From dreaming of space to engineering underwater tech

As a kid, Issy Pitt didn’t just dream of space – she imagined building the machines that would explore it. That early curiosity about how things work, move and connect has fuelled her journey into engineering. 

Now in the final year of a double degree in mechatronics engineering and chemistry at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Issy has already packed in a serious mix of study, leadership and industry experience.

From leading the UTS Rover team to working on robotic arms for underwater environments, she’s building a career while still at uni – and has secured a graduate role before she’s even finished.

Finding her engineering path at UTS 

Growing up, Issy always enjoyed science, but wanted something more hands-on.

“From an early age, while I loved science, I knew I wanted to do something more practical – which is what engineering seemed to offer,” she says.

Issy’s journey to UTS started during high school through the Wanago program, which let her complete Year 11 and 12 engineering studies on campus. Each week, she got a taste of university life, working with student teams and accessing specialised facilities.

“I loved every part of UTS,” she recalls. “The experience made my university choice an easy one.”

Although she was initially drawn to aerospace engineering, Issy soon discovered a better fit in the mechatronics program.

“Mechatronics is so much fun. It’s all about robotics and way less niche than aeronautics, so I think it’s opened up my career paths a lot more.”

Not wanting to lose touch with her passion for science, she added a second degree in chemistry to build a unique combination of technical skills.

Rising through the UTS Rover Team 

Throughout her time at university, Issy has been an active and influential member of the UTS Rover team, which designs and builds semi-autonomous rover prototypes for competition. She started as a team member, became science lead, and eventually took on the role of project lead.

“As project lead, there are two sides to my role,” she explains. “The project management side involves hosting design reviews and providing technical feedback. The other side is admin and liaising with the university – all the forms, risk assessments, workshop space and travel arrangements.”

Her leadership style draws from her own early experiences.

“What I value the most for the Rover Team is not winning the competition, but the opportunity to learn and give students the chance to go from a blank piece of paper all the way to a working full-size prototype.”

She also fosters a supportive, creative environment.

“We want students in the team to try new things, think outside the box. We don’t want it to be boring. We want people to look at it and go, ‘I can’t believe you did it that way.’ That’s kind of cool.”

Persistence in building industry experience 

Getting hands-on industry experience was always part of Issy’s plan. She didn’t wait to feel ready – instead, she began applying for internships and programs in her second year while balancing her studies and work with the Rover Team.

When she became interested in an internship with Reach Robotics, a company specialising in robotic arms for harsh environments, she showed real tenacity.

“I applied to the company three separate times,” she says. “I just kept sending them my CV. The third time – at the end of my third year – they finally replied saying, ‘You’re a good fit now.’ They didn’t even have a position open.”

What started as a three-month internship became a part-time role as an assistant mechatronics engineer. Now working in the New Product Introduction team, she helps develop robotic arms for underwater environments, solving problems that arise between research and manufacturing.

The role has helped her grow technically and gain confidence – and it’s strengthened her position for graduate opportunities. Issy also made sure to apply for graduate programs early in her degree, completing online aptitude tests and travelling interstate for interviews.

Her efforts paid off when she was accepted into Raytheon Australia’s prestigious GradX program, which selects just ten graduates nationally. Starting in 2026, she’ll work on underwater systems for Collins-class submarines, with access to training, mentorship and travel across Australia.

While managing study, work and Rover responsibilities can sometimes be a lot, Issy takes a strategic approach to her time.

“Having a routine schedule with set times each week for work, study, social time – and of course, rock climbing – and putting myself in environments where I can focus is probably the best way I manage to balance everything,” she says.

She also credits UTS staff support as a key ingredient to her success.

“Dr Marc Carmichael, a lecturer and robotics researcher at UTS, has been so supportive. He does everything he can for the Rover Team and has been a big help with my subjects.”

Looking ahead, Issy wants to explore different areas of engineering to find her niche.

“My short-term goal is to try as many things as possible so I can figure out which field I really want to get into,” she says. “Down the track, working in robotics would be the dream – building a robot with real-world impact that can help people.”

She credits her progress to being proactive and open to new experiences, and encourages others to take the same approach.

“Get involved in different activities at uni and apply for roles early. Even if you feel under-qualified, go for it. Don’t wait for roles to be posted – reach out to companies you’re interested in. And don’t be discouraged by rejection.”

Issy also credits UTS for helping her land her first industry role.

“UTS prepares you for these opportunities with things like internship prep subjects that help with your resume and LinkedIn profile,” she says.

“For one assignment, I had to write a fake cover letter to a real company – I picked Reach Robotics. After improving my application using what I’d learned, I thought, ‘Why not send it?’ And I got the job.”

Issy’s journey shows how combining hands-on experience with academic learning – and taking the initiative to seek out opportunities – can open doors.

She also reassures anyone feeling overwhelmed by studying or starting out in engineering: “It gets easier, and it gets better. Now, I can do things I never thought possible in my first year. UTS is set up to support you every step of the way.”

With a strong foundation and a growing portfolio of real-world experience, Issy is ready for whatever comes next.