Aurore Knight On Building a Sustainable Career In Engineering

Finding the Right Fit in Engineering

“I’ve always been curious about how things work. At first, I thought I’d study Applied Physics, but I quickly realised engineering was where my real interest lay.”

Aurore began with a broad engineering syllabus, covering civil, structural, computer, electronic, electrical and mechanical disciplines before specialising in mechanical engineering. That foundation led her to building services, a field she says offers variety and the potential to work globally without retraining. Like many engineers, her path has been shaped by curiosity, practical thinking and the support of a strong professional network.

Choosing a path that allowed her to work internationally was a priority early on, shaping the direction of her career Aurore secured a graduate role with a company that had offices around the world and after gaining experience in the UK, she moved to Dubai and joined Black & White Engineering in the Middle East. There, she worked on complex retail, mixed-use and super high-rise developments before returning to the UK in 2020.

Making Flexibility Work

Returning home, starting a family and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic meant Aurore took a short career break. When she was ready to return, Black & White welcomed her back with flexibility and support.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” she says. “I was given the time I needed and the flexibility to work reduced hours while my children were babies. That allowed me to keep moving forward. My career went into a holding pattern for a while, but it hasn’t held me back long term.”

Today, Aurore is based in Birmingham, following recent roles in Black & White’s Edinburgh and Newcastle offices. She continues to contribute to high-profile projects while balancing work and family life. It’s a balance that often sits at the centre of the challenges faced by women in engineering, particularly in balancing career development with personal commitments.

Mentors and Meaningful Support

Aurore credits much of her growth to supportive mentors. “I’ve had incredible mentors, both men and women, who showed me how things could and should be,” she says. She highlights that mentorship isn’t about gender, but understanding different experiences and supporting personal needs, “women don’t necessarily need female mentors, but we do need mentors who understand that our work-life challenges can be different.”

She also highlights Black & White’s approach to working arrangements as a key strength. “It’s not one-size-fits-all. The company takes the time to understand what setup works best for each individual.” That kind of support can make a real difference in women in engineering careers, especially when navigating complex or demanding environments.

Advice for Future Women Engineers

Her advice to women considering the field is simple and encouraging:

“If you’re curious about how the world works and like solving practical problems, engineering is a great fit. Even if you don’t stay in a traditional role, the skills you gain are useful in so many industries.”

Looking ahead, Aurore hopes flexible working will become the norm. “That shift would benefit everyone, not just women.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

If you’re interested in building a career in engineering, there are opportunities to grow within global teams working across a range of projects.

Explore more about women in engineering careers and current opportunities at Black & White Engineering on our careers page.

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