Tag: Women in Engineering

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Shape the Future of Automotive Technology

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Exciting Job Opportunities at JLR Shannon: Shape the Future of Automotive Technology!

Welcome to our special Q&A session, where we delve into the experiences and exciting journey of a Software Engineering Manager (Chapter Lead) – Clodagh Daly. In this blog interview, we’ll gain a glimpse into Clodagh’s life at JLR Shannon, current responsibilities, involvement in various projects and networks, and her career aspirations.

From leading and empowering a diverse team of engineers to developing software engineering practices, fostering a supportive environment together with the rest of the leadership teams, and championing Women in Engineering. She brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role.

Join us as we explore her life at JLR Shannon below:

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

Software Engineering Manager (Chapter Lead).

In my role, I am primarily a People Manager and leader of Engineers.  As a former Software Engineer, it is crucial to ensure that people’s development and learning is fostered in a continuous cycle, technology is evolving at such a rapid pace, we need to ensure our Engineers are at the cutting edge in their skills development.  This offers support to the organisation and enables the engineers to operate at the highest levels, empowering them to grow.  It is our responsibility to assist them to develop into the leaders of the future, both from a technological stand point but also as key drivers of our business and industry. 

Enabling a positive environment where they are supported and empowered to develop is key.  Regular touchpoints with me, reviewing how they are performing in their Agile team, identifying performance opportunities for them, to build their technical skills, develop their internal brand in JLR and for them to gain tangible experiences in our technologies and functions is really important. 

My team is diverse in their roles, experience levels, skills and technology stacks.  It is challenging to ensure people are given the required time and support for them to succeed.  This role is vital to them being successful in their abilities to deliver our quality products, so it is a great pleasure to watch them flourish in their career progression.  Without our Engineers, we have no products to sell. 

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

As a Chapter lead, we are presently putting shape to our Software Engineering Chapter, where individuals can form part of a cohesive collective of likeminded Software Engineers.  Our aims, are to provide guidance, define processes, align on technology and tooling, offering a community across the Software landscape in JLR.  This enables us to have a platform cross-functionally within our business where we can make strategic changes,  bringing ‘Best In Class’ strategies to the fore in our Software community.  This benefits both the Engineers but also the Organisation and provides our team members a cohesive space for them to collaborate, drive forward their suggestions, making meaningful strides forward in our technical evolution! 

I am also a member of the SHE++ Society where we champion all things – Women in Engineering in JLR Shannon.  Our aim is to foster an environment where women are supported, facilitating Mentorship talks, career development discussions.  We also want to promote the idea of diversity in the Engineering and Tech divisions, giving back to the community is very important to us, so we have conducted lots of Primary School visits, promoting Women in Technology and Engineering roles and encouraging the school girls, aged 11-12, to pursue roles in STEAM in the future.  This is a highly rewarding society and is key to breaking the bias of women in technology and engineering for the future!  Encouraging them at a young age to recognise these options as very positive careers for Women!

Q: What do you like about working here?

JLR is a truly inspiring place to work.  Our products are just sublime!  Breathtakingly beautiful, the epitome of luxury, all while offering the robust off road capabilities that we in JLR are synonymous with.  Our site in Shannon has Agile Squads that are driving forward the most critical technological advancements.  We have teams representing the ADAS group, Data Analytics and Machine Learning, DevOps, along with a host of other Onboard and Offboard capabilities.  There is something here for everyone, all tech stacks are present here. Variety is boundless.

The culture in Shannon is one which is really unique and that is down is no small measure to the approach taken from the top leaders across the site.  They ensure they are giving their time to everyone; they operate an open door policy; they are vastly knowledgeable in our products and are always willing to offer guidance, advice and energy to all of the sites various communities.  It has a nurturing vibe here, nobody’s questions are ever silenced and if there is something that is suggested within the site, it is welcomed, and you are given the latitude to go and bring it to fruition.

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? 

As a relative new comer to the Automotive industry, I am learning every day. Our team in JLR Shannon are working on the most ground-breaking technology available and the opportunities to learn and grow are continually extended to everyone.  Each month we have 3 hours of protected time, where we can avail of training for our growth and development.  We have access to internal training platforms which houses a multitude of Automotive training and technology materials. JLR have also invested in making both PluralSight and Udemy Learning platforms available to our team members.  These are globally recognised suites of learning, demonstrating JLR’s commitment to growing their team members skills and investing in their development.

