Kathy Stanley
Kathy Stanley is an accomplished Electrical Design Engineer with over 38 years of experience in generation power systems, controls, and instrumentation. She has held positions with major engineering companies, including Rust Engineering (Raytheon, Washington Group), ABB, BE&K, URS, KBR, SCS, and Qualus (Powergrid). Kathy has combined extensive office and field experience, working on both commercial projects and government contracts. Notably, she spent 13 years supporting the U.S. government on chemical weapons demilitarization in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Anniston, Alabama, serving as a shift engineer overseeing pre-commissioning, commissioning, systemization, and operations.
Throughout her career, Kathy has developed deep expertise in electrical engineering, control systems design, and computer-aided drafting (CAD). She has also contributed to substation engineering and generation power projects for Southern Company Services and small private firms. Her hands-on approach and practical experience have made her a trusted leader in complex, safety-critical environments, with a proven record of mentoring junior engineers and guiding teams to meet rigorous technical standards.
Currently, Kathy serves as Electrical Lead Designer at Quanta Power Solutions in Birmingham, Alabama, where she leads design projects for power plants and data center infrastructure. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, helping new engineers gain real-world skills, and fostering a culture of honesty, transparency, and practical learning. Kathy’s professional philosophy emphasizes combining technical expertise with mentorship, ensuring that the next generation of engineers is well-prepared to tackle the evolving challenges of the electrical and power systems industry.
• Government PE License
• Birmingham Metro Area Skills Center - A.A.S.
• IEEE
• Instrument Society of America (ISA)
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and determination. After leaving an abusive marriage and being told I wouldn’t succeed, I chose to pursue a technical trade and committed myself fully, overcoming obstacles along the way. That perseverance has been the driving force behind my career achievements.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to complete my education and earn my Professional Engineer (PE) license. These steps provided a strong foundation for my career and opened doors to advanced opportunities.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering this industry to build strong support systems. If possible, plan family commitments after completing your education; if not, ensure you have reliable support to help with childcare and other responsibilities so you can stay focused on finishing school and advancing your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field include gender bias, unequal pay, barriers to field work, and the ongoing balancing of family and education. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities, with more women entering engineering and a growing demand in the industry to expand power capacity for data centers. These trends create space for both professional growth and meaningful impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, being straightforward, and a commitment to education. I also deeply value the support of family, which has been essential in helping me pursue my goals and maintain balance.