Julie Liddle
BEng Automotive Engineering 2010
The first female graduate from the Automotive Engineering degree was Julie Liddle, graduating with First Class Honours, and immediately landed a post as Supplier Quality engineer for GM, based in Luton, Germany and Ellesmere Port, working on components for the Vauxhall Astra and Zafira lines.
“I learnt a lot from an engineering perspective while in the Formula Student team,” says Julie, who rose to Lead Supply Quality Engineer for the Zafira while working in Germany for GM.
In 2012 Julie left GM and now works as a Launch Engineer for Johnson Controls, one of the biggest automotive tier one suppliers in the world, responsible for the upfront work for new products. Since March she has worked on four new product introductions, for the Jaguar Landrover Evoque and the Freelander, and says the stereotype of engineering being the preserve of men in greasy overalls is an old fashioned one.
“I'm two years out of university and one small step away from management level. Being a woman isn’t an issue. The automotive industry is about driving customer focused results in a timely manner with integrity. As long as you have the skills to deliver, you don’t mind the occasional unsocial hour, and you are prepared to learn, you’ll go far.”