In JLR Shannon we are solving technically uncertain challenges daily, having the great pleasure to create the next generation of vehicles that can do things no-one has even considered possible.

My experiences in Shannon have been inspiring.  The culture and atmosphere here is like a family, it is warm, welcoming and growth focused.  Our team members are passionate about what we do and that is driven from the Senior Leaders on site.  Autonomy in your work is the way of life here, accountable but without fear to fail, there is zero tolerance for blame here, culturally.  Blame is actively discouraged in JLR Shannon, as without failure you cannot hope to innovate.  In our Research & Development focused Software Centre our goal is to harness the creativity of our engineering minds not stifle them, mine included.

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

Our proud team are known as the Onboard Enablers, what a great name!  We are responsible for enabling all of the connections and interfaces within the vehicle, bringing cohesion to all of the technology in our cars.  This provides our squads the opportunity to get first touch on new components and software, we lead, we don’t follow, breaking new ground is what we do, everyday!   By engaging directly with our suppliers and building the key partnerships, we are at the cutting edge of innovation, having the greatest opportunities to bring our market-leading new features to life, delighting our customers! 

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

I have loved cars since I was very small – my brother and I used to play ever increasingly complex games of identifying cars while on family journeys.  My aim is to get my hands on an extremely rare,  2 seater Citroen DS convertible -innovative for its time, classically designed and remains a thing of beauty 20+ years later!   I just need to win the lotto first.

Hobbies, well I am a thrill seeker, Great White Cage Diving, bungy, helicopter flying amongst a few things, but parenthood has put the brakes on that for the time being.  I also am a massive DIY enthusiast, doing wood work courses and metal work courses so I could make things I wanted for my home!  My husband is a patient man.

Travel, I have travelled extensively I would say, backpacking, no 5-star luxury for me!   India, Thailand, Cambodia, UAE, Hong Kong, Maldives, New Zealand, Peru, Mozambique, South Africa, Dutch Antilles, the US, to name a few and of course all through Europe.  This is a passion!  The more obscure the location the better.  I backpacked as I found you really get to know a country when you are closest to the people, hostel life often will tell you more than any 5* will. 

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

First tip is to APPLY!  You do not even need to come from an Automotive industry to be able to make an impact in our Organisation!  Find me on Linked In or check out our Careers Page!

Secondly, and importantly; believe in yourself and your technology skills.  Outline your interest in JLR Vehicles and how you can contribute to the Automotive industry.  We are always looking for people who demonstrate drive, commitment to excellence and passion for what they do!  The rest you can learn here with us.

Apply now and be part of our dynamic team in Shannon: Shannon | Main Portal (pocketrecruiter.com)

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International Women’s Day

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made towards gender equality, but also to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. As women, we have a responsibility to support each other and create a sense of belonging in our workplaces.

In large global organisations like Jaguar Land Rover, it is easy to feel like just another number. It’s important to remember that every woman has a unique perspective and set of experiences that can bring value to the table. By actively listening to and supporting each other, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

We asked our female colleagues to share stories about times when they felt inspired and encouraged by other women. Jo Hill simply couldn’t wait to share her story about Georgina Green, “Georgie continually supports my development as an informal mentor and coach. She helps me find solutions when I don’t have clarity, by being available and listening. Her support for my development has been demonstrated particularly through the Team Improvement Circle (TIC) programme and more recently in her new role as Learning Manager. She encouraged my involvement with the wider TIC central activity, with opportunities to support events and this year I have been given the opportunity to learn and grow as the HR Admin for HR.

Already I have pushed myself out of my comfort zone by delivering 3 lunch and learns, I would not have had the confidence or the knowledge without Georgie’s support. I have appreciated all her support over many years and feel her contribution to the development of others is amazing and deserves celebration.”

We also extended an invitation to Georgina to offer her insights and future aspirations, allowing us to gain a valuable perspective from her unique journey. She shared, “From the moment I joined Jaguar Land Rover in 2018 I have had the pleasure of working with such wonderfully diverse teams and individuals right across our global business. The opportunities, experiences and people I have met have truly changed my life and contributed towards shaping me into the person I am today. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am passionate about people. Alongside my role within the My Growth & Development experience, I sit on the Committees for the Team Improvement Circle (TIC) programme and the Gender Equality Network (GEN), as I want to drive, champion and celebrate the culture that we are building together at Jaguar Land Rover.

