and the next building campaigns or developing messaging. Marketing teams play an important role in helping engineering businesses connect with customers and that only works when there’s strong collaboration across the wider business.
International Women in Engineering Day is a chance to celebrate the women already making an impact across engineering, technology and business support roles, while also encouraging more women and girls to explore the opportunities the industry offers, including technical, creative or commercial.
Anni Bray – Junior Project Manager and Project Controller
As a woman in engineering, I’ve faced many challenges to achieve this position and start my career in Project Management within Engineering. As a school pupil, girls were consistently outnumbered by boys within my physics and maths classes. This led to severe imposter syndrome but due to continued support from my parents and my tutors, I was encouraged to pursue my passion for physics and engineering. I was always fascinated by the night sky and the stars and would stand on my school field at night in the middle of nowhere and look up at the milky way.
This fascination led me to pursue a degree in Astrophysics with a year abroad in the US. I was lucky enough to meet Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell during my master’s year and asked her questions on her experience at university and how she came to discover the pulsar. During university I learnt about massive projects such as building rockets and nuclear reactors and was amazed at the scale and the organisation they must take to complete.
After graduation, I joined the nuclear industry as a Business Manager and had the opportunity to talk with multiple Project Managers, Project Engineers and PMO specialist which only cemented my want to start my career in Project Management within engineering.
Today I am a Junior Project Manager working within a defence engineering company aiding and managing projects. I wish my younger self could see me now!
Shareen Chambers – Commercial Officer
Before joining Pennant, I don’t think I fully appreciated just how much engineering shapes the world I live in.
I’m not an engineer nor do I have an engineering background. That said, as a Commercial Officer, I have been exposed to everything from training systems and aircraft support equipment to technical proposals and project delivery.
Therefore, I have had the opportunity to see, from a different perspective, the expertise, diligence and collaboration required to develop the products and systems that ultimately serve a purpose for others. What I have found intriguing through my involvement across different stages of projects is the journey from concept to delivery, how ideas and designs become something tangible.
I’d encourage women and girls to explore opportunities within the engineering sector regardless of whether they see themselves as engineers; you never know where an open door might lead.
Personally, one of the most valuable things I’ve gained is a greater appreciation for engineering itself and for the people whose expertise helps shape the world I live in.
Jayne Strickland – Technical Data Consultant
Jayne has over eight years of experience working on technical writing, supporting engineering projects, and creating manuals for military and industrial use. Throughout her career, she has worked with engineers, maintenance workers, software developers, production teams, and military experts to turn complicated technical information into clear and helpful documents.
Her work has taken her across different areas, including car manufacturing, defense systems, software support, and technical publishing. She has supported military vehicle projects, written manuals for operators and technicians, helped set standards for manufacturing instructions, and trained customers worldwide on engineering software. Jayne’s career blends engineering and clear communication.
Today, as a Technical Data Consultant, she helps clients around the world, supports software testing, trains new users, and helps organizations improve the way they create and manage technical information.
When asked why women should consider a career in engineering, Jayne points out that engineering is about more than just designing products.
“Engineering needs people with different ideas and skills. Whether you enjoy technology, writing, solving problems, teaching, managing projects, or coming up with new ideas, there’s a place for you in this field. Engineering offers chances to keep learning, make a difference, and create solutions that help people everywhere.”
Kate Butterworth – Head of HR
