Imisi Joseph (EEE BEng 2015) is a Senior Data Analyst and Chartered Engineer at JLR.
In 2025, she was named among the Women’s Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering; in 2026, she won a TechWomen100 award.
We caught up with Imisi about the work behind those honours, the people who have helped her along the way, and what she thinks about her time at Imperial eleven years on.
After graduating from Imperial, Imisi completed an MSc in Energy and Power Engineering at Warwick and joined JLR’s graduate scheme. Her early work included developing simulations for future vehicle features and working on propulsion software for plug-in hybrids. Today, she leads data-driven analysis that enables engineering teams to diagnose root causes faster and resolve issues proactively before they reach customers. Her work includes leading data acquisition for Elysia, battery intelligence software for the next generation of electric vehicles, starting with Range Rover Electric.
A question worth investigating
When an engine component failed in one of JLR’s vehicles, its supplier proposed an explanation. The engineers and managers had questions about it, and asked Imisi whether vehicle data could help them investigate.
“I produced a report summarising my findings and presented it to senior management. It disproved the hypothesis, saved £500k in warranty costs and earned me formal recognition for my hard work.”
For Imisi, the result was also personal. “It was the moment I really grasped how powerful data can be and it confirmed my decision to pivot into the data analytics space and explore it further.”
Recognition in engineering and technology
Imisi sees her two honours as marking different parts of her career. “WES Top 50 Women in Engineering was my first award, and it felt like a full-circle moment. I looked up to its previous and current winners from the very start of my career, so joining them meant a huge amount.”
“TechWomen100 means I’m now recognised in the tech world as well as engineering, which shows that pivoting into the data space was worth it. It also reminded me to have confidence in my abilities and to be persistent: I applied unsuccessfully in 2024, didn’t apply in 2025, and won in 2026.”
Both honours matter to her for another reason. “I’m honoured that both awards recognise my work achievements and my contribution to others, because I believe giving back is just as important.”
What has stayed from Imperial
In her first EEE profile, Imisi said her time here had given her the confidence to approach colleagues and senior managers, ask questions and learn unfamiliar software. Looking back eleven years after graduating, she still talks about curiosity and relationships, but now she can see where they have taken her.
As a student, Imisi was a year representative and Welfare Officer in the African-Caribbean Society. She spoke about the support of her senior tutor, Esther Perea, and the friends she made at Imperial.
“What has stayed with me is the power of building relationships and staying curious. At university, I made friends I’m still close to today and that taught me early on that the connections you make matter.”
She sees that lesson in her work now. “In my current role, I rely on that every day: asking questions, trusting my instincts and really listening to what people need. Moving into a brand-new data analytics department, with a new team and new management, took me out of my comfort zone but it has paid off and I’ve enjoyed every minute.”
Some of the people she has met along the way have become mentors. They also encouraged her to apply for the awards. In her original EEE profile, Imisi said she hoped to become a Chartered Engineer. Today, she is one.
Seeing yourself in engineering
Imisi continues to encourage young people into STEM through school activities and career talks. She also uses data to support JLR’s Race, Ethnicity and Cultural Heritage network.
“Representation is priceless. I know first-hand how it feels to see someone who looks like you achieving amazing things in your industry. It motivates you even further in your own career. The pride I feel when I inspire young people is unmatched and I see it as the least I can do to give someone else that same feeling.”
For EEE students who are unsure where their degree might lead, her advice is to stay open to new directions.
“It’s okay not to know what you want to do. That’s the beauty of a career in engineering: the variety means there’s so much you can do. Don’t be scared to try something new, because you never know where it could take you. Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
She has similar advice for women who doubt whether their achievements merit recognition.
“I put off applying for the award for years because I felt I wasn’t as good as the other applicants or hadn’t done enough. You are more than enough.”
Looking ahead
Imisi now wants to deepen her work with AI, ideally in a role where she can work directly with customers to solve problems through data. She is particularly interested in helping organisations use AI confidently and responsibly, with the right governance in place.
“I thrive on combining my data expertise with engaging stakeholders, so they feel empowered to make data-driven decisions. I want to be a trusted advisor who helps organisations see the value of AI.”
