To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating the talented women helping to shape the future of KBS Maritime. We spoke with Senior Electrical Engineer Sarah Hedges about her career journey, what it’s like working in a fast-paced and highly technical environment, and the important role she plays in keeping operations safe and compliant across the Naval Base. From high-voltage systems to hazardous-area equipment, Sarah’s work is as varied as it is vital—offering a fascinating insight into the breadth of modern engineering and the opportunities it offers.
What does a typical day look like for you at KBS Maritime?
I am a Senior Electrical Engineer and a Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Responsible Person. A typical day for me is never really “typical”, and that’s exactly what I enjoy. My role sits within the Engineering, Assurance and Compliance team, so my day can involve anything from providing technical advice on electrical infrastructure, reviewing compliance documentation, supporting projects, or assessing maintenance activities. I might be out on site looking at switchgear, transformers or hazardous-area equipment, or I might be working with contractors, project managers and stakeholders to ensure safe operations. There is always a new challenge to solve, and no two days ever look the same.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love the variety and the constant mental stimulation. Every day brings something different, a new problem to solve, a new risk to assess, or a new piece of infrastructure to understand. I also enjoy being able to use my experience to support others, whether that’s giving engineering guidance, helping teams understand compliance requirements, or contributing to safer operations across the Naval Base. The sense of purpose and the continuous learning are what keep me motivated.
What’s something people might not realise about your role?
People often don’t realise how broad electrical engineering can be, especially in an environment like ours. My work isn’t just about “lights and sockets”, it spans high‑voltage systems, transformers, switchgear, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinery, hazardous‑area equipment, fuel installations, and complex infrastructure that keeps the site running safely. As the Responsible Person for Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres (DSEAR), I also assess and mitigate risks in environments where electrical engineering and safety legislation intersect. There’s a huge amount of unseen assurance work that goes into keeping operations safe and compliant.
What made you choose this career?
I wanted to do something different, something not typically expected of a woman, and electrical engineering stood out to me straight away. I’ve always enjoyed maths, science and problem‑solving, and I knew I wanted a career that was hands‑on, challenging and meaningful. Engineering is still a male‑dominated field, but the men I’ve worked with have always been incredibly supportive, willing to mentor me and share their knowledge. That support, combined with my own determination, has shaped my career and helped me grow into the engineer I am today.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve worked on?
It’s hard to choose just one because my career has been so varied. I’ve worked on everything from everyday electrical systems to high‑voltage equipment, underground services, hazardous‑area installations, and complex industrial machinery. Some of the most interesting work has been around chemical plants and fuel installations, where engineering, safety and legislation all come together. Those environments really test your knowledge and judgement, and that’s what makes them so rewarding.
If you had to describe your job in three words, what would they be?
Challenging. Varied. Rewarding.
What skills help you succeed in your role?
The skills that help me succeed in my role include the technical expertise I have developed over 17 years in electrical engineering, which provides a strong foundation for making informed decisions and delivering effective solutions. Strong analytical thinking is also essential, enabling me to solve complex problems and carry out thorough risk assessments.
Clear communication is another key skill, particularly when explaining technical issues to colleagues and stakeholders who do not have an engineering background. Attention to detail is critical for ensuring assurance, compliance, and the highest standards of safety and quality.
Adaptability is important because no two days are the same, and I need to respond effectively to new challenges and changing priorities. I also rely on calm and measured decision-making, especially when working in safety-critical environments where the consequences of decisions can be significant.
Finally, I am committed to continuous learning and professional development, building on the knowledge gained through my apprenticeship, HNC, Postgraduate Diploma, and master’s degree. These skills have developed over many years, and this is a role that continually evolves, you grow into it, gaining more capability and confidence with every day, week, month and year in the job.
Did you know…
Electrical engineering is one of a few careers where you can start your day descending into an underground tunnel like you’re entering a secret bunker, spend the afternoon clipped into a harness in a cherry picker like a stunt double, and finish the day walking through an explosive atmosphere zone with the calm of someone who’s read the plot twist already. And the electricity you’re dealing with…It travels so close to the speed of light that by the time you’ve blinked, it’s already blasted around the circuit, rolled its eyes, and is tapping its foot waiting for you to catch up. How cool is that!
Want to hear from more of our colleagues? Read more here
