Driving Innovation: Toyota Employees on Their STEM Careers

At Toyota, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals are turning bold ideas into innovations that shape the future of mobility. Engineers, scientists, software developers, data analysts, and skilled technicians are tackling major industry challenges, ranging from electrification and advanced battery technology to vehicle safety, connectivity, and next-generation manufacturing. By blending technical expertise with creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving, these professionals transform complex challenges into practical solutions to serve customers, strengthen communities, and advance mobility.

Stacy Berry, a senior manager at the Production Engineering and Manufacturing Center (PEMC) in Kentucky, has been with Toyota for over 20 years. Her team collaborates with vehicle designers to ensure vehicles process smoothly through paint shops across North American manufacturing centers. They take new vehicle structures, designs, and prototypes, and confirm and support fabrication for changes to lifters, carriers, paint jigs, and bumper jigs.

STEM innovation at Toyota spans far beyond research and development, anchoring how vehicles are designed, built, tested, and improved. Employees across the company leverage data, automation, robotics, materials science, and continuous improvement principles to boost efficiency, sustainability, and reliability. Morgan Newmark, a senior engineer with five years at Toyota working in the Quality Policy and Audit (QPA) group within the Toyota Quality Division, spends her days planning, preparing for, and completing audits, as well as revising or writing new quality standards and requirements. She also assists plants and collaborates with different groups to ensure compliance.

Looking toward the future of the mobility industry, STEM careers remain vital for building a connected, sustainable, and human-centered future. Leeann Sartain, a senior engineer who has spent two decades at Toyota with four years in the Materials Quality Chemicals (MQC) group, focuses on mentoring and helping others succeed. Berry also shares a passion for mentoring co-ops, helping young engineers develop problem-solving, project management, communication, and presentation skills while advising them to explore different areas of interest during their co-op terms.