Zoe, Component Design Engineer, Rolls-Royce

Published
2026-09-25T18:37:24.87+02:00 26 June 2026
Business Air
Zoe came through the early career scheme at Rolls-Royce having first joined as a year-long intern, where she explored aerodynamics and programme management before returning for her final year studying Engineering Management. After Zoe's degree, she returned on the Engineering and Technology Grade Scheme, where she rotated around multiple disciplines and engine programmes to really get a wide breadth of knowledge of what Rolls-Royce can offer. 
Zoe RR

I started my substantive role as a Component Design Engineer in Future Programmes. This role has allowed me to explore concepting to final design as I have been able to work on a range of components at different stages of their development. I am currently a solution owner for multiple components, that I am taking through the more detailed design phases. The opportunities I have been given in just a short space of time, makes me excited to see where my career can go in Rolls-Royce and within the programme. 

I always enjoyed solving problems from a young age, being able to understand a problem and get to the answer always created satisfaction to me. Being creative is something I have always had a passion for, as I danced from a young age and started sewing to have a break from my academic studies. I was fortunate enough to go and experience engineering workshops at many universities, which opened this curiosity of what an engineer could be. 
Zoe, Component Design Engineer

Engineering always seemed like big problems that need solutions, and helping others or creating novel solutions. So, it seemed like a perfect fit to exactly what I enjoyed doing. 

The main thing is knowing that the parts I am working on will help influence the next generation aircraft. My team is working on novel ideas, pushing the boundaries of engineering, which makes the role really intriguing to figure out how to solve the problems.  

I work with a wide group of people within my sub-system and with others on the programme. This allows me to get a better understanding of where my sub-system fits within the programme but also how the programme is coming together as a whole. This is exciting as I get the opportunity to learn about other systems as well as functions, widening my knowledge to become a better engineer. 

Being able to support the Team Tempest and Rolls-Royce stall at RIAT previously. This allowed me to see how interested and intrigued the younger generation and the general population are for this new aircraft. These sorts of events really make you remember how exciting this programme is and what opportunities it can offer. 

I was also fortunate enough to support the Prime Minister visit to Bristol, as well as our Local MP. I was able to talk about the early career opportunities at Bristol site and within the programme. Having these conversations show how important this programme is to UK engineering but also how beneficial it will be to everyone involved.