Women in Engineering keep our world moving: Meet Victoria Mattingly

It was a high school physics teacher who told Victoria Mattingly she had a knack for science that encouraged her to consider Electrical Engineering. In many cases, it only takes a push from a mentor or a spark inside oneself that leads in an exciting new direction.

“Value creation for Textron Aviation and our customers begins with the talented team members, including many women, in our Engineering group and across our company,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources and Communications. “It’s these women and the important contributions they make on a daily basis that inspire the next generation of female leaders to join us as the innovators of tomorrow.”

Started by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) in the United Kingdom, recently celebrated International Women in Engineering Day is an international awareness campaign which raises the profile of women in Engineering and focuses attention on the amazing career opportunities available to women and girls in this exciting industry.

Victoria Mattingly – Senior Engineer, Avionics, Textron Aviation

Victoria’s experience in high school is a great example of the importance of encouragement and early exposure to the vast opportunities available in aviation.

“I was thinking about going into elementary education and he inspired me to reconsider,” Victoria said about her high school physics teacher.

Even though Victoria’s father was an Engineer with famed St. Louis aircraft company McDonnell Douglas, working in aerospace wasn’t naturally on her radar. She started her career as a Manufacturing Engineer in Paris, Texas, to test her skills, but the work-life balance was a strain. A friend encouraged her to apply at Textron Aviation and, 16 years later, she is right at home as a Senior Engineer working on avionics development for defense sector special mission aircraft.

Victoria is quick to compliment Textron Aviation on its commitment to diversity and for advancement across the corporation, particularly for women in Engineering. 

“There have always been opportunities for women who show they can do the work,” Victoria said. “You have to be able to do the job and if you do, you can get the job you want.”

However, Engineering within the educational system was not always welcoming to women. When she was completing her undergraduate degree at what is now Missouri University of Science and Technology, she said there were only three or so women in the program. Now, she’s pursing a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering at Kansas State University and the class has mostly women.

“I’m encouraged by that,” Victoria said. “Schools – high schools and colleges – are working hard to encourage more women to pursue STEM courses.”

Victoria said the upside for women who look to Engineering as a career is the growing demand, both for graduates in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and for more diverse workforces which have proven to be beneficial for companies and workers alike.

“I say ‘go for it,’” she said. “There is a lot more encouragement now for women to pursue STEM careers, but there can always be more.”

Join Victoria and other legendary employees by exploring opportunities at Textron Aviation careers.