International Women in Engineering Day: Meet three of Safran Nacelles' incredible women engineers

Caroline Coat-Lenzotti, aerothermal engineer in Saclay, France

What exactly do you do as an aerothermal engineer?
For Safran Nacelles, I calculate the temperatures of the parts of the nacelle located in an extreme environment, ranging from -60°C to +600°C. Depending on the temperatures that my department calculates, the design office and materials engineers will choose to develop the part using composite, aluminium or titanium, so it has the required mechanical strength. My department also manages fire and ice. We work on the resistance of the parts to fire, and we have to give test-based evidence that the nacelle can withstand fire for 15 minutes whilst it has a chance to be extinguished. With regards to ice, it must not build up in too large a quantity on the air inlet to avoid the risk of damaging the engine in case of ingestion. We therefore contribute to the development of the de-icing system and prove by calculations and by tests in the wind tunnel and on aircraft that this aspect is controlled.

Why did you want to become an engineer?
It is a journey that happened gradually. First, I was a very good student. So, my teachers encouraged me to pursue a scientific education path and go to an engineering school. Back then, I was already fascinated by planes. I used to wonder how such a mass could fly. So, I combined my appetite for science and my desire to understand how planes worked, and I joined an engineering school. And I absolutely do not regret my decision. I learned a lot, and finally settled in my favourite area, that is heat transfer and more particularly icing. Today, I am still learning in my field of expertise, but also in other domains.

What is your background?
I took a scientific baccalaureate. Then, I undertook the Higher and Advanced Maths preparatory classes before joining my Master Engineering School where I had the opportunity to follow a double curriculum in the last year thanks to a partnership with the University of Bath. I passed my Civil Engineering Master’s in France and a Science Master’s in Aerospace Engineering in England. I then joined Safran as an aerothermal engineer. Today, I am an expert in icing. I am passionate about my field. I am of course in a position where I apply the technical knowledge I have acquired, but I can also be creative and contribute towards developing the technologies of the future.

What message would you give to the young ladies who read your story?
You are intelligent and you should not limit yourself because you are a woman. On the contrary! Every day I see just how much gender diverse teams bring to science. Have confidence in yourself because companies are increasingly taking hold of this. They are inclusive and you will have every chance to have a successful career as an engineer.

Amy Burnie, quality engineer in Burnley, the United Kingdom

What is your name and what area do you work?
My name is Amy Burnie, I work at Safran Nacelles, Burnley as a quality engineer in the sheet-metal department.

What inspired you to become an engineer?
Engineering was not my first choice when I left school. However, after a summer placement at a local textile manufacturer I found that I really enjoyed working in a busy manufacturing environment. Because of this I started looking into apprenticeships and I knew a little about engineering because my grandad was an engineer who manufactured components for local businesses. I got accepted on a 4 year apprenticeship within the Automotive industry where I trained as a manufacturing engineer. I loved my apprenticeship and it is something I am still very proud of today.

What is your greatest highlight at work everyday?
My greatest highlight at work everyday is when I’m able to work out and understand a problem, getting across all the details and finding what the root cause is. Working in quality involves ability to deal with different problems small and large on a day-to-day basis. I particularly enjoy investigating these issues whether it is interrogating SAP, PLM, assessing parts physically or just being part of a cross functional team, finding and then understanding the real cause of a problem gives me a great deal of satisfaction.

What is your advice for women who are considering an engineering career?
I would say if you are already considering it then you are already interested so that’s great, get on and apply. There are a whole range of different job options and opportunities within engineering, from design to research and development and manufacturing. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the skills right now, many can be learnt as you progress, just have confidence in the ones you do have. I am very keen on supporting women into the engineering industry and companies like Safran need you as the more diverse we are as a workforce, the better we perform and the more successful we can be.

Loubna Msaddar, Composites Supply Chain Manager in Casablanca, Morocco

What exactly do you do as a Composites Internal Supply Chain Manager? 
My role is to guarantee timely deliveries of composite parts from our suppliers to our customers by ensuring a match between the load (customer demand) and human and material resources. I am also currently heading an improvement project as part of my Black Belt certification.

Why did you want to become an engineer? 
Early during my school years, I realised that I was very interested in science. I inquired about the possible professions I might be interested in, and the studies I would have to take for them. As I was a good student in maths and physics, I was accepted in both medicine and engineering schools. I finally decided to join the engineering school because I liked to analyse and solve technical problems, and the creativity that I can apply into finding solutions. And I was right! There are numerous career opportunities, as evidenced by my career path.

What is your background? 
After passing my scientific baccalaureate, I followed an Engineering School preparatory class. I then joined the Mohammed VI International Academy of Civil Aviation, with an engineering focus, where I obtained my State Engineer Master’s in Industrial Engineering and Computer-Integrated Manufacturing. Following this, I joined Safran as a composite manufacturing and transfer engineer, a highly technical profession. Later, I took the position of Planning and Scheduling Manager before being appointed Internal Supply Chain Manager. This means that I have now also developed managerial skills.

What message would you give to the young ladies who are reading your story? 
To decide what job you want to do, I think you must follow your passion. If you like to solve technical and complex problems, if you are inspired by new technologies, design and production, then engineering is for you. Personally, I chose to specialise in aerospace because it is a cutting-edge sector where engineers are recognised with many career opportunities, both in Morocco and internationally.

Safran considers that diversity and equality of opportunity between men and women are essential to face the workplace challenges ahead and contribute to the Group’s performance and value creation. Its action plan is based on three goals: creating a more inclusive business culture, making Safran more attractive to women and increasing the number of female executives. In 2019, Safran renewed its GEEIS (Gender Equality European and International Standard) certification in 7 entities in France and abroad. Read more...