Tag: Women in Engineering

Early Careers, Graduate, Learning and Development, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, People

‘The support I receive is instrumental in helping me achieve my goals’

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started my Graduate Program at JLR as a Facilities Engineer, where I played a crucial role within the Global Manufacturing Engineering – Facilities Team. In this position, I contributed to the global manufacturing strategy, assessed the feasibility of new facilities and processes, managed projects for cost, quality, and timing, and supported the introduction of new facilities, materials, and vehicle programs at the JLR’s Solihull site. My responsibilities included collaborating with stakeholders, developing layout solutions, managing contractors, health and safety, operational risk management, environmental innovation, and compliance reporting. I also led New Equipment Procurement Teams and tracked project-based KPIs regularly.

Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

Yes, I am actively engaged in multiple projects and networks that contribute to my professional development and the broader engineering community.

Firstly, I serve as a Manufacturing Graduate Lead, where I play a pivotal role in overseeing and guiding the development of Graduate professionals within the manufacturing department. This involves mentoring and providing insights to help them navigate their early careers successfully.

Additionally, I am a mentor for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) professional registration, offering guidance and support to individuals seeking professional recognition in their areas of expertise.

Lastly, I contribute to the engineering community by actively participating in and supporting Early Careers events. These events serve as platforms to share knowledge, foster networking opportunities, and inspire the next generation of engineers and professionals.

What do you like about working here?

Working at JLR is a truly enriching experience that I find immensely rewarding. One aspect that stands out for me is the innovative and collaborative work environment fostered by the company. JLR places a strong emphasis on pushing the boundaries of automotive technology, encouraging colleagues to think creatively and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in the industry. The commitment to sustainability and the development of electric and hybrid vehicles aligns with my passion for environmentally conscious practices, making my work at JLR feel purposeful. Moreover, the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a workplace culture that values different perspectives and backgrounds, fostering a dynamic and supportive atmosphere. The opportunities for professional growth and the chance to be part of a renowned brand known for its commitment to excellence make working at JLR an exciting and fulfilling journey.

What are your career aspirations?

My career aspirations revolve around continuous growth, both professionally and personally. I am keen on advancing my expertise in engineering, taking on challenging projects, and assuming leadership roles that contribute to the success of the organisation. In terms of learning and development, I am fortunate to be part of a department and work under a management team that values and prioritises team growth. The support I receive is instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. Regular development conversations, constructive feedback, and opportunities for skill enhancement are actively encouraged.

Additionally, the company invests in various training programs and resources that align with my career trajectory, facilitating my learning journey. This support not only enhances my current skill set but also enables me to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving professional landscape. Overall, the backing from my management and department significantly contributes to my confidence in realising my career aspirations.

Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

Our Manufacturing team and Industrial Operations department are characterised by a unique blend of diverse talents, a collaborative spirit, and a relentless commitment to innovation that sets us apart from our competition. Comprised of individuals with varied expertise and backgrounds, our team brings a rich tapestry of skills to the table, fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving. What makes us stand out is our agility and adaptability to industry trends and technological advancements. We pride ourselves on a dynamic approach to challenges, constantly seeking novel solutions that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Moreover, our emphasis on open communication and a supportive work environment creates a sense of camaraderie that enhances productivity and morale. This cohesion translates into efficient collaboration on projects, enabling us to deliver high-quality outcomes consistently. In essence, it is the combination of our diverse talents, innovative mindset, and collaborative ethos that distinguishes our team and department, positioning us as leaders in the competitive landscape.

Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

Firstly, I am an avid traveller with a deep appreciation for cultural exploration. Having visited more than ten countries on three different continents, I thrive on immersing myself in new environments, trying local cuisines, and connecting with people from different backgrounds.

Secondly, beyond my professional pursuits, I am deeply involved in bodybuilding, finding solace and inspiration in this expressive outlet. It not only provides balance to my life but also fuels my innovative thinking in unexpected ways.

