Women in Automotive: Breaking Stereotypes and Leading Innovation

The automotive industry is stereotypically masculine. It’s ‘blokes’ and vehicles doing tech work or heavy work. And, traditionally, it was ‘no place for a woman’. But in 2014, Mary Barra made history as the first woman to lead a major global automaker when she became CEO of General Motors (GM). Under her leadership, GM has moved through one of its most innovative and agile periods. Making strides in both electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving. However, while Mary Barra has become the face of women in automotive, there are many others driving innovation in the sector.

Careers in the Automotive Industry and The Women Who Have Mastered Them

Automotive engineering

Automotive engineering has multiple sub-categories. Mechanical, electrical, systems, software, and vehicle dynamics. Each one is integral to the industry. And an increasing number of women are finding a path in this sector. Linda Zhang is the Chief Engineer of the Ford F-150 Lightning – Ford’s first all-electric pickup truck. She’s credited with guiding Ford’s electrification strategy and, as such, is playing a pivotal role in automotive sustainability.

Automotive Design and Development

Whether it’s the way that vehicles look and feel, the user experience, or the sustainability of the design, designers play a large part in the automotive industry. Diane Allen is an Exterior Designer at Nissan. Instrumental in the design of some of Nissan’s most popular recent models, including the Armada truck, Nissan Rogue, Infiniti M5, and Nissan Titan, she has received a number of design awards for her work. Including the Gold Award for Industrial Design Excellence. She also holds a number of patents used in the industry. While, as Head of Vehicle Concepts at Audi AG, Dr. Johanna Wessels has been instrumental in Audi’s development of future vehicle concepts. With an emphasis on autonomous driving and advanced electrification.

Manufacturing and production

As well as managers, more engineers are needed in manufacturing and production. In areas, such as quality control and robotics. Elizabeth Hill is one of the leading women in this area. As Chief Product Engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, she is credited with helping to shape the future of the company, including the revamping of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport.

Automotive research and development (R&D)

R&D is integral to the future of the automotive industry. Battery and energy storage researchers are one of the most highly demanded positions right now, in the drive to make vehicles more environmentally sustainable. This is why the work of Lucid Motors’ Mona L. Lipson is so important. As Chief Engineer, Battery Systems, Mona has been critical in the development of Lucid’s groundbreaking battery technology. She has contributed to the development of some of the longest-range electric vehicles on the market. But there are other vital R&D roles in the automotive industry, including engineering. Francesca Tognini, VP of Advanced Technology and Innovation at Stellantis, is known to be responsible for driving Stellantis' push toward electrification and new mobility solutions, particularly in Europe and North America.

Management and Leadership

This is the area where women are beginning to hold a significant number of positions. We’ve mentioned Mary Barra, but there’s also Carla De Bona, Senior Vice President, Global Product Development at Ford. Penny Fowler, CEO at Rivian. And Elisa B. Garcia, VP of Global Supply Chain, General Motors. Not to mention all of the other women moving up through the ranks in the industry, from project manager to general manager, right up to CEO/COO.

It’s an exciting time in the automotive industry. With evolving technology, vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated. And women are playing a crucial role in shaping the future of both the industry and the vehicles it produces. While there’s no denying that the sector is still male-dominated, there’s opportunity there for women who are interested. And they’re bringing with them innovation, customer understanding, and significant potential for the industry.

Are you looking for a role within the automotive industry? Find out how MRL can help.