To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we’re proud to feature one of Terex’s rising stars, Dara McGilligan, Apprentice Design Engineer with Green-Tec. From her start as a manufacturing apprentice to her current role shaping innovation within Green-Tec, Dara is an example of how ambition, support, and talent can open rewarding career paths at Terex.

A huge thank you to Dara for sharing her journey and insights with us!

How long have you worked with Terex? Can you provide us with your career/educational pathway to date?

I’ve been with Terex for almost three years. I started at 18, joining as a degree apprentice in Manufacturing Engineering. Over the first two years, I built a solid foundation in process design, production support, design for manufacturability, continuous improvement, equipment selection, data analysis and collaboration across teams. More recently, I transitioned into Design Engineering with the Green-Tec team, a new brand established by Terex to make equipment for tree care and vegetation management. This role has enabled me to be hands-on with prototype building and advancing my CAD skills. With just one year left in my degree, I look forward to seeing how my career progresses within Green-Tec.

What attracted you to Terex?

Growing up in the countryside, I always had an interest in large scale machinery, thinking how someone could design a harvester and then manufacture it to perform to its intended purpose. Terex Campsie’s focus on materials processing equipment for construction and recycling made it the perfect place to experience that process firsthand.

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Like many young people, my career choice was constantly changing. But what drew me to engineering was the satisfaction of creating real-life solutions. I loved the idea that my work could make a difference and with such a wide field, I knew I’d always have room to grow.

Have you had any role models or mentors who guided you along the way?

Throughout my career so far, I have had a lot of support from my colleagues, helping me meet deadlines or suggest projects that would improve my portfolio. As a young team member at Terex, it is encouraging to be surrounded by colleagues who are genuinely invested in my development.

How has Terex supported your professional growth?

My degree is in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, and I chose to split my time between both disciplines. I hope to move into sales in the future, and having practical experience in both manufacturing and design gives me a strong foundation. I’ve had encouragement from senior team members to follow that path, which is really motivating.

How do you enjoy working for the new Green-Tec brand?

Working for a new Terex brand feels refreshing. There’s so much opportunity to learn and contribute, especially in a team full of experienced engineers who are always willing to share their knowledge.

What new experiences has Green-Tec brought to your career?

Switching from construction and recycling machinery to vegetation and tree care solutions has broadened my knowledge and understanding. Being part of the engineering process for the CT5 (new chipper machine) feels so rewarding and makes me excited for what the next project will be.

Is there a project or goal you're particularly proud of right now?

With one year left in my degree, I’m preparing for my final year project. I’m really excited to design something that could have a real-world application and solve an existing problem. It’ll be a chance to tie together everything I’ve learned so far.

What advice would you give to young women considering engineering?

Don’t let the male-dominated aspect hold you back. If you’re willing to learn, your colleagues, regardless of gender, will support you. There’s space for everyone in engineering.

How can the industry better encourage more women to enter engineering?

We need to celebrate achievements and encourage women to grow into leadership roles. Schools should be engaging in STEM programmes early on, so girls can form their own ambitions without being told they can’t — challenge the stereotypes!

What excites you most about your work?

What excites me the most about my job is that the opportunities are endless. By the time I graduate from university, I will have four years of hands-on experience and a full-time job. At such a young age I can chose whatever I want to do, whether that is moving into a different engineering field or working abroad. I feel valued, which motivates me to give even more.

Can you share a fun or unexpected aspect of working in engineering that people might not realise?

Engineering roles can take you all over the world for trade shows and product research. That global aspect was a big selling point for me, it’s one of the things I’m most excited to explore in my future career.