MEET OUR TEAM- ENGINEERING STORIES FROM THE INSIDE. FEATURING Asmaa Zaki, Software & System Test Engineer
In this edition of “Meet Our Team”, we speak with Asmaa Zaki, Software & System Test Engineer at Engibex. With over 7 years of experience in embedded systems and automotive validation, Asmaa has built a career defined by curiosity, discipline, and a drive to make testing more effective. From Morocco to Belgium, from Alstom to Engibex, she shares her journey, her pride in representing women in tech, and the mindset that keeps her going– inside and outside the gym.
“Can you tell us more about yourself?”
Professionally speaking, I’m a Software and System Test Engineer with over 7 years of experience in embedded systems in the automotive industry. I started my career in validation and embedded systems in Morocco. Over time, I took on more responsibilities– leading validation activities and cross-functional teams.
In 2022, I decided to explore new opportunities abroad. I wanted to try something new, and that’s how I came to Belgium. I joined Alstom for a year and a half as a V&V Engineer, then joined Engibex as a System Validation Engineer. It’s been a great experience.
I also hold a certification at foundation level, and I’m passionate about making testing more effective.
“What originally attracted you to software and system testing rather than development or another engineering path?“
I’m a mechatronics engineer by education. When I chose mechatronics, it was because of my passion for automotive and industrial environments. When I see a car like the Peugeot 3008, I feel proud of myself because I contributed to that car. That feeling came from the mechatronics field.
I can’t imagine working in another field because I genuinely enjoy finding solutions and troubleshooting. That drive has never left me.
“What do people often misunderstand about the role of a Test Engineer?“
I think people sometimes assume it’s a simple role– you have a piece of software, you test the function, it works or it doesn’t. But it’s actually a very complex role. A test engineer is someone who has to think about solutions, be involved in the process from the very beginning, deeply understand how a function works, and collaborate with many different teams. It requires a strong mindset and real leadership.
As a test engineer, when something doesn’t work, you have to come to others with proof. I carry a lot of responsibility– if I validate something and two months later it fails, that’s on me. The title sounds straightforward, but behind the scenes it’s anything but easy. I have to think about edge cases, cover all scenarios, and detect the maximum number of defects. I’ve built this skill through training and years of experience.
“Outside of work, what helps you disconnect and recharge after a complex workday?“
Honestly, it’s very difficult for me to disconnect– it’s not a simple job. But I do try to maintain a healthy balance between work and life. I’m really into fitness and bodybuilding. I try to go to the gym four or five times a week. I also spend time with friends and try to eat home-cooked food and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Any tips for keeping up that gym routine four or five times a week?“
When I don’t go to the gym, I feel like something is missing. You just have to start and build discipline. Get ready in the morning and pack your bag with you– that way you won’t find an excuse to skip it.
“Have you ever had a moment in your career where you felt especially proud to represent women in tech?“
I think that feeling started back in 2018, right when I began my career. I already felt something special– a sense of pride in representing women in this field. In many companies, you tend to find a lot of women in HR or marketing. But as a mechatronics engineer, when I joined technical teams, I was sometimes the only woman in the room. That made me proud.
I remember my male colleagues telling me, ‘We don’t see many women in this field.’ And that only made me more proud of myself.
“What do you think companies can do better to encourage more women to pursue careers in software and system engineering?“
I’ve noticed that many companies have genuinely started to embrace this mindset– actively encouraging the recruitment of women in technical roles. I’ve finished interviews where the hiring team told me they were happy to see a woman applying for this position. That kind of encouragement matters.
Of course, there are still people who look at me and assume I work in marketing and they’re genuinely surprised when they find out I’m a test engineer. Changing those assumptions takes time, but the direction is right.
“If you weren’t an engineer, what alternative career do you think you might have pursued?“
Honestly, I’ve never really thought about it! Maybe something in sport– bodybuilding, perhaps. It’s something I genuinely enjoy and it’s become a big part of my life outside of work.
“What motivates you the most at this stage of your career?“
What I’m looking for now is a project that challenges me and supports my growth, along with a sense of stability. With almost eight years of experience, I feel ready to take on more responsibility. I have a strong technical background and I want to use it– to really contribute to something meaningful and complex.
“If you could give one piece of advice to those considering a career in engineering, what would it be?“
“Never stop learning and stay curious.” And also: “Progress comes with time and experience.” Those two things have guided me throughout my career, and I believe they always will.
