Being Pick Everard
Being Pick Everard: Caitlin Simon
25 Jun 2025
As part of International Women in Engineering Day, we’re highlighting the voices of women across Pick Everard. For Transport Engineer Caitlin Simon, INWED is both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the work still needed to build a more inclusive industry. Caitlin shares her journey, the value of visibility and support, and her aspirations for the future of transport engineering.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
It’s a chance to recognise how far the industry has come in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion, but also a reminder of how much work still needs to be done, especially in parts of the industry where progress has been slower.
Can you tell us about your role and how long have you been here?
I’m a Transport Engineer, and I’ve been with Pick Everard since March 2024. I help design and assess transport solutions with a focus on sustainability and accessibility, and I’m doing a part time MSc in Transport Planning and Engineering too.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering, and how did that path lead you to Pick Everard?
A site visit to a prison being built sparked my interest when I was in Sixth Form. Seeing how the pre-fab cells were designed and pieced together really stuck with me. I chose to do a civil engineering degree at Uni, and that led into construction and eventually to transport, which brought me to Pick Everard.
What’s been your most defining experience as a woman in engineering, and how did you overcome any challenges?
In my early career as a site engineer, I was often the only woman physically on site. Sometimes it didn’t affect me at all, but sometimes I was very aware of how much I stood out. That experience taught me a lot about resilience and the importance of supportive colleagues who make a real effort to include others.
What needs to be done to make engineering more accessible and inclusive for women?
We need to keep making women in STEM, especially in leadership, visible. Seeing others in those roles helps challenge assumptions, build confidence, and show that there’s space for women to thrive and lead in engineering.
Your Top 3 goals for the next 5 years?
- Complete my MSc
- Become a chartered engineer
- Play a bigger role in shaping how we think about inclusive and sustainable transport in practice, particularly with regards to active travel.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?
Your perspective is a strength, even if it feels different to what's around you. Find people who really look out for you, and who don’t make you feel like you have to prove you belong.