Women in Engineering: Joanne Lockhart

So Joanne, could you tell us what first sparked your interest in engineering?

At school, I really enjoyed maths, physics, chemistry and further maths, and I knew I wanted to turn this into a career. I liked the idea of engineering because it combines problem-solving with something practical, and it felt like it offered a clear path.

So I studied general engineering at the University of Sheffield before specialising in control systems and going on to complete a master’s degree. For me, that broad start was really valuable because it gave me a solid foundation before I moved into a more specialist area.

You’ve been lucky to have had international experience quite early in your career. What did that teach you?

After university, I joined a FTSE 100 company’s graduate scheme, which took me to Luton, Belgium, Poland and Germany before I moved into a full-time role in Illinois, Chicago. It was a brilliant experience, and it definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was changing country, team, role and manager every six months, so I had to learn quickly and adapt quickly.

It gave me a lot of confidence and resilience, and it showed me that even if something feels challenging at first, you can work through it and come out stronger.

So what brought you to Actemium and, in particular, the water sector?

I always knew I wanted to come back to the UK at some point because family is really important to me, and I did not see myself living abroad permanently. Joining Actemium gave me the chance to do that, while also moving into the water sector, which really appealed to me.

Water is such an essential part of everyday life, so the work feels very meaningful. Being involved in projects that support critical infrastructure gives me a real sense of purpose.

What do you enjoy most about your role now?

One of the parts I have enjoyed most so far is developing PLC software from scratch. Setting up the routines, structures and logic myself has helped me understand the whole system on a much deeper level. There is something really satisfying about being involved in that full process and seeing how it all comes together.

I enjoy the challenge of creating something that works well, solves a real problem and supports safe, effective operation on site.

You’re also interested in the bigger picture across the water industry. Why is that important to you?

I like understanding not just the technical detail of the projects I am working on, but also the wider challenges the sector is facing.

I recently went to a water industry event where people were talking about issues such as microplastics and the future of water treatment, and I found that really interesting. It made me think more about where the industry is heading and where engineering and automation can help solve future challenges. For me, staying curious is a big part of the job.

What qualities do you think matter most in automation engineering?

Problem-solving is a big one, along with resilience and being proactive.

In automation, you cannot just stop when something does not work. You have to think it through, work logically and keep going until you find the answer.

I also think it is important to look beyond the bare minimum. Engineering can be full of legacy thinking, so being willing to ask whether something could be done better is a really valuable mindset.

What are your long-term ambitions?

I would like to build long-term expertise in the water sector rather than keep moving around. My aim is to keep learning, take on more complex projects and develop into someone with deep technical knowledge. In time, I would love to be able to pass that knowledge on to others as well. Seeing experienced engineers around me and how much they have built up over the years is really motivating.

You’re already helping others to develop too. Can you tell us a bit about that?

That is something I have really enjoyed. I helped with the software module for the Actemium Graduate Programme by creating a handbook and training project for graduates, to help them build their knowledge in a more structured way.

I have also developed a Power Apps-based dashboard for projects, which makes it easier to search information, learn from previous work and share knowledge across teams. For me, that is an important part of engineering too. It is not just about doing the work well yourself, but also making it easier for others to learn and improve.

And finally, tell us what keeps you motivated?

What motivates me most is the chance to keep learning while working on something that has a real purpose. I enjoy the technical side of the role, but I also value the fact that the work supports essential services and has a direct impact on people’s lives. That mix of challenge, learning and purpose is what makes engineering such a rewarding career for me.