Arlene McConnell

1981-

Electrical Engineer

From Glasgow, Arlene is based in Edinburgh as a Principal Engineer at SELEXGalileo, specialising in Radar and Advanced Targeting Systems. She graduated from Glasgow University with a first class honours in Electronics and Electrical Engineering, and also holds an HND in Automotive Engineering.

Prior to gaining her position at SELEXGalileo, McConnell served with the Royal Air Force overseas as a Regiment Gunner.

In the past she has played many different sports including Hockey, Swimming, Volleyball & Netball, all representing the Army Cadet force either at unit, regional or national level. Arlene holds a Black belt in Shoto Kan Karate and has studied other martial arts including Jeet Kune Do and Kick Boxing. Arelene is a member of the Royal High Women's RFC, and also a coach for Broughton Women's RFC.

Arlene has worked on various projects, including laboratory test and integration of a surveillance RADAR, laser reliability test design, and modelling and interface definition for the Raven ES05 Radar, which will be installed in Saab's Gripen Next Generation Fighter Aircraft.

The challenging and innovative nature of this work, combined with her passion for engineering and sharing it with others, led to Arlene’s recognition as the 2010/2011 IET Young Woman Engineer of the Year and her selection for the Young Academy of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Arlene often gives talks in front of a great variety of people, from IET professionals to primary school kids.

To make your own nomination download the nomination form here