Caitlin McCall: Technology Manager

Job title:

Technology Manager at The Manufacturing Technology Centre

Location:

Midlands

What inspired you to go into engineering?

I was very fortunate in my early school days to have several teachers who had been in the engineering industry prior to teaching. They shared their experiences, opened my eyes to the world of engineering, and encouraged me to think logically, be curious and exposed me to new concepts. One teacher encouraged me to apply for the Engineering Education Scheme where we designed and built an underwater surveillance camera with guidance from engineers at a local military defence company. It was a fascinating experience to have during an Easter break. They offered the opportunity to return in the summer too. I was able to ask lots of questions and see first-hand what some of the roles in engineering were. The summer after, I chose to study Mechanical Engineering at University.

What do you love about your job?

My job is incredibly varied in terms of the engineering projects I get to work on. Whether it's using robotics to automate processes in manufacturing, printing electronics to go into clothing and space applications, researching novel materials or helping companies make their machines safer and more reliable, my day is always varied. All of this knowledge gets applied in a broad range of industries such as fashion and textiles, aerospace and space, which makes it really exciting!

How did you get your job?

I got my job after doing a project during my doctorate. The project was during COVID and a group of colleagues and myself got together to start manufacturing face visors to help all the key workers in our area stay safe as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) was in short supply. Not long afterwards, I won an award with the Women's Engineering Society called the WE50, which recognised the top 50 winners in the UK for their contributions to the engineering industry. The award was published in the Guardian and a recruitment agent called me to invite me to interview for the company I'm currently at.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to start a career in your industry?

My favourite piece of advice is to be curious and to stay curious throughout your career. By asking questions or getting involved in new projects, you never know where it'll take you. There are so many amazing and novel projects going on in the world that have bigger and more complex requirements. These need people with new ways of thinking and different perspectives to drive us forward, which is you!

What do you think will be the most exciting developments in your industry over the next 5-10 years?

AI will be a big thing in the way transport planners use time efficiently, and in the way our transport networks operate (think self-driving cars, driverless trains). I personally am excited at transport becoming more inclusive and bringing communities together more (think more/safer/greener space for walking and cycling, easier and more joined up public transport and affordable/better ticketing). Sometimes, small local changes can make the biggest impact!

Why would you encourage more girls to pursue a career like yours?

Our entire transport system in the UK has been historically designed by men, with men's 9-5 commuting patterns in mind, and mostly centred around the car. This doesn't always work well for women, who are often juggling many roles making lots of 'multi-chain' trips (e.g. from work, via the supermarket, then school drop off etc.). When we add climate worries, and needing to feel safe and healthy into this mix too, it's so important that we as girls and women design and plan for ourselves. If we don't get involved, we won't get the transport we need to make our lives better.