Background and industry experience
Kiran rejoined MEC in February 2026 as a Senior Transport Planner, after previously being part of the company back in 2019. Kiran studied BA Geography at Coventry University, and has been working in Transport Planning for 8 years. Kiran mostly works with Local Councils and Private Consultancies.
In her spare time, Kiran enjoys relaxing with her family.
About me
What is your favourite holiday destination?
My favorite has been the Amalfi coast I would love to visit Asia i.e. Vietnam, Thailand.
What is your favourite film?
Shrek 2
What is your favourite thing to do at the weekend?
Resting
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Mac and Cheese
Women in Engineering
Tell us a little about your role.
I am a Senior Transport Planner with over eight years of experience working on a variety of development projects ranging from commercial to residential. My role involves assessing the transport impacts of new developments, preparing transport assessments and travel plans, and working closely with local authorities, developers, and multidisciplinary teams to create sustainable and efficient transport solutions. I enjoy helping shape places that are accessible, safe, and well-connected for communities.
What first inspired you to do engineering?
Although I’m not technically an engineer, I was drawn to the field of transport planning as I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving and understanding how things work. What particularly appealed to me was the opportunity to make a tangible impact on people’s everyday lives. Transport planning combines technical analysis with real-world outcomes, allowing me to contribute to projects that improve connectivity, sustainability, and the way people move around their communities.
How do you feel about being a woman in your field of engineering?
I’m proud to be a woman in the engineering field. While the industry has traditionally been male-dominated, I’ve seen positive progress in recent years including more diversity in not only gender but race. Diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and more innovative solutions, so it’s encouraging to see more women entering and succeeding in engineering and transport-related careers.
What’s been the most challenging part about being a female engineer so far?
One of the biggest challenges has been occasionally being one of the few brown women in technical meetings or project teams. I’m yet to meet others like myself in these roles. Early in my career, that could sometimes feel intimidating. However, those experiences helped me build confidence, strengthen my communication skills, and demonstrate my expertise through the quality of my work. Over time, I’ve learned the importance of speaking up and trusting my knowledge and experience.
Have your views on gender changed in the workplace since entering engineering?
Yes, to some extent. When I first entered the profession, I was very aware of the gender and diversity imbalance. As my career has progressed, I’ve seen more organisations actively promote diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. While there is still A LOT of work to do across the industry, I’ve become increasingly optimistic about the direction engineering is moving and the opportunities available to future generations.
Would you encourage other women to consider roles in engineering?
Yes, I would as engineering offers a huge range of career paths, opportunities for progression, and the chance to make a real difference. It’s a rewarding profession that values creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. I would encourage women not to be put off by outdated stereotypes nor prejudices and to pursue engineering if it interests them. The industry benefits from diverse talent and perspectives.
What’s ahead for your career plans?
I’m focused on continuing to develop my technical expertise and leadership skills within transport planning. I’d like to take on increasingly complex projects, continue mentoring junior colleagues, and contribute to shaping sustainable transport solutions that support future communities. Long term, I hope to continue progressing into more senior leadership positions while helping encourage greater diversity within the profession.
Contact: kiran.kaur@m-ec.co.uk