The career development of women engineers is a significant theme in the context of gender equality in STEM fields. This study aims to explore the impact of workplace relationships on the career development and well-being of women engineers in the Chinese energy industry, a traditionally male-dominated field. The research is grounded in social network theory and employs a qualitative methodology, including in-depth interviews with women engineers across various energy companies in China. The findings reveal that informal social networks, often male-dominated, play a crucial role in shaping career opportunities and challenges for women. These networks frequently exclude women, limiting their access to vital information and career advancement opportunities. Moreover, women in these industries face additional pressures from both male colleagues and female leaders, who may perpetuate existing gender biases. The study suggests that organizations can benefit from fostering more inclusive workplace cultures and support networks, which would promote gender equality and improve the career development prospects for women in engineering roles.