To celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, we sat down with Dr Yan Jia, Facteon’s Concept Engineering Team Leader, to learn more about her journey, the challenges she has faced, and her vision for the future of women in engineering.

From STEM Enthusiast to Engineering Leader

Yan’s passion for engineering began early in her academic journey. “When I was a student, I loved STEM subjects, which led me to choose engineering and laid the foundation for my studies,” she recalls. Pursuing a career in engineering not only aligned with her interests but also provided her with opportunities to travel and work in various countries before settling in New Zealand.

Finding a Home in New Zealand

Yan and her husband have lived in New Zealand since 2015. Yan says it was the country’s natural beauty, friendly people, and emphasis on work-life balance that convinced her to stay long-term.

Since joining Facteon in 2019, Yan has played a key role in the Concept Engineering team, where she applies analytical thinking to solve complex engineering challenges. “We listen to our customers’ problems and goals, and use our engineering knowledge and experience to help them pave the way forward,” she explains.

Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry

Engineering remains a male-dominated field[1], and Yan recognises the challenges that come with this imbalance. “The gender disparity in engineering limits diversity of thinking, which is why I’m passionate about bringing more women into engineering roles,” she states. For her, increasing female representation in engineering is not just about fairness—it’s about strengthening the profession through diverse perspectives and ideas.

A Vision for Gender Equality

For Yan, gender equality means equal opportunities in the workplace, where work assignments are based on skills and expertise rather than gender. She also emphasises the need to eliminate barriers related to family responsibilities, which often disproportionately impact women. By fostering an inclusive work environment, she believes that businesses can unlock the full potential of their teams.

Words of Wisdom for Future Female Engineers

When asked what advice she would give to young women considering a career in engineering, Yan shares three key principles: “First of all, do what you love. Then, occasionally step out of your comfort zone. Finally, be confident and take pride in your achievements.”

Celebrating Women in Engineering

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate Yan and other female engineers who are paving the way for greater diversity in engineering. We hope that Yan’s journey serves as an inspiration for young women aspiring to enter the field.

Happy International Women’s Day 2025!