An interview with Natalie McLeod

In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day, we had the pleasure of interviewing a member of our own team, Natalie McLeod, Senior Operations Engineer within our Large Engine Business.

She shared the reason for her being drawn to engineering as a career path, her engineering journey and highlights (to date!) and useful guidance for aspiring young female engineers. Read on for insights and advice on thriving in engineering as a woman!

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

I joined the Royal Navy at 17, and during the recruitment process, I completed an aptitude test that matched candidates with potential career paths. One of my top options was Engineering Technician – Weapons Engineer, which immediately caught my attention. It sounded exciting, hands-on, and technically challenging, exactly what I was looking for at the time.

What career path have you followed up to present date?

I began my career in the Royal Navy in 2007, where I completed an advanced apprenticeship in engineering. I left the Navy at the end of 2011 and briefly worked on offshore running tooling. In 2013, I seized the opportunity to become an inspector at LEB. From there, I progressed to a project engineering role, where I spent four years before stepping into my current position as Senior Operations Engineer at LEB in 2019.

What skills or mindset do you think are most important for success in engineering?

Being open minded and committed to continuous improvement are essential. Engineering is about solving problems and pushing boundaries, so being willing to adapt, learn, and evolve is key. The success of our business relies not just on refining our processes but also on investing in and developing our people.

Have you faced any challenges as a woman in engineering, and how did you overcome them?

Yes, I’ve encountered gender-based role rejection and a lack of respect from some colleagues. In one case, the rejection highlighted that the company’s values didn’t align with mine which made it easier to move on. As for the lack of respect, it only strengthened my resolve and motivated me to prove myself even further. Those experiences, while difficult, helped shape the resilient and driven person I am today.

What is the best bit about your current job and working for RWG?

What I love most is the variety — no two days are the same. I’m also fortunate to work alongside a fantastic team. That kind of support and camaraderie makes even the most challenging days enjoyable.

What advice would you give to young girls or students considering engineering as a career?

Go for it! Engineering offers endless opportunities and so many exciting career paths. Don’t let stereotypes hold you back, the industry needs fresh perspectives.

This year’s INWED theme is ‘Together We Engineer’. What has been the most rewarding collaborative engineering project you’ve been involved with to-date at RWG?

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve been part of at RWG has been the integration of the Rolls-Royce WR21 engine into the Large Engine Business. This was a significant and complex undertaking that required a great deal of collaboration, patience, and problem-solving across multiple teams. It’s been a continuous learning process, and we’re still evolving our understanding and capabilities with the WR21 as the product matures.

In addition to that, I’ve been involved in a number of efficiency review projects aimed at improving our current processes. These initiatives have brought together diverse perspectives from across the business, and it’s been incredibly fulfilling to see how collaborative efforts can drive meaningful change and innovation.