Spotlight on IEng - Ricci Glen
We’re proud to shine a spotlight on our members this time we feature Ricci Glen, an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) member whose journey demonstrates how curiosity, dedication and continuous learning can shape a successful career in engineering.
Ricci began her career in the gas industry in 2006 as an Administration Assistant in Project Closure at the National Grid Gas Distribution office in Hinckley. At the time, she didn’t realise just how influential that first role would become in shaping her career.
Reflecting on those early days, Ricci said: “It gave me my first real insight into how the gas network works. I was responsible for making sure changes to the network were captured correctly, and as I got deeper into the details, I found myself genuinely fascinated by the industry.”
This growing interest led Ricci to explore new opportunities within the sector. In 2011, she moved into the non-standard connections team as a Design Analyst, where she began working on more technical projects. In this role, Ricci was responsible for designing and costing complex gas connections and reinforcement schemes, validating designs, and producing procedures and training materials.
Ricci said: “That role really opened things up for me. It was also my first experience working closely with customers and stakeholders, which helped me grow both technically and personally.”
During this time, Ricci made the decision to strengthen her engineering knowledge and take the next step in her professional development. She began studying for an Engineering degree with the Open University, focusing on sustainable energy.
Balancing full-time work, studying around 24 hours a week and raising two children, Ricci recalls many late nights while working towards her qualification, but the effort paid off when she graduated in 2018 with a 2:1.
“It’s still one of my proudest achievements.” she said.
In 2015, Ricci joined the above 7 bar planning team as a Senior Design Analyst and, more recently, she was promoted to Senior Planning Engineer, marking what she describes as the most defining chapter of her career so far. Based in the Energy Control Centre, her work involves planning, modelling and analysing the gas network across Cadent using specialist tools.
Her role includes managing the offtake rights request process, ensuring the network has enough gas capacity to meet demand during extreme winter conditions that may only occur once every 20 years. Ricci also supports a wide range of activities including maintenance planning, in-line inspections, non-routine operations and emergency response planning.
Ricci explained: “It’s such a dynamic place to work. The role constantly keeps you thinking, solving problems and collaborating with different teams.”
She is also heavily involved in developing solutions to support green gas connections to the network, helping the industry move towards a lower-carbon future.
Alongside her professional journey, Ricci became a member of IGEM to support her continued development and connection with the wider industry.
She said: “I wanted to be part of a community that shares the same commitment to safety, innovation and technical excellence within the gas industry.”
Ricci values IGEM’s technical resources, industry standards and professional network, all of which support her day-to-day work and help her stay informed in a rapidly evolving sector.
She explained: “Being part of IGEM helps me stay at the forefront of changes in the sector. It supports my professional development and helps me maintain best practice in my work.
“IEng represents professionalism and credibility, it demonstrates not just what you know, but your commitment to doing things safely, responsibly and to a high standard.”
Looking ahead, Ricci is excited about the role the gas industry will play in the energy transition, particularly through innovations such as hydrogen and biomethane.
Ricci added: “I think the future of gas is closely tied to the journey toward decarbonisation. There’s a huge opportunity for innovation, investment and collaboration to make low-carbon solutions mainstream.
“I’m proud to be part of an industry that’s evolving and meeting the challenges of decarbonisation. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to a future that prioritises both energy security and environmental responsibility.”