International Women’s Day: How Melissa is Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers
This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the achievements of one of Peacock Technology’s outstanding engineers. Since joining our team in 2021, Melissa Rodger has excelled as a Field Service Engineer (Product Specialist), bringing expertise, passion, and innovation to the world of dairy automation.
Melissa’s journey into engineering and robotics started in high school, where her dedication to STEM was evident from an early age. At just 15, she spent her lunchtimes and evenings leading a robotics club for younger, more vulnerable pupils, creating an inclusive and inspiring environment for them to explore science and technology. Her commitment to mentoring young engineers not only sparked a love for robotics in many but also helped her team, Koala-T, achieve success. As well as competing in the VEX Robotics UK National Championships in Telford, this win also allowed Koala-T to compete for the Design Award at the National level!
Her impact on young people—particularly in encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers—was recognised when she received The Diana Award, an honour that celebrates young individuals making a significant difference in their communities. Melissa’s dedication to engaging and exciting young minds in engineering is a testament to her belief that technology should be accessible to everyone. Her physics sessions became so popular that they developed a waiting list!
At Peacock Technology, we are proud to have Melissa as part of our team, applying her skills in robotics and automation to support dairy farmers with cutting-edge technology. Her journey is an inspiration to all young women considering careers in engineering, proving that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible.
“As a Product Specialist at Peacock Technology, I install and maintain our robot and vision systems across the UK and internationally. I also support our contractors, sharing knowledge to help them improve their installations. Plus, I provide out-of-hours support to ensure farmers have 24/7 assistance.
I love the challenges of my role—every day is different! I’m fortunate to work with an amazing team that’s incredibly supportive of female engineers.
For anyone considering a STEM career—explore it! Be curious, find what excites you, and ask questions. There are people out there happy to help and mentor you. STEM is exciting, fun, and full of opportunities—so go for it!”
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Melissa and all the incredible women at Peacock Technology who are constantly driving innovation and leading in their fields. From engineering to research, product development to customer support, and technical services to finance and sales, their expertise and dedication are shaping the future of dairy automation. Here’s to breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of females in STEM!
For anyone thinking about a career in STEM, we are currently hiring in a number of roles—from Field Service Engineers like Melissa to Software Engineers. Check out our careers page to find out more!