Why connection and confidence are key for women in engineering

For women in engineering, talent and hard work are only part of the story. What often determines whether we thrive isn’t just what we know, it’s whether we’re working in environments where we can grow with confidence, writes Miriam Lorenzo, Chief Engineer at propulsion system engineering consultancy, Drive System Design (DSD).

In my career, I’ve learnt that most sustainable success, technical or personal, comes not just from individual excellence but from a strong network.

The engineering profession is evolving rapidly, driven by new technologies and complex challenges in energy, infrastructure, and mobility. Addressing these demands requires more than technical expertise. It requires collaboration, creativity, and the inclusion of perspectives that reflect the world we’re designing for. That’s where team culture and diversity play a central role.

Career foundations

My career in engineering was grounded in a passion for maths and physics, sparked during my A-levels. A particularly inspiring physics teacher helped me see how these disciplines could be applied in a hands-on, problem-solving environment. I didn’t initially have a clear picture of what an engineering career could look like and in my mind most of the STEM fields were often portrayed as solitary careers. Soon, I realised that engineering was inherently collaborative: designing, building, and tackling problems as a team.

That realisation changed everything. Engineering was the perfect blend of technical challenge and teamwork. And from my very first projects through to leading my own team at DSD, that sense of shared problem-solving has remained central.

Lessons from experience

Over the years, I’ve faced many of the same challenges that will be familiar to women across the industry. One of the most significant came when I returned to work after maternity leave. Although parenthood is increasingly recognised and supported across industries, it can still feel isolating in a male-dominated space. I experienced a dip in confidence, wondering whether I could still meet expectations.

The answer came through the continued support of my colleagues and mentors, and through rediscovering trust in myself. And this has remained true throughout my career. Often, I’ve found that my own self-doubt has been the biggest roadblock to success. Understanding that I deserve to be where I am and having belief in myself has been a core factor in my progression in the field.

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Advice for emerging engineers

These experiences have shaped the advice I offer to other women entering or progressing in engineering:

• Build your network early. Relationships and mentorship are critical, especially in high-pressure environments, providing the opportunity to gain valuable advice and build a strong community. I’ve benefited from trusted mentors and now mentor other women in my team, passing on that same support.
• Be patient with your growth. There can be an expectation that success should happen overnight. In reality, careers unfold gradually. Learning from mistakes, reflecting on outcomes, and staying resilient are all part of the process.
• Lean into your team. One of the most consistent sources of strength in my career has been the teams I’ve worked in. Working in an environment where teamwork is valued and you can contribute to that culture is key. It doesn’t just lead to better technical results, it also enables you to have a strong network of shared expertise and collaboration around you.
• Trust your capability. It’s easy to experience impostor syndrome and doubt your capabilities, especially when stepping into more senior roles. But you need to remind yourself that your qualifications, experience, and insights are valid and are often the same as your peers. You’ve earned your position.

The value of diverse thinking

As engineering problems grow more complex, so must the perspectives we bring to solving them. Diversity, whether in gender, background, or lived experience, isn’t just about representation; it’s a strategic advantage. When teams reflect a range of viewpoints, they generate more creative solutions, avoid blind spots, and adapt more quickly to change.

This is especially true in sectors like energy and mobility, where we're being asked to design for a future that doesn’t yet exist. At DSD, we gather input from people who think differently, who ask new questions, and who challenge established assumptions.

But creating diverse and inclusive teams takes more than good intentions. Organisations must actively invest in support structures, mentorship, flexible working, and visible role models. And individuals have a role to play too, by creating spaces where we all feel heard, respected, and empowered.

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Building connection and confidence in engineering

As we mark International Women in Engineering Day, it’s clear we’re making strong strides, but there’s always more we can do to create an even more inclusive environment. The more we champion inclusivity, mentorship, and teamwork, the more we strengthen our profession as a whole.

Engineering has given me the opportunity to lead, to learn, and to build with purpose. It’s also given me the privilege of working with talented people who challenge and inspire me every day. To anyone embarking on a career in this field, know that you don’t have to do it alone. Seek out your team, trust in your abilities, and pay support forward. Together, we can build an engineering culture that reflects and benefits from the full spectrum of talent and experience.