When it comes to supporting other women, I try to set a good example, this can be as simple as ensuring I speak up in meetings or looking for ways to shape the conversation to ensure women feel included or empowered to speak. I feel that being positive, transparent and approachable has enabled me to connect with colleagues and I have been lucky enough to support some fantastic women in their growth and development as an informal mentor. Women can often be prone to more self-doubt than men, but by simply showing you care, giving feedback or introducing new opportunities you can make a huge difference to boosting another woman’s confidence.”

One way to create an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone is by actively seeking out opportunities to connect with and mentor other women in the workplace. By sharing our experiences and knowledge, we can help each other navigate the challenges and obstacles that we all face in our careers. We can also create a network of support that can help us advance in our careers and achieve our goals. Let’s make a commitment to support and uplift each other as women, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace where all women can thrive.

Join our company and be part of a team that is committed to transforming the culture and shaping the future. Your unique talents and perspectives will make a significant impact and help us create a better tomorrow. Find the latest opportunities here.

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenSupportingWomen #Belonging #Inclusion #Diversity

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We live and breathe Diversity and Inclusion everyday

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Lead Commodity Engineer Dr Nancy Liu loves science. Since the age of 3, her family knew that she was good at maths and loved experimenting with things.

Over the years, Nancy has earned her professional credentials from various different organisations and universities. She has a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Nottingham, after achieving a Master’s degree in Aircraft Control Engineering in Northwestern Polytechnical University in China – a Chinese national Class A Double first Class University.

Nancy was also featured in dSPACE magazine, providing user feedback on dSPACE simulators on behalf of Jaguar Land Rover Powertrain.

Nancy has worked in Jaguar Land Rover for almost 15 years. We asked her to share her experiences here as a lead engineer in Science.

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

‘As a lead engineer, I am responsible for planning and building the test rigs. Essentially, I write scripts to test the BECM (Battery Energy Control Module) software to ensure they all meet the JLR standards.

On a daily basis I carry out rigorous manual and automation testing in our laboratory. I work in collaboration with our commodity owners and managers to ensure we deliver the battery management system with the highest quality, on time.’

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

‘I previously supported our Electrical Integration team to update software for over 200 vehicles in China. We worked closely with the British manufacturing technicians and the Chinese retailers / warehouse employees.

In addition to the engineering aspect of my job, I also helped building relationships. I removed certain ambiguity when discussing complex projects; I knocked down language barriers by providing face-to-face professional interpretations, offering a greater context with my Chinese language skills and cultural background.

I previously led the powertrain HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) lab, assembling the team of 7 engineers from scratch. We did a thorough upgrade of all the hardware and software in the lab. The HIL facilities are still in use by many of our Jaguar Land Rover colleagues today and I am very proud of this achievement.’

Q: What do you like about working in Jaguar Land Rover?

‘I love science and engineering. Jaguar Land Rover provided me with this fantastic opportunity which allows me to combine the knowledge I have gained from years of studying and researching, with the practical aspect – I play with the latest software and cutting edge equipment daily. I work with a bunch of knowledgeable and enthusiastic people. What’s not to like?’

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 love my job, hardware-in-the-loop in particular. My manager is also very supportive, we often have open discussions about the technical issues as well as my personal development opportunities. I feel encouraged, empowered and supported to achieve more.’

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

‘The Battery Management Control System team consists of employees from 8 different countries. We live and breathe Diversity and Inclusion everyday. I am the only female in my team, and we are all being treated equally. Everyone’s voice and opinions matter.’

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

‘I am not all science and numbers, I also like art – I often paint in my spare time to relax and clear my mind; I am a keen traveller, my dream is to travel around the world one day.’

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

‘Have the relevant background knowledge and be confident in your answers.’

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“Physical training taught me that hard work and perseverance always pays off and that failure is just a route to success.”

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Leah, Jaguar Land Rover degree apprentice, currently on her 6th-year placement in Electrification Services. In her spare time, Leah loves to train and regularly competes in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit.

Her top tip for you is ‘Back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.’

We recently conducted a short interview to found out a little bit more about Leah, both in and out of Jaguar Land Rover.

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

I am a 6th-year AEP Degree Apprentice and I am currently on placement in Electrification Services, whose mission is to improve the EV ownership experience for customers through services. I am specifically focussing on improving the accessibility of charging infrastructure, which requires understanding the needs of those traditionally excluded from the EV ownership experience and creating a solution to not only help the exception but improve the experience for everyone. I joined Jaguar Land Rover in my home department of Vehicle Safety, where I essentially crashed cars; planning and coordinating full vehicle and component tests to ensure the safety of our vehicles. I have had the pleasure of being involved in several other areas of the business on placements within Special Vehicle Operations, Critical Concerns, Manufacturing, and Circular Economy.

