A day in the life
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I am a Design Engineer within the Technical Services team. I calculate prices and cost benefit analysis for our solar projects from initial stages to setting the budget for our project management team as we enter construction. I also do technical design work – including creating 3D models of client buildings and initial installation documentation.
Every project is unique; the requirements are different, the electrical infrastructure is different, every rooftop is different. Many engineers don’t get to see the final product, but I do. It's very rewarding to see a project evolve from an abstract idea to construction and commission, seeing all the expertise required for us to reach this point.
My work doesn’t end at switch-on either; I do data-analysis for projects that have already been installed, compare generation figures and gather information about the impact these projects are creating for our clients.
The variety, I get to do a bit of everything. I love the process of playing with different formulas and making things work. I do this a lot with our solar software – sometimes I just try to break things and see what happens. That’s how you find out what’s possible and find solutions for many issues.
For instance, before joining Inspired, I used to install solar panels on roofs. Sometimes there is a disconnect in design when it comes to how solar panel installers work: the panels are placed further than they need to be, or electrical connections are harder to route.
These aspects should be embedded into the process of designing solar projects – for example, how far the installers need to walk on the roof. Because I have been up on the roof lifting and connecting panels myself, I can appreciate that.
It just happened! I come from the Maldives – a small group of islands – and the climate crisis is a major issue for the Maldives. You grow up learning about climate change, and renewable energy always interested me.
I always said I wanted to become an engineer. I have quite a unique perspective in choosing engineering as a woman; my mum is the first engineer I knew. Because of my mum, I didn’t grow up thinking it was a different career path for a woman to choose.
Then once I went to university I ended up being one of five girls in our engineering course. It was only then when I realised: “This really is a male-dominated field.”
Throughout university, I wanted to become a design engineer but didn’t realise there was an overlap between the concepts of design engineering and renewable energy. I wasn’t aware my role was something I could do before seeing a job advert with Inspired.
Since joining Inspired, I’ve never felt a gender bias because there’s such a good balance in my team. I was promoted from a graduate role in just four months but that never felt intimidating. We’ve got a such a wide range of ages, experiences and expertise, but everyone respects each other – it’s a breath of fresh air. Your opinion will be listened to.
My mum and I also have a chance to have industry conversations and understand each other at a professional level – she works in energy projects as well, in the Maldives. Having a female role model who has been in engineering for so long has helped me be confident in my knowledge, skills and abilities.
“It’s not life or death. It’s ok to take things at your own pace and be confident in what you say.”
Similar to my work, I have hobbies that challenge me creatively. The problem is I have too many hobbies and not enough time! I can spend hours playing video games and painting my nails. I also love baking and have been very proud of my recent cakes: I’ve nailed some gluten free and vegan recipes, which not only turned out tasting good but also looking pretty.
I also sew, do embroidery and cosplay, making the costumes and designing the props. One of my proudest cosplay moments was Purah from the Legend of Zelda series – she is a researcher who helps Zelda.
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A look at more days in the life at Inspired.
