A headshot photo of Lucia Capogna. She is wearing a black top, an open beige blazer and has long brunette hair. The background is a plain wall.

Role: Cyber Security and Software Assurance Team Leader

Career Area: Systems Engineering

Location: Birmingham

My role at SYSTRA

As Team and Technical Leader for both software assurance and cyber security, my role involves providing advice and technical guidance to clients and internal stakeholders.

I also apply my expertise in software and cyber security within complex project and operational environments.

My responsibilities include establishing robust software security governance, enhancing and developing these disciplines within SYSTRA and representing the company at industry events and standardisation working groups such as The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC).

My career journey

I intentionally chose a career in software engineering/computer science and got my BSc in Computer Science Engineering. I developed a huge interest for system engineering and system thinking, and this led me to pursue a MSc in System Engineering (oriented to industrial automation systems).

My professional experience has further refined my skills in both software and automation systems across various industries, including oil and gas, defence, and rail. The rapid integration of digitalisation and new technologies into everyday life and industries has steered my career towards cyber security and associated risks. My education and work experiences, influenced by the ongoing digital evolution, have driven me to embrace and support software and cyber security.

We asked Lucia…
When did you realise this was the career path for you?

I think I first realised it in primary school, thanks to my dad. As a young girl, I believed my career options were limited, but he told me (at the age of seven) that if I wanted to achieve something, I just needed to work hard for it. So, I did it!

I’ve always been fascinated by new technologies and wanted to shape the future of this new technological world. That’s why I chose a career in the digital field. 

Have you got any words of wisdom for someone starting out in a similar role?

What really helped me was getting to know different disciplines and seeing how they connect and sometimes clash in system engineering. Instead of just focusing on finding a solution for a ‘local’ problem, I found in software engineering and cyber security that it’s more important to look at the bigger picture. But also, I suggest thinking about why you’re doing each task in your work environment or project, and try not to just go through the motions.

How does SYSTRA stand out from the rest as a great place to work?

SYSTRA’s values are excellent and align with my personal and professional principles. From my experience at SYSTRA to date, these values are deeply embedded in our projects and daily life of my colleagues, creating a truly inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and excellence. The company recognises individual contributions, whilst promoting and facilitating a collaborative approach and teamwork.

With such power in diversity, what unique perspective do you bring to the table?

I am deeply committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I actively support initiatives in the industry, such as Women in Rail (WiR) or Engineering for Deaf Awareness, to help create an inclusive environment where everyone’s voice is valued.

Additionally, I believe my background and technical experience enable me to bridge multiple disciplines and cultural backgrounds, improving innovation and excellence. 

Where is the place that has inspired you the most?

Definitely Rome! Rome is a city that offers a bit of everything, including excellent educational systems and one of Italy’s top universities. With its rich history and a remarkable engineering tradition that spans millennia, Rome stands as a ‘living’ example of enduring engineering solutions. I hope to carry the inspiration Rome has given me into my career and embed it in my professional experience. 

What does true sustainability really mean to you?

True sustainability, to me, means enhancing systems and engineering solutions without compromising the future of our planet and the wellbeing of future generations. In practice, our engineering solutions should positively impact the environment by protecting natural resources and considering their long-term effects on both the planet and society.

What would a green future look like?

I believe a green future is one where people instinctively adopt, design and build solutions for a healthier world. It’s a future where reusing and recycling have become second nature, helping to save resources and reduce waste.

How do you look after your wellbeing outside of work?

I make an effort to stay active and eat well, but the most crucial aspect of my wellbeing is maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal/family time. I use my personal and ‘me’ time to do things I truly enjoy, such as reading a book or taking a walk in nature.

If you could spend your lunchbreak with someone you really admire, who would you choose?

I would choose Ada Lovelace. I would love to time travel and have the opportunity to hear from her how she overcame societal expectations (impressive in the 19th century in my opinion!). It would be great to discuss how her work has influenced modern technology and contributed to contemporary society. I would also ask her what she thinks about modern society and our relationship with, and use of, technology? Is it what she envisioned?

If you had to pick, which mode of transport would you use for the rest of your life?

I’d choose my shoes because I absolutely love walking. However, as an engineer, I know that solutions should be feasible and practical. So, I’d rationally opt for sustainable public transportation systems.

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