Lastly, I am a lifelong learner and am currently engrossed in programmes, whether it be mastering a new language or delving into a niche field of study. These facets of my life contribute to a well-rounded perspective and an eagerness to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

For candidates navigating the application and interview process, my advice is to thoroughly research JLR and understand its values, mission, and culture. Tailoring your application to demonstrate how your skills align with JLR’s goals. During the interview, be prepared to showcase not only your technical competencies but also your ability to adapt and collaborate. Share specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your problem-solving skills and accomplishments. Additionally, ask questions about JLR and the role you’re applying for, to demonstrate your genuine interest and initiative. Confidence is crucial, but so is humility – be open to discussing areas for growth and how you actively seek improvement. These steps can make a lasting impression and set you apart when going through the application/interview process.

Engineering, Graduate, Hungary

‘As a graduate, I am given meaningful work which helps me develop my skills.’

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I am currently a second year graduate on the Electronics & Complex Systems program. I started in the Passenger Entertainment team doing software integration, then completed a placement in virtual reality research at the NAIC, and I am currently on placement in Body & Chassis in the Interior Experiences & Wellbeing team doing system engineering. I am currently working on designing new interior features for the next generation of vehicles.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I am a graduate representative for the Digital Product Platform (DPP), where I am responsible for organising graduate and undergraduate inductions, and also supporting the new intake of graduates.

Q: What do you like about working here?

I like that as a graduate, I am given meaningful work which helps me develop my skills. I am also able to do placements in different departments, for example I have completed placements in DPP, research, and body & chassis. This gives me the freedom to explore the business and to find what I really enjoy doing, and also learn about the processes and work other departments do.

I have also done a placement in Solihull, which provided me with an insight into manufacturing and how our vehicles are built.

Additionally, everyone is really friendly and helpful. People are willing to share knowledge to help me develop.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

My manager has been very supportive, he has arranged placements which would allow me to see how interior features on cars are developed, starting at the research stage going all the way to vehicle integration and testing. Doing placements in these areas helps me understand the process end-to-end, which will help me develop into a system engineer.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

There is a fun and friendly working environment, where everyone is very supportive. My home team has weekly knowledge sharing sessions, where one person prepares a presentation and shares what they do day-to-day. This is really helpful because you get to learn about what other people do, and it highlights the skills present in each squad. It also gives people the chance to be recognised and praised for the work they do.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

1. I was born in Hungary and I moved to the UK at the age of 13
2. I was the only girl on my engineering course at university
3. I enjoy climbing in my free time

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

Be your authentic self and do not be afraid of taking on new challenges.

Early Careers, Engineering, Graduate, United Kingdom

‘I love the diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome’

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities. 

I started on the Hardware and Mechatronics Engineering Graduate scheme last September, in my home team which is in the Sustainable Technologies Research Chapter. During my first 6 months I worked on a sustainable future transport project in research. Since then, I have completed a placement in the Sustainability Office and I’m currently on placement in Product Sustainability.

Working in various sustainability teams has helped me to grow my knowledge on how the different areas of the business work together to deliver on our science-based targets. Whilst on placement in the Sustainability Office, I was responsible for leading a project on vehicle targets. During my current placement in Product Sustainability, I have been working alongside teams of engineers to deliver decarbonisation projects for powertrain.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are. 

I am a member of the Women in Engineering & Allies (WIE&A) network which is a community promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment within engineering. I’m also a graduate representative for Research and an Early Careers ambassador.

Q: What do you like about working here?

For me, I love the diverse and inclusive culture where everyone is welcome. There are loads of different networks to join and opportunities to meet people.

I also like the variety of innovative and interesting projects to get involved with and the emphasis on personal development. For graduates, 20% of your time should be spent on training. This has given me the chance to develop my own learning and attend engineering conferences, exhibitions and tours. These opportunities have helped me to learn about trends in the wider industry and develop professional skills.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal? 

I’m currently working towards becoming a chartered engineer with IET. In the future, I would like to become a technical specialist.

I was lucky to meet a few of the managers I currently work with throughout the recruitment process. It was motivating to see how passionate they are about their areas of expertise. The managers in my department have always been really supportive of my development goals and have helped me to secure relevant placements

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition? 

My home department in research have a strong team morale. From my first day I was welcomed into the team.

