Aileen Fahme is manager of logistics and shipping for Solar Turbines. She began her career in the company’s engineering rotation program and, after gaining a solid understanding of the product, transitioned into applications engineering, where she collaborated with sales teams and customers. She found the role rewarding, as it allowed her to continuously learn about Solar’s products, customers, and industry. Additionally, she had the opportunity to travel across Europe and Asia, gaining experience among different cultures and observing the impact of energy solutions worldwide. 

Excelling as an applications engineer, Fahme became a subject matter expert and was recognized with two Solar Key Contributor awards — one for her outstanding performance in securing a major order for an alliance account and another for her leadership in solidifying business from another major alliance customer on a highly competitive project. Fahme later advanced to a group lead role in oil and gas applications engineering, leading a team that supported the North American region. In 2023, she decided to pursue a completely new challenge and transitioned into her current managerial role. 

Through her experiences, Fahme learned that building strong relationships that inspire and bring out the best in others is meaningful and fulfilling. 

Beyond her professional career, Fahme is adamant about advocating for and empowering the next generation of women engineers. She actively volunteers with Solar’s women engineers recruiting team, attending annual Society of Women Engineers conferences to recruit women collegians for internships and entry-level engineering roles. 

Fahme has served as a speaker at various local outreach events for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, the SWENext Summit at UCSD, and, most recently, Envision with the SWE UC San Diego Section, encouraging SWENext participants to explore SWE’s varied resources and scholarship opportunities. Additionally, she has mentored students through programs such as Eastlake Middle School Girls in STEM and Girl Scouts Gingerbread Engineering. 

Fahme recently completed a term as FY25 SWE-San Diego Section president. Prior to this role, she served as recording secretary and outreach committee executive sponsor. 

With a 30-year tenure at Solar Turbines, Fahme’s growth mindset and advocacy for women in STEM have solidified her position as a respected leader. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace, earning her recognitions such as the Outstanding Engineer for the SWE-San Diego Section and the President’s Volunteer Service Award. 

Fahme holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from University of California San Diego and an MBA from the University of Redlands. A talented cellist, Fahme is also the proud mother of a son who is studying mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan.