From Firefighter to Nuclear Engineer: Natasha’s Journey Through Two Male-dominated Industries

Ask most people to picture a nuclear fire engineer, and Natasha May probably isn’t who they’d imagine. Raised in Canada with Jamaican roots, Natasha started her career path with the desire to be a firefighter in her hometown of Toronto, where she became the only woman and person of colour in her programme. When asthma forced her to rethink her plans, a pivotal conversation with her programme leader opened her eyes to the possibilities of fire engineering. And so began an extraordinary journey.

More than 25 years later, Natasha has worked across six countries and three continents, becoming a respected leader in fire engineering, human performance, nuclear safety, and high-hazard environments. Her accomplishments include leadership of transformative performance improvement programmes, addressing complex operational challenges, and developing nuclear fire engineering capabilities within some of the world’s most heavily regulated industries.

Today, Natasha leads fire engineering at Amentum, shaping the discipline globally while using her platform as Global Vice Chair of one of Amentum’s employee networks to advance inclusion companywide. Her journey, marked by resilience and passion, serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who’s ever felt like "the only one in the room" that breaking barriers can lead to extraordinary impact.

What pulled you towards fire and engineering when no one else in your family worked in those sectors?

To be honest, it was purely by accident. Growing up, I dreamed of either being a pop star or a firefighter. I pursued both with passion, but my mom often reminded me, especially after I became a mother myself, that I needed “a real job”. That practical advice brought me to a fire behaviour programme in Toronto.

The programme itself was intense. It started with 150 students but only 30 graduated and I was the only woman and person of colour in the group. The technical demands were challenging, but I was determined to persevere. Then, just as I was close to finishing the course, I found out I couldn’t pass the physical qualification for frontline firefighting because of my asthma. I was devastated.

Thankfully, my programme leader reached out and offered some perspective. He suggested I stay for two more years to complete a degree in fire engineering and said, “With this degree, you’ll be able to travel the world.” The possibilities excited me, and I saw a new path forward. Before I’d even graduated, I received a job offer from a company eager to hire a fire engineer; from there, my international career began in Washington State, with regular travel to California. That unexpected twist paved the way for everything that followed, and I’ve never looked back.

Where did your new career take you next?

After my time in Washington and California, I moved back to Toronto and joined a consultancy company, where I gained experience in fire risk assessments, emergency lighting design, fire safety planning, and working with local authorities. I was learning a lot but still felt unfulfilled.

One day, I decided to take a leap of faith. I bought a one-way ticket to London that same week. When I arrived in 2005, imagining everyone spoke like the Queen (spoiler: they don’t), I was immediately struck by London’s multiculturalism, it felt like Toronto on another level.

I quickly found my footing and fell in love with my new city, particularly Brixton, which resonated with my Jamaican heritage. I started work with an energy company, where I spent 12 years deepening my expertise. It was an important time in my career, but eventually, I knew I wanted to focus on something that brought me closer to my passions and purpose.

Throughout your career, how have you built the confidence to speak up and challenge others when necessary?

Over time, I've learned how to balance confidence and professionalism. Early in my career, I faced resistance as a woman of colour in a male-dominated field. I vividly remember one meeting with a senior operations manager. I respectfully voiced a different opinion during the discussion, only to have him slam his hands on the table and yell, “You’re not listening to me!” I calmly replied: “I hear you; I just don’t agree.”

Moments like that taught me to stand firm, even when it wasn’t easy. Now, after 25 years, my experience and results often speak for themselves. People are much more receptive when I walk into a room. Although I’ve learned to read the room and contribute strategically, I’ve stayed true to myself and built confidence in my voice.

Can you think of a particular piece of work or moment that shaped you?

For me, it’s not just one project, it’s about what I’ve learned and how I’ve developed the skills to connect deeply with people at all levels. Whether it’s regulators, senior leaders, or shop-floor technicians, I adapt my approach to ensure the message resonates.

I remember a technician who once said: “You’re the first person from the ‘Crystal Palace’ to come down and ask us what we think.” That moment stuck with me, and it reinforced the importance of real connections. Too often, we stay in our silos, but the best solutions come from collaboration and valuing diverse perspectives.

What challenges have you had to overcome during your career?

To be completely honest, I know my career isn’t where it could have been. Early in my career, I faced a particular challenge when a senior manager told me outright that I wasn’t on the “golden ladder” when it came to leadership. He felt threatened by my ambition and actively tried to block my progress.

I’ve experienced similar barriers throughout my journey, and it’s taken its toll. There were moments when I faced decisions that tested my mental and emotional resilience. But one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is knowing when to walk away. Sometimes, the only way forward is to find a workplace where your differences are celebrated and not merely tolerated.

For me, that place was Amentum. My hiring manager, Lawrence, gave me freedom and trust in a way I’d never encountered before. He empowered me to succeed because he genuinely believed in my abilities, and that kind of support was life changing.

How does Amentum prioritise inclusion?

People at Amentum don’t just talk about inclusion, they act on it. One of the first things that stood out to me was the autonomy I was granted. For example, Amentum supported my leadership chartership without hesitation; I wasn’t restricted to technical courses alone. They understood the value of investing in my growth as a well-rounded leader.

Additionally, Amentum’s flexible working policies have been essential for me as a single mother. Balancing my career and family life wouldn’t be possible without those kinds of policies and leadership.

There’s also a culture of trust. In previous roles, I saw gatekeeping and unnecessary obstacles at every turn. But at Amentum, there’s no fear that someone else’s success takes away from yours. I feel genuinely supported, which has been transformative for my career.

How does the company inspire people to consider engineering as a career?

Reaching a wide range of talent when hiring for fire engineering roles poses challenges, simply because this field has a scarcity of qualified professionals. This is as much a market issue as it is an internal one.

Despite these hurdles, Amentum is open to exploring long-term solutions, like creating pipeline programmes or forming partnerships with educational institutions to inspire underrepresented groups to pursue careers in engineering. The organisation is taking meaningful steps, and I am committed to helping lead that change.

Outside of work, you mentor girls to encourage them to consider careers in STEM. Why is this important to you?

Inspiring the next generation, particularly from underrepresented groups, is critical to building the future of STEM. At Amentum, there’s a genuine commitment to this mission through initiatives like updated training programmes and outreach efforts.

Personally, I’m passionate about starting earlier. Most outreach begins in secondary school, but by then, many children have already narrowed their ambitions. I’ve seen firsthand how younger children can be inspired by simply learning what’s possible in STEM; a spark that can light the way for lifelong curiosity.

What advice would you give a younger version of yourself who has just started her career?

In your first six months of a new job, pay attention to the people and the culture around you. Does your manager trust you and invest in your growth, or do they micromanage? Are your ideas respected in meetings, or are you being overlooked? These early signals will tell you a lot about the organisation’s values.

Don’t underestimate the importance of being able to communicate effectively – that is as important as your technical skills. Your voice and perspective matter, so advocate for yourself and take every opportunity to build relationships within the organisation.

Being the only one in the room who looks like you or thinks like you can feel exhausting. My advice is to surround yourself with people who inspire you and remind you of your worth.

Sometimes, you’ll need to move on to find an environment where your voice is valued and your differences aren’t just tolerated but celebrated. When you find that place and those people who empower you to succeed, it will all be worth it. Keep going.