Amy Smith was nominated by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.  She joined the Royal Navy in 2006 as an Aircraft Engineering Technician. She completed basic and technical aircraft training at HMS Raleigh & HMS Sultan and was initially assigned to 702 Squadron working on Lynx helicopters.

As the first Female Wildcat Flight Senior Maintenance Rating on 815 Naval Air Squadron, she has successfully applied her knowledge in real-world operational settings. During her deployment on HMS Lancaster she addressed critical engineering issues ensuring the aircraft remained serviceable for anti-piracy and anti-narcotic missions. Notably, she managed a Main Rotor Gearbox failure and coordinated a complex aircraft swap in Dubai, liaising with Defence Attachés, dockyard representatives, and RAF logistics to ensure seamless execution.

Amy places great emphasis on mentorship and professional development and has successfully developed a culture of continuous learning, encouraging her colleagues to enhance their skills and expand their engineering knowledge. She has passed her Admiralty Interview Board to become an Aircraft Engineering Officer and actively supports accreditation within the military. She has guided numerous individuals through the EngTech process, advocating for professional recognition and continued education. Amy is also passionate about promoting engineering as a career choice and frequently engages in outreach programs to inspire the next generation of engineers.

In her current role at the Joint Aircraft Recovery and Transportation Squadron, Amy leads Quality Assurance and Health & Safety for the unit. She ensures that risk assessments are conducted, incidents are reported and escalated appropriately, and safety procedures are continuously improved. Her meticulous approach to safety documentation has streamlined processes, directly benefiting operational efficiency.

Amy impressed the Judges with her technical knowledge, her commitment to the promotion of engineering and by her strong commitment to safety and accreditation which impacts the broader engineering community.

Amy was unable to attend the Company’s Awards Ceremony on 3rd June 2025, being on deployment in Japan, but will be presented with her award at a suitable on-board ceremony.

Originally established to recognise engineering excellence amongst those pursuing final year studies leading to academic qualifications for entry to the Engineering Council’s Incorporated Engineer grade, this Award was refocused in 2013 on those who achieved registration as Incorporated Engineer in the preceding calendar year. Named after the Late Livery member and Court Assistant Emeritus, The Baroness Platt of Writtle CBE FREng, in recognition of her work in support of the Engineering profession in general and Incorporated Engineers in particular, the Award was first made in 2002. The Engineers’ Company acknowledges the assistance of the Engineering Council and its partner Professional Engineering Institutions in selecting the winner.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) acknowledges excellence in engineering, supports engineering education and research, gives grants and assists in the relief of hardship and poverty.