insights How you can make an impact on your career in the booming railway sector at SNC-Lavalin Australia

The rail sector is vital to Australian business, carrying people and commodities over more than 33,000km of track across the country, and it has established a reputation for fostering innovation and empowering the local economy. Initially, assets like carriages and rail tracks were imported from Western Europe. Today, the rail manufacturing supply chain now supports local industries and promotes growth from within.

At AtkinsRéalis , we have had offices in locations such as Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth for over 24 years. We are committed to having a diverse, flexible, and inclusive workforce that will drive and shape the future of the business and we’re proud to create opportunities for enthusiastic individuals looking to build a career in transportation in Australia. Keep reading to find out how you can make an impact on your career and the booming railway sector in Australia.

Transformation through investment

According to a report from the ARA, between 2016 and 2019, the railway sector’s contribution to the local economy grew by over A$3 billion to A$29.8 billion. With the recent announcement regarding rail projects receiving economic stimulus funding, the railway sector is anticipated to continue growing. A recent report by Railway Technology revealed that Australia is planning for its next major program of rail transformation through an AUD 155 billion investment planned in the next 15 years. The railway industry experts project that with help from the central Government, it could lead to 1.5% of annual growth over the next five years, whilst also delivering stronger, safer, and more resilient infrastructure for years to come.

At AtkinsRéalis , we combine traditional engineering with new technologies to deliver easier, safer, and more reliable infrastructure in Australia. We were pleased to contribute to Inland Rail, for example, Australia’s biggest rail infrastructure project and a once-in-a-generation program of infrastructure work connecting regional Australia to domestic and international markets. We have also delivered several other infrastructure projects with significant social and economic benefits in the country, such as the Cross River Rail Project and the New Generation Rolling Stock (NGR) Project in Brisbane. With our experience and expertise in the railway sector, we are excited about the potential opportunities that will arise from the Government’s investment, and we’re confident we’ll be a part of it.

Building for the future

In June 2021, AtkinsRéalis were delighted to be appointed as Integrated Delivery Partner for Australia’s largest public transport program, the AUD 11 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport project. Under a six-year contract, we will use innovative practices to undertake project integration and delivery of multiple mandates for the driverless railway, which includes six new stations linking residential areas with job hubs. The 23 km line will become the transport backbone for Greater Western Sydney, connecting communities, businesses and travellers with the new Western Sydney International Airport and the growing region. We’ll therefore need astute engineers, designers, and other industry experts to help us deliver infrastructure that will last for years to come.

Despite the setback of lockdowns and other measures, we’re seeing how the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasised the importance of the rail industry. The Australian Government is pressing forward with infrastructure investments that develop sustainable communities and long-term economic growth. David Bell, Managing Director of AtkinsRéalis Australia, said ‘Australia continues to benefit from major infrastructure investment, with many projects being fast-tracked to kick-start the country’s COVID-19 recovery.’

Join a network of Industry Experts

At AtkinsRéalis , we have a global network of industry experts who have contributed to some of the most unique and challenging projects. Our teams help clients understand and make decisions confidently in complex situations. Our people are passionate about embedding sustainability in all that we do on our rail projects, and we're looking for the next generation of big thinkers to help us innovate and reach our Net Zero Carbon targets.

We believe that the best way of learning is by collaborating, therefore we establish accessibility to leaders and technical advisors who connect to share new technologies and years’ worth of expertise. We also offer mentoring opportunities across our many geographies, which has helped our people grow through the business.

Develop your career in the Australian transportation market with AtkinsRéalis

There are numerous opportunities for careers in railways and other transportation divisions at AtkinsRéalis , such as a Senior Consultant in Railway Systems, for example, for which you might be responsible for bidding, managing, and delivering systems feasibility and integration project, whilst harnessing the latest digital technology and focusing on driving sustainability.

If you are looking for a challenge and are passionate about being a part of our mission to improve Australia’s transport connectivity, find out more about our transportation jobs and apply today. We have created numerous opportunities for interns, graduates, those returning to work, women in leadership, and more so there is bound to be something to suit you.