As we celebrate World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development this Tuesday, 4th March, we at JAM are proud to highlight the remarkable contributions of engineers across various sectors who are literally shaping our sustainable future—the official theme of World Engineering Day 2025.
Established as an official UNESCO International Day in 2019, World Engineering Day recognises the crucial role engineers play in addressing global challenges and achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. As UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay noted, reducing inequalities in engineering is vital, especially considering that only 28% of engineering graduates worldwide are women.
At JAM, we're privileged to connect exceptional engineering talent with some of the UK's most innovative and critical projects—from cutting-edge motorsport to defence, nuclear power, and life-saving medical technologies. As Dr. Marlene Kanga, former President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, aptly stated, "If you want to change the world, become an engineer."
Racing Ahead in Automotive Engineering
The thrill of motorsport represents engineering excellence at its most dynamic, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable automotive design and performance. JAM has been instrumental in placing talented engineers at the heart of this exciting industry.
Our specialist recruiters have successfully placed engineers at prestigious organisations, including Williams, Red Bull F1, and Red Bull Advanced Technologies, where cutting-edge aerodynamics, sustainable fuels, materials science, and propulsion systems come together to create the fastest vehicles on the planet.
Beyond the racetrack, our expertise extends to iconic motorcycle manufacturers like Triumph Motorcycles and Royal Enfield, where engineering heritage meets modern and sustainable innovation. These placements demonstrate our deep understanding of the specialised skills required in the automotive sector, from precision manufacturing to advanced electronic systems.
Defending the Nation: Aerospace & Defence Engineering
In the aerospace and defence sector, JAM has been at the forefront of staffing mission-critical projects that safeguard national security while incorporating engineering practices that are environmentally sustainable and support the sector’s net-zero strategy.
Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
The Global Combat Air Programme is a groundbreaking international collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan to develop next-generation combat aircraft. This strategic partnership brings together BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) to deliver a cutting-edge combat air capability by 2035.
JAM has played a vital role in recruiting engineers for this programme, which demands expertise in advanced intelligent weapons systems, software-driven interactive cockpits, integrated sensors, and next-generation radar technology. The programme is using revolutionary digital engineering approaches, embracing AI and machine learning to ensure GCAP remains at the cutting edge of defence technology.
Type 26 Global Combat Ship
The Type 26 Global Combat Ship represents world-class anti-submarine warfare capabilities with global deployability. Engineers placed by JAM contribute to its flexible mission bay, advanced aviation facilities, and combat systems, ensuring these vessels can undertake roles from high-intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance.
The ship's design incorporates an acoustically quiet hull and takes full advantage of modular design and open systems architecture—engineering innovations that facilitate through-life support and upgrades as technology evolves.
Submarine Programmes
JAM has successfully recruited for several critical submarine programmes:
Astute Class: The largest and most advanced attack submarines ever built for the Royal Navy, featuring many technological firsts including the use of high-specification video technology instead of optical periscopes. At 97 metres long and weighing 7,400 tonnes, these engineering marvels can circumnavigate the globe submerged, producing their own oxygen and drinking water.
Dreadnought Class: These submarines will replace the Vanguard class as Britain's main nuclear deterrent. Incorporating the innovative Rolls-Royce PWR3 nuclear propulsion system, they feature ground-breaking X-rudders and the quietest Pumpjet propulsor yet developed—engineering achievements that significantly reduce acoustic signatures.
AUKUS Submarine Programme (SSN-A): Part of the defence and security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, this programme is developing conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines based on the UK's next-generation submarine design, incorporating technologies from all three nations.
Fighter Jets: The Tempest
The Tempest programme is developing the future of aerial combat capabilities through the Future Combat Air System. Our recruitment specialists have matched talented engineers with roles critical to this innovative programme, which features:
"Plug and play" capability allowing easy updates of software and hardware depending on mission requirements
Advanced scalable autonomy combining manned, unmanned, and optionally-manned platforms
Wearable cockpit technologies that replace physical dials with augmented and virtual reality displays
High-density power and propulsion systems using advanced composite materials and additive manufacturing
Battle-winning information advantage through highly-integrated sensors and communications systems
Land Vehicles
JAM has supplied engineering talent to Lockheed Martin's armoured vehicle division at their Ampthill site in Bedfordshire, which serves as a centre of excellence for armoured fighting vehicles and turret systems. One notable project is the AJAX programme, where Lockheed Martin UK is delivering 245 technology-leading turrets that significantly enhance the vehicles' ISTAR, survivability, and combat capabilities.
Powering the Future: Nuclear Engineering
Energy security and sustainable power generation are essential to the UK's future, and nuclear power remains a cornerstone of our energy strategy. JAM has the distinction of having placed talented engineers at every operational nuclear power station in the UK.
This achievement demonstrates our comprehensive understanding of the nuclear sector's stringent requirements, safety standards, and the specialised skill sets required across various stages of nuclear power generation, from design and construction to operations and maintenance.
Engineering Better Health: Medical Technology
Perhaps the most personally impactful area of engineering is in medical technology, where innovation directly improves and saves lives. JAM's recruitment expertise extends to this vital sector, where precision and reliability are paramount.
We've successfully placed engineers working on:
Dialysis machines: Life-sustaining devices that perform the essential functions of the kidneys for patients with kidney disease
Respiratory inhalers: Devices that millions rely on to manage conditions like asthma and COPD, requiring expertise in precise dosing and delivery mechanisms
Injector pens: Including insulin delivery systems and other medications that require precise dosing and user-friendly design
These seemingly small devices represent significant engineering challenges that require expertise in miniaturisation, reliability, and human factors design—all contributing to better health outcomes and quality of life for patients.
The Future of Engineering Talent
As we commemorate World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, we're reminded that behind every technological breakthrough are talented engineers whose skills, knowledge, and dedication drive progress toward a more sustainable future. At JAM, we're proud to play our part in connecting these exceptional individuals with the projects and companies where their expertise in sustainable engineering practices can make the greatest impact.
The engineering landscape continues to evolve, with increasing demand for interdisciplinary skills, sustainability expertise, and digital capabilities. Our commitment at JAM is to stay ahead of these trends, understanding not just what engineering skills are needed today, but what will be required tomorrow as we work together to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
If you're an engineering professional looking for your next opportunity or an organisation seeking exceptional engineering talent, contact JAM to discover how our specialist industry knowledge can help you achieve your goals.
Happy World Engineering Day from all of us at JAM!