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

SHINE Network – I recently joined as a participator to reduce assumptions when designing for inclusivity. The network supports colleagues with disabilities, whether hidden, visible or both.

Women in Engineering – I attend their annual conference, where they aim to accelerate an inclusive future for women in engineering.

Q: What do you like about working here?

It is exciting to be involved with the company during such a huge change toward electrification and sustainability. The people I work with are truly passionate about their work and are invested in my growth.

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

I see myself moving to a management role within the business, I feel I am a natural leader and have the wider knowledge to understand the bigger picture of the company. There are not enough females in this industry, so I want to encourage more young women to join the sector by acting as a role model. I would like to mentor and guide others to becoming the best version of themselves both in Jaguar Land Rover and life too. I would love the opportunity to work overseas at some point, so if the opportunity were to present itself I would work to make it happen. I think the people around me are invested in my growth, so if I work hard to achieve this, then it will be possible.

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

The common theme amongst the teams I have been in is their passion for the work they are undertaking. The team I am in now is truly passionate about improving the charging experience for customers and understands that this is vital for the success of the business. This belief will make the team work harder and more efficiently to achieve their objectives.

Q: Tell us 3 interesting facts about yourself.

In my spare time, I love to train and compete in Olympic Weightlifting and CrossFit, and I am a qualified personal trainer. Lifting is a huge passion of mine and is where most of my spare time goes. The gym teaches me that hard work and perseverance pays off and that failure is just a route to success. It also acts as stress relief on those busy work weeks!

Last year I completed some of my first solo travel trips abroad! My favourite place I have travelled to is Costa Rica, although I got stuck in customs on the way back due to some apparent dodgy fingerprints!

I also own a paddleboard that I take out with friends in the warmer months to take some time away from Instagram scrolling and into nature.

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

I was incredibly nervous when submitting my application, to the point that I nearly didn’t submit it as I thought ‘I wasn’t good enough’. Now I have taken time to understand my capabilities and value within the company, with some incredible mentors along the way. My biggest piece of advice is to back yourself and take time to understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Think about the value that these skills will bring to Jaguar Land Rover and its mission.

Apply Jaguar Land Rover Apprenticeship Programmes here.

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Show your willingness to learn, create a safe and positive environment

Jaguar Land Rover Careers

Aisha joined Jaguar Land Rover as a Site Reliability Engineer in the middle of the global pandemic. A year into her career in Manchester Digital Delivery Centre (DDC) team, she received her promotion to a senior engineer position. She passionately talked about the working culture here in Manchester, which is one of the many reasons she loves working for Jaguar Land Rover.

Find out more about our latest Tech / Digital opportunities, visit our careers website (click here) for more information.

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

I joined Jaguar Land Rover almost 2 years ago, starting as a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) and I was promoted to the Senior SRE position after a year. Currently, I am planning and implementing our new Internal Developer Platform which will be used across the whole of Jaguar Land Rover as the one place to go to for onboarding people and projects including deploying a fully functioning application into the Cloud.

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

Alongside my role, I led a workshop on ‘How to Argue Peacefully & Create a Safe Space within the workspace’. This is something that I am passionate about. I wanted to share what creating a safe positive environment looks like and how that can be achieved through simple yet effective day to day techniques/tools. The leadership team were extremely supportive with me planning and leading this session. It was a collaborative session, and it went down really well. I was asked to do a talk on this topic at the ‘Innovation Live’ event in Gaydon auditorium. It is a great place to work and also  develop both my technical & soft skills.

Q: What do you like about working here?

I love the culture and how collaborative everyone is in the Manchester office. It makes it a great positive environment to work and grow in.

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 would like to take more of a leadership role in the Internal Developer Platform (IDP) space. Ideally, I would like to lead a team to deliver the IDP as a great product for JLR.

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

Our department is very collaborative team (no emails, just slack). Everyone is super friendly and always willing to help.

Q: Tell us some interesting facts about yourself.

  • I love trying new crafts from knitting to candle making.
  • I can play guitar although not picked it up in a while.
  • As a child I had the opportunity to be an extra on Coronation Street.

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

Show your willingness to learn. Tech moves fast and it is hard to keep up but if you can show you are learning the tools and trying to keep up that looks great as it shows you have a passion!