Within research there is an open and innovative culture, where everyone’s ideas are valued and recognised. The team have a lot of technical knowledge, they are experienced, and dedicated to providing creative solutions.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I studied Chemical Engineering at University. During university I authored a book chapter and collaborated on a review paper with BRAC University, both have now been published. 

My favourite hobby is horse riding and I have loaned 3 horses.

I’m half Irish.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process? 

You don’t need to know what you want to do yet, be open about your interests and be yourself during the interview process.

Do your research, make sure you have an awareness of the company strategy and the Creators’ code.

Early Careers, Engineering, Featured, Hints and Tips, Home Page, Manufacturing Engineering, People, Undergraduate, United Kingdom, Who We Are

I have a future here at JLR

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Meet our incredible Ana. Find out what motivated her to join JLR and what inspired her to re-join the company after her graduation.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

I am an Electronic & Complex System undergrad and I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience Team. Our team is responsible for the hardware, making sure the obsolete semiconductor components have a viable replacement. In addition, we make sure the schematics and a bill of materials (BOMs) are aligned.

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

I am part of the Women In Engineering & Allies network, with the aim to include as many people as possible, in the gender diversity discussions and to promote a diverse and inclusive working environment within engineering and the wilder business. I am also a key member of the REACH (Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage) network and the African and Caribbean Heritage Network community. I feel that my African and Caribbean heritage allows me to offer my unique experiences and knowledge to further support these networks.

Additionally, I am part of the DRIVEN project. It is a team of JLR employees ages between 16-25 who race an endurance single seater electric car at race circuits around the UK against 70+ competitors from various universities, schools and other engineering companies globally, such as Cummins, Renishaw and Rolls Royce, in the international Greenpower F24+ Racing Series.

I am also part of the ESAC (Electrical, Software and Controls) and the CAD (Computer-Aided Design) teams. We are working on improving the design of the new car that is going to be used for the races, for ESAC is to work on the Electronic Systems of the cars and CAD to provide support over the design of the car in 3D experience.

Q: What do you like about working here?

As a black woman in Engineering, I was a bit sceptical when I fist joined the company. I then quickly discovered I am actually working for a diverse and inclusive company, with a wide range of projects that are accessible to young men and women like myself. There are so many opportunities here at JLR, full of passionate and talented people. It is a really exciting time to be part of this company, with new House of Brands, electrification, autonomous driving, company’s commitment to drive sustainability – these are just some of the reasons I really enjoy working here.

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

One of my career aspirations is to become a Chartered Engineer. Being an undergraduate, this dream has always felt so far away. My manager however made me aware of all the support I could get from the company and whom I could reach out to within our own department and team, which made it all achievable for me to gain those extra accreditation.

Further down the line, I would love to become an Engineering Manager, to manage complex programmes and help other people to achieve their dreams. I have been given the opportunity to meet and shadow other managers, understand and explore different management styles. This has inspired me more to become a manager one day. I am still due to finish my degree and I really look forward to re-joining JLR after my graduation.

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

I am a part of the Semiconductor Resilience team.

After companies faced an enormous challenge with the Semiconductor shortage, it was crucial to our industry to make sure that whatever happens, we are prepared. That is the context of our team, making sure that we know exactly what semiconductor content goes into our vehicles, and if by any chance there is a shortage, we will know about it in our planning stages, well before our vehicle line starts production. Not only will we know about it, but we will be able to replace the components in question and make the necessary alterations to our systems, in case there is no immediate replacements.

By doing so, it makes us stand out from our competitors, because we are more prepared and can account for changes early on the processes, before losing potentially millions of pounds!

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I have done triathlon for almost 10 years (since I was 7);

I am from Portugal;

My very first car was a Renault Clio from 1998, very resilient.

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

Be yourself, JLR appreciates authentic and honest individuals;

Showcase your strengths, be proud of what you have achieved.

Find out more about our Early Careers programmes, click here

Body Engineering, Culture and Values, Diversity & Inclusion, Electrical Engineering, Engineering, Featured, Home Page, Manufacturing Engineering, People, Who We Are

International Women in Engineering Day 2023

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Taara, an exceptional engineer, who is on a mission to inspire and encourage young women to break barriers and consider engineering as a fulfilling career choice. In her Q&A, Taara shares her personal experiences, successes, and lessons learned on her remarkable journey within JLR.

