Dawn Ohlson CEng FIET
Dawn Ohlson is the Technical Director for Northrop Grumman National Security Services with responsibility for the technical strategy and the leadership and development of capability of a multi-site engineering team.
She joined the then Racal Avionics as an engineer on graduation from Oxford. Dawn’s early career was spent working as both Hardware and Software Engineer, eventually becoming an accomplished Systems Engineer in the field of navigation systems.
Dawn recently became the youngest female IET Fellow; “For me, being recognised as a Fellow was an important milestone in my career. It is a recognition of achievement, and I definitely see it as a badge of honour.
This is most noticeable when meeting external customers and when working internationally. It is very well recognised.”
Recognition isn’t the only aspect of an IET Fellowship that Dawn feels is of value. With a passion for developing younger engineers that has led her to present the IET Faraday lecture to 14 to 16-year-olds, to transform graduate development at Thales and win the WISE excellence award for her work in promoting the role of Women in Science and Engineering.
“By giving back, I’m able to see the next generation flourish. Being an IET Fellow lends credibility, and lets those I work with to develop know they’re in safe hands.”