Discover how women engineers are powering the transition to a sustainable energy future.
In this Meet a Woman Engineer episode, we catch up with Chisomnazu Umeh, PMP, Msc, MIET, AMEI.
Name: Chisomnazu Umeh
Position: Commissioning Support Engineer
Company: SSEN Transmission
Meet a Woman Engineer – Chisomnazu Umeh
From commissioning complex power systems to inspiring the next generation of engineers, Chisomnazu Umeh is helping shape the future of energy. As a Commissioning Support Engineer at SSEN Transmission, she delivers high-quality, safety-focused projects that support the transition to a net-zero future.
From curiosity to commissioning
Chisomnazu knew from an early age that she wanted to be an engineer. Drawn more to science than the arts, she discovered during secondary school a strong passion for creativity and problem-solving.
Today, she works as a Commissioning Support Engineer at SSEN Transmission, the electricity distribution network operator responsible for delivering power to more than 3.9 million homes and businesses across central southern England and the north of Scotland.
While her core focus is supporting commissioning activities and ensuring compliance with internal and external standards, no two days are ever the same. Her work ranges from developing commissioning plans to chairing panel meetings and keeping projects running safely and efficiently.
Charting a path through energy engineering
Chisomnazu’s academic journey began with a degree in Chemical Engineering, graduating with a 2:1. During her early work experience, she became increasingly aware of the challenges facing the energy sector and recognised the need to specialise further. This realisation led her to pursue a master’s in Energy Engineering, graduating with distinction – a step that allowed her to contribute to the collective effort towards achieving net zero.
Her career began at SSE Renewables, where she joined as a Graduate Engineer and undertook placements in Development, Delivery (Construction and Commissioning), Engineering, and Control and Instrumentation. This structured experience provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector and prepared her for her current position at SSEN Transmission.
Championing the engineering community
Beyond her day-to-day engineering work, Chisomnazu is deeply committed to the professional community. She is PMP certified, is pursuing her Engineering Chartership with the IET, and holds memberships with WES, AFBE-UK, and the Energy Institute, where she serves as Vice Chair of the Young Professionals Network for the West Midlands.
She also actively participates in STEM outreach initiatives, such as career fairs, to inspire young people to pursue education and careers in science and engineering.
When asked what message she would give to young women considering a career in engineering, she said:
“Go for it girl! You can do it, the world needs you, we are the architects of change. Be curious, determined, creative and a problem solver.”
That’s a wrap
That’s a wrap on today’s episode – Meet a Woman Engineer – Chisomnazu Umeh. Huge thanks to Chisomnazu for sharing her journey, insights, and encouragement for the next generation of engineers.
If this left you wanting more, you can view our entire Meet a Woman Engineer series.
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