How our female engineers combine theory and practice

Globally, girls do not have the same opportunities as boys. They are more often discriminated against and prevented from developing freely - about 130 million girls do not have the opportunity to attend school. In most countries around the world, the proportion of female graduates in STEM fields (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is less than 15 percent. Quite manageable.

World Girls' Day, which takes place on October 11, draws attention to these issues and focuses on the needs of girls and the challenges they face. To mark World Girls' Day, we present three women from thyssenkrupp who have found their passion in the world of technology.

_{Where ideas and inspiration meet}

Cai Chunbo works as a departmental Technique at thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology and deals daily with manufacturing process design, advanced process development, modernization of production lines, type integration of new products and repair & maintenance management. “I make sure that all technical staff participate in further training. Keeping up with the times, constantly improving and learning new technologies helps everyone,” says Cai.

However, Cai Chunbo also faces some challenges in her job: “During a project for the car manufacturer BMW, we were confronted with some difficulties: Delivery difficulties, urgent time adjustments, or new local supplier specifications and quality controls. Despite some challenges, the team successfully completed the project by collaborating with all parties involved.

“I find it very valuable to work together with colleagues from China and abroad. This is how ideas meet and inspirations come together,” she says. For Cai Chunbo, it is clear that there are no differences in terms of origin or gender at the technical level and advises future engineers: “Technical interest is particularly important, as is the motivation to want to solve problems. Good organizational skills and having fun controlling processes don’t hurt either.”

_{Process optimization with process engineer Yuan-Yan Shao}

Yuan-Yan Shao knew from an early age that she wanted to become an engineer. She fulfilled her childhood dream and has been working as a process engineer in thyssenkrupp nucera since 2019. “Engineers are the closest to production. They are the link between theory and practice,” says Yuan-Yan.

So, what is the work of a process engineer like? Unlike conventional engineers, Yuan-Yan Shao ensures that processes are optimized. Together with her team, she works out appropriate technical solutions and instructions according to the different needs of customers and conducts performance tests and project acceptance during the commissioning and operating phases. “It is a very enjoyable moment when the system successfully passes the acceptance test,” says Yuan-Yan. And if there are any problems on-site? No problem, Yuan-Yan Shao and her team are always there to help.

What is it like to work in a typically male-dominated profession? “There have been times when clients or construction workers on site have trusted their male colleagues more,” says Yuan-Yan Shao. But with her expertise, technical drawings, and other relevant construction documents, she convinces them otherwise.

_{Fei Guo’s tip: Always stay curious}

The best moment for Fei Guo is when she can use her knowledge and technical experience as a laboratory engineer to solve practical problems. She has been with thyssenkrupp Dynamic Components in Changzhou for about 7 years and is responsible for testing incoming materials and production processes for automotive camshafts.

In her most recent project, Fei and her team also encountered a challenge: “We found a high risk of possible cracks in automotive camshafts. I was involved in studying the relationship between camlobe quality and induction heat treatment.” Together, Fei Guo and the laboratory team conducted a total of 256 series tests and finally found the solution to the problem. “We reduced the residual stress of the camlobe and were able to greatly reduce the risk of cracking in the cam,” Fei explains.

But what are the qualities that make a good engineer? “A very important skill is the ability to identify problems and take effective action to solve them,” says Fei Guo. Her advice to all future female engineers is: “Stay curious. Learn new technologies, keep improving your skills and knowledge, and believe in yourself.”

Do you like to take things into your own hands and solve problems? Then check out our careers page and become part of #GENERATIONTK.