International Women’s Day – Christine Miska

International Women’s Day 2022

International Women’s Day (IWD), celebrated annually on 8th March, is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women all around the world. International women’s day has been celebrated for well over a century, with the first one starting in 1911.

This day is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, and share stories of inspiring women.

Join us in celebrating just some of the inspirational women in our community and the empowering work they do for women everywhere.

Christine Miska

CEMA Business Area Engineering Director, BAE Systems

Christine started her engineering journey while studying for her Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, followed by a Master’s degree from Syracuse University. She is a Program Manager Institute Certified Project Manager Professional and is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.

Christine is the proud founder and coach of the FIRST® Robotics Competition team 4905, and the Robotics Coordinator for the Ayer Shirley Regional School District, alongside serving on the Ayer Shirley Education Foundation board.

In her current job role, Christine leads all the engineering efforts within the CEMA business at BAE Systems, which develops next-generation threat detection, countermeasure, and attack solutions to provide customers with full-spectrum electronic warfare capabilities to enhance mission survivability. Her accomplishments throughout her time at BAE Systems have been recognised with seven bronze and three silver Chairman’s Awards.

”I am inspired every day by the people on my team. We value diverse ideas and leverage the expertise across our team to design and deliver ground-breaking technology.”

Where did your initial interest in STEM come from?

”I had the opportunity to help my dad with his work as an electrician when I was a kid. He is the best problem-solver I know. Spending time with him inspired my curiosity and passion for finding solutions to complex problems, which led me to become an electrical engineer.”

What is your current role?

”I am the engineering director for an incredible team of 800 engineers at BAE Systems who design and deliver life-saving technologies that protect our military service members. I am also the founder and a coach of Andromeda One FIRST Robotics Competition Team 4905, a high school robotics team. Currently, I am also the Robotics Coordinator for the Ayer Shirley Regional School District which runs robotics teams from grades two through 12.”

Tell us a bit about your background and how you ended up in this role

”I received my bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where my daughter is currently in her junior year pursuing her Chemical Engineering degree too. Upon graduation, I began working at my company where they paid for my master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Syracuse University. Over my career I have had the opportunity to work on radar systems, communication systems, electronic warfare systems, infrared systems and sonar systems. My experience and training led me to my current engineering director role.”

What is your favourite thing about working in STEM? 

”I love working on challenging advanced technologies with a very important purpose. My job is never boring. It is inspiring to know that the systems I work on keep our war fighters safe.”

What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in STEM?

”Not only is STEM a lot of fun, it is a high paying career where women are in high demand. An engineering career gives me the job flexibility to balance my work, my family and my volunteer work. If you don’t know much about STEM careers, reach out to an engineer like me and learn more about the opportunities that are waiting for you.”

What is the most important piece of advice you have been given?

”It is important to get out of your comfort zone to grow and achieve great things. Be bold and try new things!”

Who or what inspires you?

”I am inspired every day by the people on my team. We value diverse ideas and leverage the expertise across our team to design and deliver ground-breaking technology.”

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