Unfortunately the heroic age of engineering (Brunel, Bazalgette) is behind us. As it grew in complexity, engineering by necessity became corporatized and de-individualised. It was no longer the place for dashing adventurers and gentlemen intellectuals. Instead it has become associated with 'technicianship', the rather boring (but essential) trade of knowing which button to push to make things start working again.

Furthermore, it is one of the last professions to resist gender re-balancing, so social events etc are going to be somewhat barren.

There are many other professions which have similar gender gaps. They’re not talked about because the professions aren’t growing as fast and don’t make as much money for such relatively low time investment.