The award was presented during the IfSE’s official launch at Saddler’s Hall in London on 17 February, where the organisation was formally recognised as a Professional Engineering Institution by the Engineering Council. For Jennifer, who has been a Chartered Engineer for many years, the Fellowship represents a milestone she once doubted she could achieve. Although she had considered applying in the past, Jennifer had hesitated, unsure whether her experience and impact would measure up. Therefore, being invited to join the inaugural cohort and then learning she had been successful was both a surprise and a moment of pride. “It’s a real boost,” she said, “to know that the effort I’ve put in over the years has been recognised, from my professional work to the volunteering and mentoring I am passionate about.”
Jennifer’s journey into engineering began with a love of maths and science, but it was far from straightforward. Having grown up abroad before returning to the UK at 16, she took a year out with London Underground through the Year in Industry scheme before choosing to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Liverpool. She began her career as a software engineer and soon found herself drawn to the intersection of systems and software, contributing to the development of Tornado, Harrier and Typhoon training and simulation platforms.
Later, her career took an unexpected turn into motorsport and automotive technology at McLaren Applied, where she worked on motorsport ECUs, automotive inverters and train connectivity systems as a Chief Engineer and Head of Systems. In 2022 however, she returned to defence and joined Leonardo, where she now leads a capability of around 400 systems engineers, supportability engineers and trainers across the UK.
Throughout her career, she has experienced moments of being underestimated or overlooked, often subtly and sometimes not so subtly. She recalls instances where technical expertise was assumed to belong to someone else in the room, or where family responsibilities were presumed to limit her ambition. Those challenges shaped her resilience, but they also strengthened her commitment to creating better support networks for others. “It can be a lonely world sometimes,” she said. “That’s why I value groups like Women into Science and Engineering (WISE) and why I love taking part in STEM ambassador events. They’re energising, and they remind me why representation matters.”
Her Fellowship also recognises the impact she’s had beyond her day‑to‑day role. Jennifer has contributed to IfSE working groups, championed internal training and development, delivered mentoring both within Leonardo and through external programmes such as Women in Defence, and invested countless hours in STEM outreach. She describes mentoring as one of the most rewarding parts of her career, explaining that she learns as much from others as they do from her. “Every day is an opportunity to learn,” she said. “Supporting someone else’s development keeps you grounded, curious and constantly growing.”
For women in STEM, she offers the encouragement she wishes she had received earlier. Believe in yourself but if that feels difficult, find someone who will see you fully and challenge your assumptions. And if you are in an environment where you cannot thrive, it is absolutely valid to seek change. “Sometimes you just need to go and get it.”
As Leonardo continues to champion diversity, inclusion and professional development, Jennifer’s story stands as an example of what determination, community and opportunity can unlock. Her Fellowship is not only a recognition of her achievements, but also a reminder of the talent, resilience and ambition found across the female engineering community.
On a day dedicated to celebrating women’s contributions around the world, Jennifer’s journey offers both inspiration and a call to action: to listen, to support, and to create environments where every engineer can thrive.
