Women in Manufacturing: Why our differences are our greatest strength

My journey into engineering – and why it matters 

I didn’t grow up seeing many women in engineering.

In fact, I was the first woman in my family to pursue it. Growing up in Assam, India, I didn’t have a roadmap or role models to show me what a career in manufacturing or research could look like. What I did have was curiosity – a desire to understand how things worked, and a fascination with solving problems.

That curiosity is what led me into engineering. And today, it’s what drives my work as a Senior Research Engineer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), where I lead projects focused on laser material processing and artificial intelligence (AI) for manufacturing.

My work sits at the intersection of physics, materials science and AI, helping to make manufacturing systems more efficient, more predictable, and ultimately more human‑centric. That’s what excites me most – the idea that we’re not just advancing technology, but shaping the future of how people and technology work together. 

There is no such thing as a “typical day” in manufacturing 

One of the things I love most about my role is its variety.

Some days, I’m in the lab running high‑power laser experiments – exploring how materials behave under different conditions and collecting data at microscopic levels. Other days, I’m working with machine learning models, analysing datasets and developing predictive tools to optimise manufacturing processes.

And then there are the days where I’m collaborating – working with industrial partners, mentoring early-career researchers, or speaking at conferences around the world.

This mix of hands-on experimentation, digital innovation and collaboration reflects how manufacturing has evolved. It’s no longer just about production – it’s about innovation, integration and impact. 

Why diversity is critical for the future of manufacturing 

As manufacturing moves towards what we call Industry 5.0, the focus is shifting.

It’s no longer only about efficiency and automation. It’s about creating systems that are:

• Human-centric
• Sustainable
• Resilient

To achieve this, we need diversity – not just in skills, but in perspectives.

For a long time, I saw my differences as something I needed to overcome. Being a woman in a male-dominated field. Being from a different cultural background. Being the first in my family to follow this path.

But one of the most important pieces of advice I’ve ever received changed that perspective completely: 

Innovation happens when we approach problems from new angles. My background, my experiences, and even the challenges I’ve faced have shaped how I think – and that has become one of my greatest assets. 

The challenges women still face in engineering 

While progress is being made, it’s important to be honest – challenges still exist.

There have been moments in my career where I’ve felt like I didn’t belong. Times when I was the only woman in the room. Times when my contributions were overlooked or questioned.

Imposter syndrome is real, especially in environments where you don’t see people like yourself represented.

During my PhD – particularly throughout the COVID pandemic – those challenges were amplified. Isolation, limited access to labs, and uncertainty made an already demanding journey even more difficult.

But what I’ve learned is that these challenges don’t define you – they can shape you, if you allow them to. 

What helped me move forward 

There wasn’t a single solution – it was a combination of mindset, support and persistence.

• Focusing on expertise: Building strong technical knowledge gave me confidence. Results speak for themselves.
• Finding mentors and allies: Support networks are essential. The right people can guide, encourage and advocate for you.
• Reframing difference: Instead of trying to fit in, I began to embrace what made me different.
• Supporting others: Mentoring and community-building have become central to my work – it’s how we create lasting change.

Today, alongside my research, I’m involved in initiatives that support early-career engineers, contribute to professional communities, and promote diversity in STEM. Because representation matters – and visibility can change someone’s perception of what’s possible. 

Advice for women considering a career in manufacturing

If you’re thinking about a career in engineering or manufacturing, I would say this:

• Be curious – your ability to question and explore is your greatest strength
• Don’t be afraid to be the first – you might also be opening the door for others
• Find your community – no one succeeds alone
• Embrace failure – it’s part of the process, not the end of it
• Focus on impact – engineering is about solving real-world challenges

And above all: 

The future of manufacturing is inclusive

Manufacturing is evolving rapidly.

With advances in AI, robotics and advanced materials, we are entering a new era of innovation. But technology alone won’t define the future – people will.

If we want to solve the complex challenges ahead, we need diverse voices, perspectives and experiences shaping those solutions.

Women are already playing a critical role in that future. And I truly believe we’re only just getting started.