Dareen Awwad, Regional Support Engineer at Beckhoff Automation, shares her engineering journey.

Dareen Awwad
Regional Support Engineer
Beckhoff Automation LLC

What drew you to engineering?

My journey in engineering began well before my formal education in Applied Physics and Mathematics. It was rooted in my childhood in Palestine, inspired by my father’s hands-on approach to problem-solving. He was not just a self-taught engineer but also a practical teacher. He often involved me in fixing household electronics and crafting battery-powered toy cars for our family races.

In school, when my peers had store-bought robotic cars, my family couldn’t afford one. Instead, my father crafted a wooden car body, equipped it with batteries, and we built our own remote-controlled car from scratch. This early experience ignited my passion for engineering. I continued to learn by watching my brothers repair laptops and old consoles, delving into home electronics with my father and exploring experimental physics through my dad’s library.

My fascination with mathematics was nurtured by my mother, a mathematics competition winner, who would create equations for me to solve – for fun! This early love for problem-solving and technology led me to become the president of my college’s physics club, where I taught 3D design and printing using AutoCAD and maintained 3D printers.

Professionally, I joined Beckhoff Automation, where I found a perfect blend of my interests and continued to expand my knowledge in automation. Working closely with customers to troubleshoot their applications, I discovered a deep satisfaction in solving complex problems. My career has been a fulfilling journey that merges early inspirations with professional growth in the engineering field.

What is the most satisfying aspect of being an engineer?

The most satisfying part of being an engineer is the endless learning and the thrill of solving real problems for customers. Engineering is always changing, which means there’s always something new to discover and master. But what really drives me is the chance to tackle challenges head-on and come up with solutions that make a difference in people’s lives. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the impact of your work and know you’ve made someone’s day a little easier.

Have you benefitted from mentoring or mentorship?

When I first started working with Beckhoff technologies, the entire support department acted as my mentor, and that experience was incredibly valuable. What I love about working at Beckhoff is the collaborative spirit; everyone is eager to help each other out. It’s a culture where mentorship and support are woven into the fabric of our daily work.

I’ve also had the pleasure of helping others and answering interns’ questions about career growth and my experiences at Beckhoff. It’s been equally rewarding to share my knowledge and support their development. Giving back and continuing the cycle of support and encouragement that I received early in my career is truly fulfilling.

How does the culture at your company make it inclusive or supportive of diversity?

At Beckhoff, we really focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. The company is committed to encouraging diversity, especially in engineering fields, through programs like the Talent Development Program, career fairs and internships. We’re always looking to bring in fresh perspectives and support individuals from all kinds of backgrounds, including women. It’s great to be part of a company that genuinely values diversity and works to make engineering and automation more accessible to everyone.

Describe your involvement in a project that went well.

One of the standout technologies I was involved in was the support of TwinCAT 3.1 Build 4026. As a core team member, I played a key role in helping both internal teams and customers with the transition to this new version. My work focused on troubleshooting and guiding the migration process, ensuring a smooth shift to TwinCAT 4026. It was incredibly rewarding to see the successful adoption of this technology, knowing that my contributions helped streamline the transition and improve overall user experience.

Any career or engineering challenges along the way?

My biggest career challenge so far has been navigating the vast array of products we work with at Beckhoff. With so many different technologies and solutions, it’s impossible to know everything. I learned early on that it’s crucial to recognize when you need help and to know who to turn to for guidance. By leveraging the expertise of my colleagues and building a strong network within the company, I was able to effectively overcome this challenge. The key lesson I’ve learned is that collaboration and knowing how to seek support are essential for tackling complex problems and achieving success in a dynamic field like engineering.

What strengths do you think diverse teams bring to engineering or design projects?

As a Middle Eastern woman in the engineering field, I’ve seen firsthand the strengths that diverse teams bring to the table. Our varied backgrounds and perspectives foster creativity and drive innovation in ways that homogeneous teams might not. When people from different experiences come together, we’re able to tackle problems from multiple angles and uncover solutions that might not be immediately obvious. This diversity also helps us better understand and meet the needs of a wider range of users. For me, being part of such a diverse team not only enriches the problem-solving process but also highlights the value of different viewpoints in creating more effective and inclusive solutions.

How do diverse educational backgrounds advance the field of engineering?

Diverse educational backgrounds significantly advance the field of engineering by bringing a range of perspectives and problem-solving approaches. For instance, someone with a background in arts and humanities might offer unique insights into user experience and design, while those from a more traditional engineering background provide technical expertise. This blend of skills and viewpoints can lead to innovative solutions and more holistic approaches to complex problems. By integrating diverse knowledge and methodologies, we can tackle engineering challenges in new and more effective ways.

I particularly admire robotics specialists. Their ability to integrate complex technologies and create cutting-edge solutions is truly inspiring. Their work pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and drives significant advancements in the field.

If you had unlimited time to apply your engineering background, what global challenges would you tackle?

Every day, I am profoundly inspired by the extraordinary resourcefulness of children living in conflict zones. Despite enduring the harsh realities of war, young innovators demonstrate a remarkable ability to turn basic materials into life-improving solutions. They ingeniously generate electricity, filter water, charge their phones, create cooking stoves and even build games from seemingly nothing. Their creativity and resilience reveal the transformative power of engineering, especially in the face of adversity. If I had unlimited time to dedicate to my engineering background, I would focus on tackling global challenges with a special emphasis on improving the lives of civilians, particularly children, affected by conflict. My vision would be to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that provide safe living conditions and essential support in these dire situations. I would also strive to create ingenious engineering solutions from limited resources to enhance the quality of life. The opportunity to make a profound impact through such meaningful work is incredibly motivating and drives my passion for engineering.