Turntide Engineer Recognized Among UK’s Top 100 Women in Engineering

Gateshead, U.K. — June 23, 2026 — Turntide Technologies’ Sarah Foster, senior technical project manager, has been recognised as one of the UK’s leading female engineers after being named in the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) Top 100 Women in Engineering awards.

The 2026 awards celebrate the theme of Engineering Intelligence, recognizing engineers who demonstrate exceptional problem-solving, innovation, and leadership in tackling complex challenges. Sarah was recognised for her contribution to rail decarbonisation through the development of advanced battery technology that is helping transform the future of sustainable rail transport in the UK.

The Women’s Engineering Society Top 100 Women in Engineering awards celebrate women who are making an outstanding contribution to engineering across the UK, showcasing individuals whose work is helping shape the future of the profession and inspiring the next generation of engineers.

As technical engineering lead at Turntide, Sarah has played a central role in the development of next-generation battery systems for the rail sector, helping to bring tri-mode rail technology from concept to operational reality.

Working in partnership with Hitachi Rail, Sarah has helped lead the evolution of advanced battery systems that support battery-electric operation on non-electrified rail routes. The technology is helping reduce emissions, decrease reliance on fully diesel-powered trains and avoid the need for extensive electrification infrastructure.

Since joining the project in 2019, Sarah has overseen the technical delivery of battery systems from initial concept and design through to on-train validation and the development of next-generation lithium iron phosphate battery technology. The advanced systems are lighter, more compact and offer enhanced performance and safety, making them suitable for integration into modern passenger rolling stock.

Her role combines technical leadership and project delivery, coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing complex technical requirements and ensuring compliance with the rail sector’s rigorous safety and performance standards.

Sarah Foster said: “I am incredibly proud to be recognised by the Women’s Engineering Society and included in the Top 100 Women in Engineering. Engineering has given me the opportunity to work on projects that can make a genuine difference. 

“The rail battery programmes at Turntide have been a fantastic challenge, bringing together talented people from across multiple disciplines to solve complex engineering problems. This recognition reflects the contribution of a much wider team, and I am grateful to everyone who has been part of that journey.”

Steve Hornyak, CEO of Turntide Technologies, said: “Sarah’s recognition by the Women’s Engineering Society is thoroughly deserved. The theme of this year’s awards, Engineering Intelligence, perfectly reflects the qualities she brings to every project.

“She combines exceptional technical expertise with an ability to solve complex engineering challenges, bringing together multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions in one of the most demanding sectors of industry. Her work is helping to advance the technologies that will support the future decarbonisation of rail transport and demonstrates the real-world impact that engineering can have on society.

“From concept to carriage, Sarah has helped turn clean rail from ambition into reality, and we are incredibly proud to see her recognized among the UK’s top women in engineering.”

About Turntide Technologies

Turntide Technologies designs and manufactures best-in-class electric motors, power electronics, energy storage, and thermal equipment for anything that moves.

Turntide Technologies operates in North America, the U.K., and India and serves customers in global markets and industries including off-highway equipment, commercial vehicles, rail, marine, light vehicles, and premium automotive.