What is your current role at Leonardo and what do you do?
I’m a Principal Systems Engineer developing the Electronic Warfare (EW) capability for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). My role involves leading systems engineering activities across the project lifecycle – from architecture definition and model-based systems engineering (MBSE) to integration and verification planning. I co-lead the architecture team, where I help define and manage EW system interfaces and ensure our architecture models are coherent, scalable and aligned with programme objectives. A key part of my work involves collaborating with technical specialists to make sure our designs are technically sound, and other lines of business to ensure our interfaces with other systems are coherent.
Congratulations on your win in the IfSE 'Rising Star' award. How does it feel?
It feels amazing. I honestly didn’t expect the nomination, so winning the award was a wonderful surprise. The Institute for Systems Engineering (IfSE), promotes systems thinking and engineering across sectors from aerospace and defence to automotive, rail, energy, healthcare, and more. Their award event is a chance to highlight the work of engineers across the sectors. Following my win, I feel incredibly motivated and grateful to be recognised by my peers for the work I am passionate about, whether that is helping my team tackle tough questions or supporting senior colleagues with my expertise.
What has your journey looked like so far at Leonardo?
It’s been both fast-paced and rewarding. I joined Leonardo as a Systems Engineer and progressed to Senior, and now Principal Systems Engineer. Along the way, I’ve worked on architecture development, model transformation, and defining modelling standards for our EW programmes. I’ve also been involved in several transformation initiatives, helping to embed MBSE practices across teams. Every stage of the journey has challenged me to grow technically, improve leadership skills and contribute to shaping the next generation of digital systems.
What does the role of a system engineer involve?
Systems engineering is all about seeing the bigger picture; it is the discipline that ensures all parts of a complex system work together seamlessly. In my role, this means defining system architectures, managing requirements, analysing trade-offs and ensuring what we deliver meets customer needs and safety standards. It’s a blend of technical design, stakeholder communication and problem-solving. A systems engineer often acts as a bridge between disciplines, translating technical complexity into clear, actionable direction.
Do you have any career highlights so far on either a project or award you’ve won?
There have been a few! One standout moment was being a finalist at the WISE Awards 2025 in the STEM Returners category, which recognised my journey into defence from medical engineering and contribution to advancing inclusion in STEM. Another highlight has been co-leading our architecture team and seeing our modelling framework adopted more widely across projects. I also take pride in mentoring younger engineers and seeing them develop confidence and technical capability.
Is there anything you participate in outside of your typical role at Leonardo?
Yes, I’m an active member of Leonardo’s Equalise and Ethnicity Inclusion network groups, where I advocate for diversity and equitable opportunities. As part of the Leonardo’s Equalise and Ethnicity Inclusion drive to encourage women and ethnic minorities, they had an event called “If You Can See It, You Can Be It”, where I was among the panel. Through this event, I was able to share my career journey, challenges, and step I took to get to where I am in order to encourage women and ethnic minorities that it is possible and they should keep aiming for the top and to pursue careers in engineering and leadership.
Outside of work, I also participate in a church-based youth development group where I support young people by encouraging them to pursue professional careers, develop financial awareness and build confidence in their future pathways.
Would you recommend a career in engineering?
Absolutely. Engineering is a career that allows you to be creative, analytical and impactful all at once. You get to solve real-world problems that make a difference, whether that’s in defence, healthcare, sustainability or technology. For anyone considering it, I’d say be curious, never stop learning and don’t be afraid to take opportunities that stretch you. It’s a career that constantly evolves and there’s space for everyone who’s passionate about innovation and making a positive contribution.
I would also like to encourage women to pursue a career in engineering as engineering is not just about maths and machines, but about creating solutions that shape the world, and women bring perspectives, creativity, and leadership that the field urgently needs. Because as women your perspective doesn’t just enrich the engineering world, it transforms it.