Saima Imroz has carved out a dynamic career in the automotive industry for herself. A mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Windsor, she currently contributes to camera system development and integration for Ford, including future releases and the Ford Bronco. Her journey highlights the importance of engagement, continuous learning, and unwavering confidence in a male-dominated field.
It’s been a decade since Imroz won a Future Aces scholarship.
“I’m very grateful for the scholarship because it empowered me to achieve my academic and career aspirations,” she says. It wasn’t just financial support, “it was validation in my leadership capabilities,” she emphasizes.
Imroz’s interest in mechanical engineering and robotics began in high school, influenced by her bond with her father over cars. During her time at the University of Windsor, which boasts a high percentage of women in its engineering program, Imroz actively engaged with various clubs. This involvement not only helped her network with other female students and professors but also led to a leadership role as Vice President of Social Events at Women in Engineering, where she organized events with guest speakers offering advice to women in the field. These experiences provided a crucial support system and helped her gain allies within the program.
Beyond her involvement in clubs, Imroz dedicated herself to extensive undergraduate research under multiple professors at an undergraduate level. This was not very common, especially at her university. She explored diverse areas of engineering.
“I tried to expose myself to various areas. I did my best to try and figure out what I liked, and it ended up drawing me to the field of automotive.”
Following graduation, she accepted a position at Ford. She started in the brake department, as a design release engineer, where her work involved designing brake pedals. She has since transitioned within the company and is now involved in camera system development and integration.
Driven by a desire to continuously learn and grow, Imroz always seeks positions where she isn’t “the smartest person in the room”. She credits her supervisor at Ford for helping her acquire new technical and soft skills, fostering an environment where she could branch out and avoid stagnation. “I didn’t want to do just one thing and be good at that one thing. Being able to branch out was important to me,” she says.
She is passionate about working on different vehicle components and deeply appreciates the intricate effort behind producing a fully functional vehicle. A particularly proud moment for Imroz was contributing to the Ford Bronco’s launch, a highly anticipated media event.
As she continues to contribute to cutting-edge vehicle technology, Imroz stands as an example for aspiring engineers and leaders, demonstrating that perseverance and a desire for knowledge can unlock boundless opportunities. And along the way, a scholarship from Future Aces played a part in elevating her to strive to even greater heights.