Why a career in Human Factors? It’s all about the people.
Amy Clouston is a Principal Consultant in our Derby office. She started with AtkinsRéalis, in 2017 as a Senior Human Factors Consultant, working on high-profile clients across the rail industry. We’re proud to say she’s recently progressed to Principal Human Factors Consultant.
"The rail industry is a fascinating place, full of even more fascinating people, and I'm lucky that part of my job description is to get to know them, what they do and what makes them tick!”
Amy, what does your current role involve?
I love Human Factors as the work is so varied, and we get involved in all sorts of different projects for a wide range of clients.
I enjoy interacting with people, so Human Factors is great. The work involves getting hands-on with end users—be they rain drivers and other operational staff, maintainers or passengers. My role in the Human Factors team is based mainly around Rolling Stock, with our projects spanning the driving cab, design for maintenance, and passenger experience. We also have experience working on control centre and depot design.
Tell us about a great project you've worked on here at AtkinsRéalis?
Most of my current work is focused on European Train Control System (ETCS) fitment to rail vehicles. Over the years, it has taken me all over Europe and the UK, but the project I am working on now is extra special. In the UK, we have a large number of Steam and Heritage Diesel locomotives running around on both the main line and preserved lines. If we want to keep these Heritage and Charter Locos running on our main lines, they'll need to have ETCS fitted to remain compatible with our increasingly digital railway.
Network Rail has employed a multi-functional team within the Rolling Stock Delivery Practice on their Pathfinder Heritage and Charter ETCS project. This project is essentially a research and development project to design and install ETCS on the Tornado, Black Five loco 44932 and a Heritage Deltic to prove it can be done and will set a precedent for all future heritage ETCS designs. As you can imagine, the challenges for both Engineering and Human Factors are huge and often novel compared to our usual ETCS design and fit projects on more modern locos.
"To my delight, we're overcoming these challenges through observations and tests on the footplate of a range of locos."
Over the past few months, I've been observing the current steam loco driving tasks on both preserved and main lines. We've tested the usability of the ETCS Driver Machine Interface within the steam environment and taken noise measurements to begin baselining ETCS and Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) mark 4 alert volumes.
On these trips, I've even had the chance to shovel coal and operate the whistle, which has been the most unbelievable and exhilarating experience. This and the opportunity to work with the passionate people who maintain and operate these beautiful pieces of engineering history have been the highlight of my career so far!
What is the environment like in the Derby office?
The Derby office is a real community. Working in a building with so much knowledge and expertise and an atmosphere of comradery is a privilege. Everyone is willing to help and advise when needed, but they are also willing to listen and learn from others at all team levels.
"On top of that, we have a laugh—which I think is just as important. The people are not only my colleagues, but my friends and those relationships are what keep our projects running smoothly."
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Getting out on site and working closely with so many interesting, intelligent and friendly people, from colleagues at AtkinsRéalis, our clients, end-users involved in our Human Factors assessments, or the rail enthusiasts I meet out and about in the course of my work! The rail industry is a fascinating place, full of even more fascinating people, and I'm lucky that part of my job description is to get to know them, what they do and what makes them tick.
Join our Rail practice and choose to work on projects that excite you: search live roles.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East has become a magnet for ambitious professionals in recent years. This has seen the area emerge as a leader in construction, a sector which is projected to grow to $91.36bn by 2029.
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
The Middle East is full of opportunity. With its GDP up by 2.8% and NEOM creating 380,000 jobs, the ambition of the region is evident. We’re proud to be at the heart of its most innovative project
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/14/2025
Summary
Electrical engineering has a big part to play in the advancement of modern infrastructure. From smart watches to smart grids, its impact can be seen everywhere you look. By bringing greener practi
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Structural engineering jobs offer an impactful and exciting path. The spaces that we live, move, and work in depend on the expertise of these skilled professionals. As a structural engineer, you’l
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/13/2025
Summary
Transportation engineering jobs are on the up. Some of the biggest problems of today are being tackled in the transportation field. There’s a thirst for professionals looking to make a real impact
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/09/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Vijay, an HR leader at AtkinsRéalis in India When I first embarked on my professional journey, I couldn't have imagined the incredible path I would take at AtkinsRé
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a daunting prospect, but at AtkinsRéalis, veterans and reservists are met with tailored support and opportunities to thrive. Stuart
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
What is the role of mechanical engineers? Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the development of machinery and components across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and industri
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are
Preview
Middle EastContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
What is the AMAALA project in Saudi Arabia? The AMAALA project is an ambitious ultra-luxury tourism development along Saudi Arabia's stunning Red Sea coast. I
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be constructed in the UK since the 1990s, marking a pivotal moment for energy and sustainability. As the largest infrastructure pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
AtkinsRéalis is proud to play a pivotal role in the Havant Thicket Reservoir, an innovative and environmentally focused project in Hampshire. Commissioned to design the reservoir and secure pl
Related jobs
Salary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Derby
Swindon
Belfast
Glasgow
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-122142
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Derby
York
Swindon
Glasgow
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-121175
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Part Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Derby
York
Swindon
Glasgow
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-120984
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
N/A
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118930
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118720
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118719
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118718
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-117527
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-117525
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Railway signalling
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
N/A
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-114559
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiEquality, 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