Women in Engineering Day: Amandine’s story of leadership, resilience and technical excellence

On the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day, we want to highlight the inspiring journeys of those who contribute every day to the advancement of our industry.

At Efor, we believe that diversity and inclusion are key drivers of innovation and performance. This is why we are actively committed to promoting the role of women in technical fields—not just today, but every day of the year.

To illustrate this commitment, we spoke with Amandine POUSSE, Technical Support in the Engineering Unit of our Global Industries Center of Expertise, who shared her experience, the challenges she has faced, and her advice for future generations of women engineers.

Amandine is a mechanical engineer specializing in maintenance, with over nine years of experience at Efor.

She began her career as an Offshore Project Manager at ArcelorMittal, then contributed to the industrialization of the new production line at Aldès, working at the heart of the operations.

She is currently leading a long-term mission at TotalEnergies, overseeing preventive maintenance and managing a CMMS system that she implemented and maintains.

1. Personal and Professional Journey

• Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your professional journey so far? What motivated you to become an engineer?

“I’ve been an engineer for 10 years and have followed a somewhat unconventional path. I began my career in a design office but quickly realized I wanted a role that was more hands-on and field-focused. This led me to pursue opportunities in maintenance, quality, methods, and industrialization.

I chose to study general engineering because I wanted to keep my career options open. I was looking for a program that provided the widest range of professional opportunities. While I didn’t have a specific profession in mind at the time, I was drawn to engineering and mathematics because they are rooted in logic, analysis, and problem-solving. I love understanding how things work and exploring ways to make them better.”

• Can you share a significant stage or project in your career that you are particularly proud of and why?

“A key milestone in my career was my final engineering internship at a company where I had previously done an entry-level internship two years earlier. Transitioning from an observational role to taking on the responsibilities of an engineer tasked with overseeing a new production line was incredibly rewarding and educational.

Having prior familiarity with the site and the technical teams made a significant difference—it helped me settle into the role quickly and feel confident in my contribution. This sense of legitimacy is something that can sometimes be challenging, particularly for women seeking to establish themselves in production environments.”

2. Role and Contributions

• What is your current role, and what does a typical day look like for you?

“Currently, I work in the technical and maintenance department, where my role involves juggling three main responsibilities while addressing daily unexpected challenges:

1. Coordinating preventive maintenance, including schedules, performance indicators, equipment criticality assessments, and procedures.
2. Implementing, maintaining, and developing a CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System).
3. Managing eight maintenance contracts, which includes coordinating interventions, overseeing supplier relations, granting work permissions, conducting audits, evaluating suppliers, and managing tenders.”

3. Experiences and Challenges

• What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you overcome them?

“In my role, I coordinate the workloads and performance metrics of three colleagues, despite not being their direct manager. I manage schedules, track delays, and monitor key indicators to support the supervisor in overseeing maintenance operations.

This collaborative position presents a unique challenge, particularly as a contractor and a woman, in an environment where I don’t have direct authority.”

• Have you encountered stereotypes, and how do you address or mitigate them?

“I worked alongside a technician with whom I shared several responsibilities, but our working methods and paces were quite different. He often refused my assistance, influenced by stereotypes about women in the industry—viewing them as less legitimate than men or believing that engineers “talk a lot without taking action.”

To avoid hindering progress and to foster a more collaborative environment, I proposed clearly dividing our tasks. This approach gave us both autonomy, improved our ability to work together, and allowed me to complete my work on time.”

4. Advocacy and Aspirations

• What advice would you give to young women considering a career in engineering?

“I would encourage them not to hold themselves back. Take the leap—engineering isn’t a male profession; it’s a field rooted in logic, curiosity, critical thinking, and, most importantly, problem-solving. If these qualities resonate with you, then this career is absolutely the right fit for you, no matter your gender.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and never let anyone make you doubt your abilities or legitimacy. Ultimately, what matters most are your skills and your drive to learn and grow.”

5. Personal Insight and Balance

• How do you maintain a balance between demanding professional responsibilities and personal life?

“Over time, I’ve come to understand that achieving a perfect balance between work and personal life is unrealistic. It’s more about adjusting your daily approach based on priorities as they arise.

For me, that means setting firm boundaries, accepting that schedules won’t always go as planned, and making a conscious effort to disconnect when I’m at home. I’ve learned to say “no” or at least “not right now” if something falls outside my responsibilities, to delegate whenever possible, and most importantly, to carve out time for myself. Taking care of yourself is essential for staying resilient and maintaining effectiveness in the long run.”

6. Campaign Messages

• Could you share a memorable quote or story from your experience that deeply resonates with you?

“One particularly memorable experience was stepping in to replace a quality manager on short notice for a two-month assignment at a nuclear plant. I had just one week for the handover, no prior experience in that field, and no way to contact them once they were onsite.

It was a challenging situation, but the assignment went remarkably well. I learned a great deal, and the client was extremely satisfied with my work. That experience gave me confidence in my ability to adapt quickly, even in completely unfamiliar environments.”

7. Quick and Fun Question

• Describe your work in three words.

“Organization / Initiative / Collaboration”

At Efor, we are proud to have colleagues like Amandine, who embody excellence, passion, and determination in environments still too often perceived as male dominated. Their journeys and commitment are a source of inspiration for everyone. This day is a reminder that equal opportunities and the promotion of female talent in engineering are at the heart of our priorities—today and every day. We will continue to support and encourage all those who want to thrive and help reshape the future of technical professions.