International Women in Engineering Day: Meet Darcy Keates, Project Manager at Dunamis

To mark International Women in Engineering Day, we spoke to Project Manager Darcy Keates about her career progression at Dunamis, the opportunities available within the energy infrastructure sector, and the role she plays in delivering critical utility projects across the UK.

Can you tell us about your role at Dunamis?

I joined Dunamis in January 2024 and have since progressed into a Project Manager role. I specialise in overseeing the delivery of Dunamis’ High Voltage (HV) infrastructure projects across the UK, managing schemes ranging from 11kV to 33kV, alongside Low Voltage (LV) connections for both distribution network operators (DNOs) and private networks.

My responsibilities oversee the full project lifecycle, from design and planning through to construction, commissioning and handover. This includes coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing stakeholder relationships and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with programme requirements.

How has your career developed since joining Dunamis?

Dunamis has provided an environment where I have been able to build both my technical knowledge and project management capabilities. Working alongside experienced colleagues has accelerated my professional development and given me exposure to a diverse range of infrastructure projects.

The support and expertise within the business have enabled me to take on greater responsibility and progress into my current role managing complex projects across the energy sector.

What makes the energy and utilities sector an attractive industry to work in?

It’s an exciting industry to be part of because the work we’re doing has a real impact. The sector plays a vital role in supporting the UK’s economic growth and energy transition. As demand for new infrastructure continues to increase, there is significant opportunity to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on communities, businesses and the wider energy network.

No two projects are the same and it’s a dynamic industry that combines technical expertise and innovation, offering a wide range of career development opportunities.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

One of the things I enjoy most is the variety. Every project brings different challenges, stakeholders and objectives. It’s also incredibly rewarding to see a project progress from the early planning stages through to completion. Working collaboratively with clients, network operators and delivery teams to deliver successful outcomes is a real highlight of the role.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering and energy infrastructure?

I’d encourage anyone considering a career in the sector to go for it. There are so many different opportunities available, whether you’re interested in technical engineering roles, project delivery, operations or commercial functions. Engineering and infrastructure organisations are increasingly recognising the value of diverse perspectives, and there has never been a better time for women to pursue a career in the sector.