We first featured Imisi during her early career at JLR, when she was working as a CAE Tools and Simulation Engineer for hybrid and electric vehicles. She spoke about life at EEE, her first engineering roles and her ambition to become a Chartered Engineer.
Imisi Joseph graduated with a BEng in 2015, and is currently working at Jaguar Land Rover as a CAE Tools and Simulation Engineer for Hybrid and Electric vehicles. While at Imperial she was actively involved in student life as a year rep in the EEE department, and as Welfare Officer in the Afro-Caribbean Society. Imisi played 1st team women's football, and volunteered as a maths and science teacher at a Saturday school. She was featured in Future Leaders magazine, which annually celebrates 100 of the UK’s Most Outstanding Black students.
Why did you choose Imperial as the place to follow your interest in STEM subjects? Imperial is consistently listed in not only the top 10 universities in UK but among the top 20 universities in the world for STEM subjects. With incredible research and excellent networks with companies, I relished the opportunity to pursue my career in such a prestigious university.
How did you find life at Imperial as a woman? Having previously been made aware that few women are represented in engineering especially in Electrical and Electronic, I was glad to see a significant number of women in my year. I had no experiences of prejudice because of my gender and was encouraged to see several women occupying senior roles within the department.
What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out? The importance of networking. Imperial are excellent at supporting career planning, such as holding careers fairs and lunchtime talks from various industries. I was able to improve my networking skills and gain key contacts in the process. I also learnt there’s a time for everything. A time to study hard and a time to enjoy life outside of Imperial! It’s all about getting the right balance.
Who inspired you at Imperial and why? My senior tutor Esther Perea who helped me overcome the difficult periods during my time at Imperial and motivated me to continue working hard on both my academics and activities outside of Imperial. Esther always had her door open for all to come and talk and for that I will be forever grateful.
What is your fondest memory of your time here? Meeting people from all over the world! Imperial is a very diverse university, so it was great to meet with so many people from different cultures. I also thoroughly enjoyed being part of the African-Caribbean society (ACS) in which I participated in and assisted organising the annual variety show in 2014. Without a doubt, I have made lifelong friends from my time at Imperial.
Please tell us about the work you’re doing now. After graduating with a MSc in Energy and Power Engineering, I completed a 2-year graduate scheme at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), where I underwent various placements around the business to strengthen my skills in various areas, as well as understand different departments. My role involves creating or updating existing tools to assist with solving issues in the vehicle or supporting calibration engineers by using various software.
How has what you learnt in the Department helped you in your career so far? I am confident in approaching people, from colleagues to senior managers. I am assertive and not afraid to ask questions to ensure I fully understand the task and deliver it to the best of my ability. Moreover, I can learn new software quickly and efficiently.
What have been your career highlights and challenges? Highlights of my career include working on calibrating various functions for Jaguar’s first electric vehicle the I-Pace and seeing the many awards the vehicle has won including the prestigious World Car Of The Year (WCOTY) award. I also thoroughly enjoyed working with the Jaguar Public Relations (PR) team, supporting the Jaguar F-Type shoots and events with the Jaguar I-Pace - it was great fun! Challenges also included the Jaguar I-Pace – with it being our first electric vehicle, there were times pressure amounted to solve various issues in a timely manner. It was important at this time to be flexible and honest with the work I was doing.
What are your career plans for the future? I aim to become a Chartered Engineer and utilise the skills and knowledge I have gained from JLR to an engineering consulting role, where I endeavour to work with companies to assist with the challenge in reducing the emissions through electrification of vehicles and seeking new technologies. I also endeavour to continue being a STEM Ambassador, supporting and encouraging young women into STEM through supporting events and providing talks in schools both nationally and internationally.
What advice would you give to women students starting a career in the sector, or girls who are thinking about studying STEM? To start building networks! Attend as many events that you can in which you can gain contacts and be inspired.
What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumnus? Being part of a community seeking to challenge the norms and find innovative solutions to improve the world we live in.
What one word or phrase would you use to describe Imperial alumni? An honour!