International Women in Engineering Day: interview with Pauline Burke, Engineering Project Manager

• Can you introduce yourself?
  
  

My name is Pauline Burke, I’m the Engineering Project Manager with Transdev. I have worked in the Engineering Department for almost three years now, dealing with Fleet related maintenance.

• Can you tell us a bit about your role at Transdev and what a typical day looks like for you?
  
  

I lead the Project Engineering Team, overseeing documentation and managing maintenance projects, ranging from fleet reliability improvements and modifications to major overhauls and accident repairs. I monitor project progress, support my team, and deliver detailed reports and key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure continuous progress.

A key part of my role is analysing the impact that unexpected workload may have on team capacity and depot resources, and I develop strategy to mitigate that impact.

In addition, I develop long-term (15–20 year) maintenance forecasts, strategically planning maintenance events to optimize tram availability and minimize disruption to passengers.

• What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
  
  

I always enjoyed maths and physics in school, and I was good at puzzles and figuring things out. I didn’t set out to pursue a career in engineering however, I took chances along the way and made decisions that led me to where I am now.

• How did you get started in the rail or transport industry specifically?
  
  

I have an interest in sustainability and studied a degree around the topic of sustainable electrical technologies. I worked as a CAD (Computer Aided Drawing) technician and a Project Engineer on large scale building sites in Dublin. I moved to transport when I was seeking more stability in my employment. Now, I can see myself staying in the transport industry because it’s interesting to see the sustainable technologies grow in this industry.

• Have you faced any particular challenges being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field?
  
  

Generally speaking, most people I have studied and worked with through the years were great to work with. It wasn’t uncommon for people to assume I worked in health and safety when I was on building sites, I think this was down to gender bias.

• How do you think the industry has changed for women over the years?
  
  

Women are outnumbered in engineering roles but we’re seeing an increasing number of women in engineering and technical based roles which is very refreshing.

• What do you enjoy most about working with Transdev?
  
  

I enjoy the challenges of problem solving. I come to work with a plan in mind but often have to juggle my workload around to work on unplanned, high-priority tasks. Dealing with problems is always a race against time because passenger service is always pending and tram maintenance can get backed up very quickly.

• Is there a project you’re particularly proud to have been involved in?
  
  

I’ve worked on quite a few projects that I enjoyed but working on the Central Bank of Ireland stands out as a time where I hit a lot of personal goals.

• What advice would you give to young girls or women considering a career in engineering?
  
  

Go for it, it’s very interesting and rewarding and there’s so many industries you can work in. I had the most fun in college and I was the only woman graduating with my class.

• What would you say is the most rewarding part of being an engineer?
  
  

For me, the most rewarding part is being part of a team of professionals who are inspiring, very talented engineers and a lot of fun to work with.

• What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about your job?
  
  

I work on a computer most of the day.

• What’s the most “non-engineering” part of your personality or hobbies?
  
  

I play traditional music on the banjo.

• Have you ever had a funny or unexpected moment on the job you’d be happy to share?
  
  

I’ve stood on a few roof tops in Dublin at sunrise and sunset and took in the spectacular views during work.