Systems Integration Engineer Ying Cen Tee has been part of the Hitachi Rail team since 2018. An enthusiastic STEM ambassador who conducts outreach in her own time, Cen has worked on various projects that have allowed her to visit multiple facilities, including the Newton Aycliffe factory, Pistoia plant and Ashford depot.
To encourage young people looking to pursue a career in STEM, Cen walks us through her journey at Hitachi Rail, where she first joined as a Graduate Engineer in London.
First steps as a graduate engineer
After graduating in 2018, I joined Hitachi Rail as a Graduate Engineer. The first step was to rotate between the Electronics, Mechanical and Systems Integration teams within London. I also had the fantastic opportunity to do a 4-month secondment in Pistoia in the Vehicle Dynamics, Kinematics and Mechanical Interfaces team.
Experiencing diverse environments allowed me to truly appreciate discussions with people from different backgrounds.
I truly value working collaboratively with colleagues. By sharing knowledge and helping each other, we can find optimal solutions for the challenges we encounter. There is also great satisfaction in using trains that I have helped to design!
Systems Integration Engineering
Since becoming a Hitachi Systems Integration Engineer, my work focuses on ensuring our trains are safe to run. Outside of specific project work and as part of my STEM outreach commitments, I attend a fortnightly Innovation Think Tank. This is a brilliant opportunity for informal discussion, promoting and formulating ideas in response to developments in the rail industry. We can collaboratively tackle issues we come across in a range of projects.
Related: Working at Hitachi Rail
The exciting future of the rail industry
Trains are already one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel but I believe the rail industry has the opportunity to contribute even further to sustainable development. I’m excited to see innovative new technologies that will support this, such as alternative energy sources and new biologically based or composite materials.
There is also an increased focus on inclusive design in Rail. As the demographic of the population changes, this will become more important. I am interested to see how requirements for rail design will change to accommodate this and the creative solutions for these design challenges.
As a passenger, I am also looking forward to having an even more comfortable train experience - I am proud to have the opportunity to contribute to both these areas.
Related: Focus on Engineering: Inspire to Innovate
Pursuing a career in STEM
For me, engineering is the perfect blend of science, maths and art. Being able to take an idea and form it into a practical yet aesthetic product, is something I find very rewarding.
There is also a very human aspect of engineering that I enjoy, whether that is designing products for people or working with colleagues to deliver a suitable solution. I want to use my knowledge to make a positive and direct contribution to society.
Engineering is always advancing and developing, new ideas and technologies constantly emerge. I relish the opportunity to continuously learn and apply new concepts.
My advice for someone interested in a STEM career – firstly there are so many different types of STEM careers! Make sure you explore the areas you are interested in, but also try those that might not be on the top of your list – you might find that you enjoy something you did not think you would!
Hitachi Rail Careers
Ambitious projects and rapid growth means Hitachi Rail needs people who are passionate about helping us deliver meaningful projects around the world. The future of rail is exciting and we offer pathways into the career growth opportunities within the rail industry.
If you are at the start of your career, or new to the rail industry, Hitachi Rail offers a range of apprenticeships and graduate opportunities. Our graduate engineering jobs are one of the ways we invest in emerging talent to build a future of sustainable transport through innovative technology. If you already have experience in the industry, we provide the opportunity to work on world class projects that bring meaningful change across the globe.
Hitachi Rail technology powers 18 billion journeys every year. Our people are central to our vision for the future of transportation. Find rewarding, challenging, impactful careers at Hitachi Rail.
