Engineering often starts with curiosity. For some, that curiosity grows through hands-on experience and a desire to understand how things work in practice.
As part of our Women in Engineering series, we spoke with Aurélie Villemur, Materials Engineer at Traxial (a Magnax company). Her work focuses on materials performance and durability in electric motors, including how to design systems that integrate recycled magnets.
Aurélie shares how her interest in materials developed, what motivates her work in engineering, and why curiosity and passion remain key to building a fulfilling career in STEM.
Profile
Name: Aurélie Villemur
Role: Materials Engineer
Organisation: Traxial (a Magnax company)
Country: Belgium
Field: Materials engineering and electric motor design
Education: Materials Engineering, ENSIACET (France)
Finding a path into engineering
Did you always know you wanted to work in a STEM field, or did your career path evolve over time?
“I have always enjoyed science and hands-on experiments, especially seeing theory come to life in the lab. Materials engineering allows me to maintain that hands-on curiosity.”
That early interest was reinforced by the people she met during her studies and early career.
“Mentors I had during internships and early in my career played a key role in shaping my choices. They encouraged curiosity and hands-on experimentation, and their approach to materials and problem-solving made pursuing engineering feel both accessible and exciting.”
Was there a moment when you realised you had chosen the right field?
“Early in my career, working on materials performance testing for automotive applications confirmed my choice. I enjoyed seeing how these evaluations were necessary to ensure a robust material concept for high-volume production.”
From studies to engineering research
Today, Aurélie applies that experience in her role at Traxial, where materials are tested not only for performance but also for long-term durability.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
“At Traxial, we work with a wide range of materials and assembly techniques used in electric motors, focusing on long-term durability. A typical day involves testing, analysis, and close collaboration with designers and process engineers.”
Contributing to magnet recycling and circular technologies
Aurélie’s work in the HARMONY project focuses on connecting materials engineering with circular design principles.
“Traxial’s contribution is to design a motor that integrates recycled magnets and enables their recovery at the end of the motor’s life. This supports a more circular and sustainable vision for future electric motors.”
What makes HARMONY stand out for her is its broader impact.
“The project is inspiring because it tackles key European challenges by reducing dependence on critical raw materials. It is motivating to see how Europe can turn today’s magnet scrap into a high-value resource and strengthen its technological competitiveness.”
Women in engineering
Aurélie highlights the importance of supportive environments and changing mindsets in STEM.
“Surround yourself with people who treat everyone as equals—that’s when great collaboration happens. While outdated mindsets still exist in some places, they’re fading as more women enter the field. Don’t let that stop you.”
What message would she give to girls considering engineering?
“Go for it! The key is to choose a field you’re truly passionate about. The technical challenges will grow over time, but passion makes the journey exciting.”
Advice for future engineers
Aurélie’s advice is simple but clear.
“Go for it! The key is to choose a field you’re truly passionate about. The technical challenges will grow over time, but passion makes the journey exciting.”
Even on difficult days, curiosity remains her main driver.
“Engineering gives you the freedom to shape your role and explore new directions. It keeps things interesting—stay curious!”
About the series
This interview is part of the HARMONY Women in Engineering series, highlighting the diverse women working across Europe to advance magnet recycling and circular technologies.
Read more interviews:
Women in Engineering: Gabriela Sarriegui on materials research and magnet recycling
Women in Engineering: Pranali Jadhav on international careers and process engineering
Women in Engineering: Ana Drmota Petrič on developing recycled magnets for industry
Women in Engineering: Giulia Cortina on sustainability and life cycle assessment
Women in Engineering: Valentina Zhukova on magnetic materials and long careers in research