Caz’s fascination with numbers, solving complex challenges, and asking thought-provoking questions began at a young age. This curiosity deepened after being gifted the Commodore 64 computer for Christmas one year, opening up a world of possibilities. “Then I found the Zzap64! Magazine to go with it – which introduced me to programming. I used to copy the code in the magazine and produce basic games,” she recalls.
This early experience laid the foundation for what would turn into her career. Eager to tackle challenges and dream big, Caz aspired to work in the space or technology industry, where her love of maths and science could truly shine, or so she thought. At just 17, this aspiration took on a new life when she began serving as a reservist with the British Armed Forces for an exciting six-month stint on the bomb disposal team. It was during her medical exam that she discovered that her eyesight did not meet the required standards. Despite this disheartening setback, she was determined to break into the defence industry, one way or another.
It was when she least expected it that someone from a defence organisation introduced her to what her career could be: “They were looking for female engineers to sponsor, and I applied because it sounded like an exciting opportunity,” she says.
Caz joined their avionics team where she balanced hands-on, part-time work with her studies in software engineering at the University of Kent. Her confidence grew as she worked across a full spectrum of engineering and software programming for a jet prototype. As one of the few females enrolled in her undergraduate program, she was driven, resilient, and worked hard to make her mark. Reflecting on this time, she shares, “I hope others don’t shy away from male-dominated sectors – you can do anything you put your mind to.”
After completing her degree, Caz transitioned to a full-time role as a software systems engineer. A decade in the defence and avionics industry later, she was ready for her next challenge.
In 2008, she was introduced to General Dynamics UK under unique circumstances. At the time, her husband was working as an engineer, and when the recruitment team caught wind his wife was also a software engineer, “the rest was history.”
Caz joined our Mission Systems team supporting software systems as a senior systems engineer for datalinks. Subsequently, she was assigned to our Land Systems team where she worked on the AJAX programme.
Since joining General Dynamics, Caz has moved up the ladder and is now back with our Mission Systems team as the lead engineer supporting the Typhoon programme in Hastings. Her expertise is highly valued, and now, her role is defined by creative problem-solving with a focus on cutting-edge technology.
The opportunity to travel to Spain is a big highlight for Caz, sharing how meeting with the customer one-on-one is crucial to a programme’s ongoing success: “It helps develop trust and strengthen our relationship.”
Creating connections, technology, and more, Caz coordinates with multiple teams and oversees each cycle of the project. Through these efforts, she has the opportunity to mentor the next generation as a line manager: “They come in absolutely fresh into the business, and then they really grow into their roles and do well,” she says, “I really enjoy the team environment.”
Caz’s big heart and commitment to giving back extends beyond her role. As a certified Mental Health First Aider, she supports her colleagues in times they need it most. “I think I am a really easy person to talk to,” she says, “it is always a great feeling being there for someone who needs me.” She balances her passion for helping others and building meaningful connections with activities that bring her joy and keep her grounded.
The pandemic brought its share of challenges, but Caz found an unexpected way to cope with all of the uncertainty: running. “It’s funny, I never actually liked running in school,” she says, “but I find it is a great way of de-stressing.” Through sweat and determination, and the occasional runner’s high, she grew to love it. In 2020, she decided to sign-up for the virtual 5K Canada Army Run with her international colleagues. That experience sparked a new sense of pride, as she realised she could not only push her own limits, but, she could support local communities and causes that truly mattered to her.
Two years later, on a whim, Caz entered the ballot for her first ever marathon in London. “I thought ‘why not?’” As she got closer to the day of the race and embraced the adrenaline that came with it, it proved to all be worth it after she raised over £1,700 for the Alzheimer’s Society in honour of her Dad, who tragically passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2022. Inspired by the joy of giving back, Caz went one step further and ran in the Great North Run in 2023 for the British Heart Foundation, raising £700 in honour of her father-in-law. “I really found something I love doing,” she says.
Her philanthropic spirit is driving her once again to the London Marathon where she’ll be cheered on by loved ones as she supports and raises funds for Demelza, a local children’s hospice.