“My engineering career took me from RAF spy planes to Big Tech data.” – Dame Dawn Childs
Few careers trace a path as bold and varied as that of Dame Dawn Childs, our 2022 Novi awards Stem Leader of the Year. From commanding military aircraft fleets to leading cutting-edge data infrastructure, she has consistently broken barriers in engineering not just for herself, but for those following in her wake.
Her story is a blueprint for resilience, reinvention, and unapologetic ambition.
From RAF Wings to Wing Commander
At just 21, Dawn Childs was entrusted with a team of 50 engineers and a fleet of Hercules aircraft in the Royal Air Force. Fresh from her mechanical engineering degree at the University of Bath, she entered a male-dominated military world and instantly proved herself a leader.
Over her 23-year RAF career, she rose to Wing Commander, ultimately becoming the commanding officer of the engineering wing at RAF Waddington. There, she ensured the readiness of Britain’s most sophisticated surveillance planes including the Sentinel, Shadow, and the last flying Nimrod.
Despite consistent top-tier performance, her career stalled when she was repeatedly passed over for promotion. The explanation? “There’s no difference between you and the six men who’ve leapfrogged over you. You just need to wait.” So, she didn’t.
She resigned and launched a bold new chapter.
Civilian Skies, New Missions
Dawn’s next move was to Gatwick Airport, managing facilities ranging from escalators and lifts to plumbing systems. Within weeks, she was promoted to Head of Engineering, applying her military-honed crisis skills to a new civilian arena. She even led the response to a catastrophic baggage handling failure during peak travel season.
Her next leap was to Merlin Entertainments, overseeing safety for global attractions in the wake of the 2015 Alton Towers crash. With no established engineering standards in theme parks, Dawn introduced structure, process, and global improvements that helped shape industry regulations.
From Theme Parks to Data Centres
Today, as Chief Executive of Pure Data Centres, she oversees secure, high-capacity digital infrastructure powering everything from cloud computing to global communications. The precision and systems-thinking that kept spy planes flying now ensure the seamless operation of our digital world.
Every role she’s taken on has been a study in navigating complexity, managing risk, and leading under pressure.
Earning Her Damehood
In recognition of her work and impact, Dawn Childs was awarded a Damehood by the King for services to engineering a symbol of just how far determination and courage can carry a person.
But for Dawn, the real milestone wasn’t the title it was fulfilling her true potential.
“I didn’t leave because I failed. I left to find a place where I could fulfil my true potential.”
Why Her Story Matters
Dame Dawn Childs didn’t wait her turn she created her own lane. From military bases to executive boardrooms, she’s built a career defined not just by technical excellence but by bold leadership and unshakable values.
Her legacy is a powerful reminder:
You don’t have to wait for a door to open you can build your own runway.