This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating Chloe Yarrien, our Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineering Lead - someone who’s making a lasting impact on the future of naval technology through expertise, collaboration and vision.
22 June 2025
2025 marks 40 years of BMT and 10 years of Chloe working in maritime defence - nearly nine of those with us. Chloe combines strategic thinking with a deep technical grounding - a blend that’s earned her respect across both project teams and senior leadership.
Chloe started her career with a degree in Theoretical Physics and moved into the world of defence as an Electromagnetic Signature Analyst - helping support the Royal Navy with complex systems analysis.
That early work laid the foundation for what would become her specialty: solving tough engineering challenges in dynamic environments. Chloe joined BMT in 2017 and quickly established herself as a key player in shaping the company’s approach to maritime autonomous systems.
Today, Chloe plays a central role in our maritime autonomous systems (MAS) work - a fast-moving, technically demanding field that’s reshaping how navies operate.
She works across everything from early-stage ship design to consulting on major MoD programmes, all while helping build up our technical capability in autonomy. Her work has helped secure new opportunities, attract investment, and earned her, and her colleagues, an internal Team of the Year award in 2023, recognising the autonomy team’s efforts in expanding BMT’s autonomy offering and supporting customers facing technical and operational challenges.
Whether it's uncrewed vessels, underwater robotics, or future naval platforms, Chloe plays a pivotal role – designing, advising, and helping deliver cutting-edge capability in maritime autonomy.
Chloe’s not just working behind the scenes. She’s out there leading conversations, too.
Over the past few years, she’s spoken at INEC, the Autonomous Ship Expo, and even chaired panels at events like London International Shipping Week. She’s covered everything from “The Quantum Submarine” to the “6 Ds of Maritime Autonomy” - big ideas with real-world impact.
She’s also co-authored papers and reports, taken part in Euronaval roundtables, and helped launch 'The Autonomy Opportunity' podcast series.
Chloe has played an important role in several technically complex and strategically significant projects during her time at BMT. She has supported the delivery of mine countermeasure and hydrographic capabilities and has been involved in the development of early-stage ship designs, including the integration of advanced combat systems. Her work on autonomous underwater vehicles, in collaboration with Dstl and the Royal Navy, has focused on improving both performance and security.
Chloe has also played a key role in defining the direction of uncrewed naval system development through her contributions to the LUSV Vision Paper and ongoing maritime autonomy strategy updates.
Beyond the tech, Chloe is deeply committed to making engineering a more inclusive and supportive space.
She’s written and spoken openly about gender bias, imposter syndrome, and the importance of mental health at work. She’s active in our DE&I initiatives, a regular STEM outreach speaker, and a strong voice for change in the industry.
Chloe represents the best of BMT: smart, passionate, collaborative, and always looking forward.
So, on this International Women in Engineering Day, we say a huge THANK YOU to Chloe – and to all the amazing women engineers and STEM professionals across BMT who are building the future of engineering through expertise, insight, and action.
Chloe Yarrien, Maritime Autonomous Systems Engineering Lead
“Chloe’s had a huge impact not just on our MAS capability, but on the culture and ambition of the team as a whole. We’re lucky to have her - and even more excited to see where she goes next.”
Will Alexander, Campaign Lead – Maritime Autonomous Systems
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The integration of autonomous maritime systems into the naval and commercial sectors is accelerating, driven by AI, distributed sensor networks, and long-duration autonomous platforms.
Shane Amaratunga
As we celebrate 40 years of engineering excellence, I’ve been reflecting on what truly drives innovation in our business. For me, the answer is simple: it’s our customers.
Pippa Ibson
For six weeks, I had the incredible opportunity of taking part in an Early Careers Development Placement in Cadiz, Spain, working on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Programme. The FSS programme is a key project for the Royal Navy, aiming to deliver new support ships to enhance the UK’s naval capabilities.
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