Join us as we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day with Taara and many incredible female engineers here at JLR.

Q: What position did you start in and what is your position now? Please describe your current responsibilities.

“In 2017 I joined JLR via the Women in the Know Course, which enrols you in the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme (I prefer a practical approach rather than academic, so the apprenticeship was an ideal route into engineering). After interviewing and accepting, I worked as an apprentice in Powertrain for 4 years; completing placements in many areas such as Prototype Engine Build, Engine Test (rotating machine), Vehicle Workshop, and Emissions Certification.

After the scheme, I transitioned to Prototype Battery Build as a skilled technician; building and testing our prototype batteries in a high voltage environment. After 6 months in this role, I moved back to Emissions: here I supported our Chassis Dynometer Testing as an Analytical Measurement Technician. I learnt about our methods of testing emissions and how our testing equipment worked, including portable emissions on the back of a vehicle to get real driving emissions (RDE).

A year later, I moved into my current role testing our Powertrain Software. I wanted to experience the digital side of product development in the automotive industry. Part of my role is to aid the testing and creation of new Powertrain Software Features and their capabilities to ensure we deliver high quality products. Interacting with our vehicles is one of the highlights of my role and I’m proud to be involved in the process of creating them.”

Q: Are you involved in any other projects / networks? If so, please describe what they are and what your contributions are.

“In addition to my current role, I am on the Women in Engineering & Allie’s committee as an events lead. I get such enjoyment by bringing people together and can make a difference in the workplace while doing something I’m passionate about. The WiE&A’s Network really helped boost my career; I was supported by other female colleagues and given some great advice and opportunities, which is why I wanted to get involved and create further opportunities for other women within the field. I have previously had the opportunity to help with our STEM team, it’s so important for this industry to showcase all the great careers available and to have female representation. This is vital at a younger age for people to have to time to get invested. Currently within Propulsion, there is a great drive to diversify our teams; we are working together to promote the opportunities available and create a community. It’s a great department to be in! I’m looking forward to future events and engaging our engineering stakeholders to get their perspectives and involvement. Watch this space!”

Q: What do you like about working here?

“Every day I learn about a new opportunity or venture that JLR is exploring – no day is boring, and the company adapts to its everchanging demands.

It’s a challenge that we as engineers and technicians are excited about. This buzz and energy is what keeps me engaged.”

Q: What are your career aspirations? Do you feel that you get the necessary support from your management / department to help achieve your learning & development goal?

“I want to inspire people to have an enjoyable career similar to mine and to facilitate that, whether that’s as a manager or as a mentor, or even to lead a new test property project. Thankfully I have management who support this and ensure my career aspirations do not get lost in technical / product advancing. One of the things that attracted me to my current role was the involvement they had with our People Development Network (PDN). This network empowers individuals to upskill and achieve their career goals.”

Q: Describe your team / department, and what makes it stand out from our competition?

“My team have a great energy and approach to collaboration. We work transparently and in turn reap the rewards. Feeling able to speak up safely and talk about any issues creates a collaborative and group effort environment.  When you ask for help, it’s never an issue or annoyance but rather people are excited to share their knowledge or ask if you need a hand. Similarly, if anyone has an exciting idea that adds value. It’s celebrated and recognised. This has a great impact on my daily work. Feeling appreciated in the team can be hard for women in engineering, and thankfully I have only experienced support.”

Q: What hints and tips can you share with the potential candidates who are going through the application / interview process?

“I would say be authentic; it sounds stereotypical but that’s because there is truth to the statement. Transparency is something that JLR hold value in. You need to be proud of your academic / career journey and how far you have come. Even if you don’t 100% fit the job description, you can adapt and learn that extra 10 or 20%. Make sure you showcase that you are willing to learn and adapt (which is arguably more important than the 10 -20%). A good manager will recognise and want to develop your skills further.”

Explore opportunities here at JLR: click here