Meet Zaidatul Aini
Zaidatul Aini Binti Mohd Zainuddin
NDT Manager, Quality, UMW Aerospace
Meet Zaidatul Aini, NDT Manager at UMW Aerospace; a woman who turned her childhood passion into a powerful career in one of the world’s most demanding industries.
Inspired by her father and driven by purpose, Zaidatul has carved her place in a male-dominated field through resilience, technical expertise, and a strong belief in herself.
From leading her team to a flawless NADCAP audit to mentoring others and championing diversity, she’s not just ensuring aircraft safety; she’s changing the narrative for women in aerospace.
Read the full interview below
What inspired you to pursue a career in aerospace, specifically in NDT and aircraft maintenance?
My passion for aviation and desire to contribute to aircraft safety inspired me to pursue a career in aerospace, particularly in NDT and aircraft maintenance. This passion was nurtured from a young age by my father, who worked in the aviation industry and always hoped to leave a legacy.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and how did you overcome them?
I focused on building strong professional relationships, treating colleagues with respect, and maintaining a positive attitude. I’ve learned that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. It builds resilience and fosters mutual respect.
For career progression, I continuously seek opportunities and demonstrate my capabilities. Regular feedback from my superiors helps me identify areas for improvement and reinforces my commitment to growth.
How do you stay informed and remain the go-to expert in your field?
I stay informed through continuous learning, networking, and practical experience. I attend annual NDT conferences to keep up with managerial, technical, and regulatory developments. I also maintain strong relationships with technical peers to encourage knowledge exchange.
What’s a recent achievement where teamwork played a key role?
Maintaining NADCAP NDT accreditation with no major findings was a significant achievement. As a leader, ensuring operational smoothness is crucial—and this success was only possible through team commitment.
How do you thrive in a male-dominated field and prove your expertise?
I build confidence in my abilities through mentorship, training, and active involvement in professional networks. I speak up in meetings, offer ideas, and keep myself updated with industry trends through courses and reading. This helps me stay credible and knowledgeable.
Have mentors influenced your career? What lessons did they teach you?
Yes—my father played a huge role in guiding me towards aviation. I started my career in aircraft maintenance, then transitioned to quality assurance, which led to my current NDT role.
I also credit my former NDT Level 3 mentor at Parker Aerospace, who believed I had the potential to reach this level myself. The most valuable lesson from both mentors: believe in yourself, even when others don’t—because being different is your strength.
What legacy do you hope to leave behind in your career?
I hope to create a more inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and breaks down industry stereotypes. My goal is to advocate for equal opportunities by excelling in technical and leadership roles.
The aerospace industry can be tough to break into—what advice would you give?
It’s challenging, but not impossible. Start with relevant education and training—there are many more options now than there were during my time. Seek hands-on programmes like NDT and apply for internships in aviation companies to build experience and skills.
If you had to give one message to young professionals, what would it be?
A career in aerospace and engineering is both challenging and rewarding. My advice is to embrace continuous learning; the industry evolves quickly. Also, champion diversity and inclusion. Your journey is unique, so stay curious, be proactive, and aim to make a meaningful impact.
