A Curiosity-Driven Journey Across Engineering Fields

From telecommunications to defense and now rail, Dominique Albonico has built a career driven by curiosity and impact. As Director of Engineering at Hitachi Rail in France, she shares how engineering can shape a more sustainable and connected world, the importance of role models, and why women should confidently pursue careers in this field.

A Curiosity-Driven Journey Across Engineering Fields

Dominique Albonico is currently Director of Engineering at Hitachi Rail in France. Her career path reflects a constant desire to learn and explore new frontiers.

She began her journey in telecommunications, working first on radio systems and later on fixed networks, before moving into the defense sector. In that role, she contributed to the development of sonar systems for submarines, surface vessels and torpedoes. More recently, she joined the rail industry, bringing her expertise to a sector that plays a key role in shaping sustainable mobility.

“Curiosity has always guided me,” she explains. “I enjoy learning and understanding how things work, but above all, I find meaning in seeing the real-world impact of what we build.”

Engineering that connects and transforms society

For Dominique, engineering is far more than a technical discipline - it is a powerful driver of transformation. 

In the railway sector, this impact is particularly tangible: connecting territories, improving passengers’ daily journeys, and contributing to more sustainable ways of moving people. 

These ambitions are closely aligned with Hitachi Rail’s values, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand to deliver smarter mobility solutions.

The importance of role models

Dominique’s decision to pursue a scientific career was strongly influenced by a very personal role model.

Her mother, a renowned scientist and pioneer in signal processing, played a key role in shaping her path. Today, her contribution is being recognized alongside 71 other women scientists whose names will soon be engraved on the Eiffel Tower.

“This recognition is a powerful symbol,” Dominique notes. “It highlights the essential role women play in science and engineering —  and the importance of making these contributions visible.”

Changing perspectives over time

Starting her career before the 2000s, Dominique recalls a time when expectations around work-life balance could be questioned.

“At the time, I received comments about my pace of work or my family life,” she says. “But I chose to stay focused on what mattered to me.”

Today, she sees a positive evolution: greater respect for individual choices and more inclusive working environments.

A message to the next generation of engineers

Her message to young women considering engineering is clear: go for it.

“Engineering is an incredible field. It offers endless opportunities to learn, grow and step outside your comfort zone,” she says.

It is also a field where individuals can contribute concretely to society, from improving transport systems to building a more sustainable future.

The power of teamwork

What Dominique values most in her role today is teamwork.

“In engineering, nothing is achieved alone. Success comes from combining different skills and perspectives,” she explains.

Creating the right environment for teams to thrive is a key part of her leadership approach. Supporting people, enabling collaboration and helping individuals reach their full potential are central to delivering successful projects and meeting commitments to clients.

Engineering as a space to thrive

Engineering offers a vast range of career paths and opportunities for everyone.

For those who enjoy continuous learning, embracing challenges and contributing to tangible outcomes, it provides a unique and fulfilling environment.

As Dominique concludes:
“Engineering allows you to take part in projects that truly transform our daily lives. It’s not just a career. It’s a space where you can grow, contribute and make a difference.”