insights Developing software to redefine the way engineers work
Tell us a little bit about your professional background and your current role as technical director in the Digital team in India?
I have more than 22 years of experience in software development, building innovative automation solutions starting from chip designs for high definition setup boxes, to automating and improving x-ray film production quality in the Kodak factory.
My learning and growth experience throughout my career is very diverse. At AtkinsRéalis , I’m currently leading the innovation and automation team at the Global Technology Centre (GTC), helping to redefine and change the way engineers work.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
As a kid, I accompanied my father to the factory and watched him work on heavy equipment. It intrigued me so much, I knew that I wanted to become an engineer. Initially, my engineering interest was predominantly on vehicles and understanding engines. I was fascinated by the physics behind the four-stroke engines. During high school, electrical engineering, or the electrical subtopic, became a key part of my interest area, simply because it was easy to exhibit for school projects. I also found it interesting and exciting to showcase innovations.
Interestingly, I chose electrical engineering as my specialization in my first year of engineering but switched to computer science, as I became fascinated with algorithms. Firstly, computer science improved my logical thinking, and secondly, it enabled me to innovate using a single click of a button, sitting in a remote place and managing things outside of my physical location or boundary.
I’m happy that I made that decision because that’s my passion, interest and strength.
What is the coolest thing you are working on?
I’m currently exploring blockchain to understand how we can apply its technologies to solve our engineering problems, like our financial invoicing and reconciliation issues. I’m working with the project management office (PMO) team to see if we can apply blockchain technologies to improve the quality of data that comes in for insights and analysis.
While blockchain is more like a hobby or technology exploration, digital twin is the most exciting for me. Two years ago, we started working on capturing and automating drone images for generating a BIM model engineers can use to increase the level of details. We did some experiments with drones at our RMZ office in Bengaluru and automated the process of creating BIM model. This was an exciting beginning, as we now apply this to different projects such as the King Abdullah Financial District in the Middle East and Thames Water in the UK. For Thames Water, our certified team in the UK captured images using drones and we converted these to 3D interactive applications for users familiarize themselves with the environments. Then we converted these into BIM models, creating a digital twin.
Another cool technology our team in GTC has developed and launched, as well as benefitted from during the early stages of the pandemic, is ASSIST. The first-of-its-kind tool for AtkinsRéalis applies enterprise-scale microservices architecture to develop, deliver and automate a digital inspection tool survey, including an inspection tool that can also generate reports. This is currently live and being used by many of our clients.
At present, some of our team members are also experimenting with geospatial aspects of engineering design. We did a proof of concept in the early bit stage for Denver International Airport where we showcased different design options and their impacts on the engineering and construction processes using geospatial mapping.
What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
This was from my very early days at WIPRO where I had the opportunity to interact with Azim Premji. He told me, “Don’t do anything you’re afraid to publish in the newspaper.” This had a big impact on my career. It not only made me focus on integrity in everything I did, but also enthused me with the right passion. This quote from Mr. Premji has been my steppingstone throughout my career, guiding me in this journey.
Recently you’ve been appointed as one of the Atkins fellows. What are some of the key responsibilities that you have as a fellow?
It’s a great honour to be the first Atkins fellow from GTC. I think being a fellow enables me to share the GTC’s technological innovations or voice concerns in a global forum within the EDPM network. It will allow me to showcase the advancements in technology and adoptions across GTC. I am also confident that I’ll be able to push forward the digital agenda much more effectively in a global role, allowing us to standardize the adoptions of some of the best practices we have been performing in GTC.
Being a fellow also allows me to experiment and innovate. I can collaborate with industry partners to jointly solve a problem. I can partner with the universities to look at some of the challenges we’re facing, for which we currently don’t have a solution. These are the two aspects of being a fellow that I plan to take forward.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself?
I think my team members make fun of me for my love for coding. I quite agree with the quote that says, “Code is a ground reality.” During my weekends or whenever I find time, I code and develop gaming applications for my nephews because they are so addicted to games. I do this to give them something fun and to break the monotony of games that are out there on the market.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/11/2024
Summary
Hello. I'm Karen, a Senior Programme Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in North London, my journey has been one of resilience
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
From engineering internships to leadership roles: My journey at AtkinsRéalis Discovering leadership through my civil engineering internships Allô, my name is Karolane. I work at AtkinsRéalis
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of consultancy, architecture, and project management, the need for forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies has never been more critical. At AtkinsRéalis, we
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Resident Engineer (Site Operations).About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-cla
Reference
R-122345
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Electrical engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Electrical InspectorAbout AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services an
Reference
R-122361
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Junior ICT EngineerAbout AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and
Reference
R-122358
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Structural Engineer (Site Operations)About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engine
Reference
R-122343
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Electrical engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for an Electrical Engineer.About AtkinsRéalisCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services a
Reference
R-121930
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
We are seeking a highly experienced Data Accuracy Specialist to join our team. This role will focus exclusively on ensuring the accuracy and integrity of employee data across multiple systems, includi
Reference
R-122128
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Construction
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis are currently looking for a degree qualified Construction Director with over 20 years experience. This person must be forward thinking and experienced in running large, multi-disciplined
Reference
R-122087
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Courtice
Description
Project Director – Rail Sector Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect
Reference
R-122086
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Corporate communications
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better fut
Reference
R-121999
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
**AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Civil/Structural Engineer (Design Review)** **About AtkinsRéalis** Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a wo
Reference
R-121998
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more