How I am navigating towards Chartered Engineer with AtkinsRéalis
I am Udara Perera, and I work in the Strategic Services team within the Rail Consulting team (Transportation Division), as a Senior Consultant. Based in the Manchester office, I focus on finding solutions for clients and providing technical and strategic advice.
I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester and joined AtkinsRéalis in August 2016 as a Graduate Electrical Engineer.
Udara, what do you do in the Strategic service team in AtkinsRéalis Rail Consulting team?
As a consulting engineer, the projects I work on vary in terms of size and complexity. My main project to date involves supporting a major train manufacturer in the UK to build a train that meets the mandatory standards to be able to operate safely and also provide an excellent passenger experience.
I am the technical manager on the project and lead a team of around 30 specialist engineers and consultants within AtkinsRéalis. The projects I focus on primarily involve acting as the interface between the client and AtkinsRéalis' technical specialists to achieve the project outcome within the allocated time and budget.
I enjoy the responsibility of providing good quality and accurate advice to clients on projects that are very important to them.
What attracted you to a career in the rail industry?
The rail industry is a highly regulated and safety-critical industry that is key to achieving net zero goals. The rail industry gives me the opportunities to embrace new upcoming technology, build experience in applying safety processes and the opportunity to work with experts in several technical areas. Working in the rail industry as a graduate engineer helped me build my transferable skills such as teamwork, project management, applying theory to practice and most importantly the ability to quickly learn on the job!
What is the opportunity or career paths after your graduate scheme?
The graduate scheme gives you the opportunity to learn the basics of the industry, find out more about your strengths and weaknesses and explore other disciplines within the industry. During the graduate scheme, I worked within Mechanical and Systems engineering teams despite my electrical engineering background.
After the graduate scheme, I had the option to specialize in electrical engineering, project management or rail assurance. My preference was to have a mix of engineering and project management and hence chose the assurance pathway as it would help me develop competencies for Chartered Engineer status quickly.
How is AtkinsRéalis supporting you in achieving your career goal/path?
AtkinsRéalis has been brilliant in supporting me by giving me the right opportunity at the right time enabling me to broaden my skills and experience. AtkinsRéalis has a well-designed Development Program for all employees which can be tailored to suit your current experience and future goals. This process within AtkinsRéalis has helped me progress from Graduate level to Senior with the right support.
The AtkinsRéalis mentorship program has helped me keep track of my progress towards achieving Chartered Engineer status.
What advice would you give to someone who's looking to join AtkinsRéalis as an early career?
For anyone joining us as an early career graduate, I'd encourage them to have a look around our website to read about all the different AtkinsRéalis divisions, the types of sectors we work in and projects we have undertaken. This might spark your interest to work with us in a subject area that you've never heard of before.
For example, studying Electrical Engineering opens the door to careers in railway engineering or project management!
Our core values are Safety, Collaboration, Innovation and Integrity – how do these influence your day-to-day?
The core values are essential in my current role to deliver innovative and safe trains, by collaborating with a team of professionals with a high level of integrity. Our core values are at the heart of every aspect of our projects and when interacting with our clients. This makes us an excellent and inclusive employer and a great supplier for our clients.
Browse the LIVE roles on our Rail Graduate Scheme and start your application today.
Meet more of the team
Blog by Fraser, Rail Consulting
Makaita, Information and Communication Systems
Blog by Assala, Safety Engineering & Independent Verification
Blog by Jimmy, Dynamic, Gauging & Testing
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
Meet Benisa, a resilient and dedicated professional at AtkinsRéalis. Her career journey showcases growth and the impact of an inclusive work culture. Overcoming early challenges and embracing div

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’re incredibly proud to be part of the UK’s journey towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The transformation required is massive, touching every corner of our economy—fr

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
The UK’s energy landscape is undergoing a major transformation as the country moves toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system. With a strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions, th

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/11/2025
Summary
NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s most transformative project, is a city designed for the future. A key component of the nation's Vision 2030 initiative, the eco-friendly mega-city is home to the most forward-t

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/04/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Ahmad, the regional leader of AtkinsRéalis' Power New Build team here in the Northwest of England. Why did I join AtkinsRéalis? I wanted to be part of a world-class engineering services p

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Sophie, a Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, tells all about life in Bristol You’ve probably already seen the photos of hot air balloons drifting over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspensi

Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
The rail sector is at the heart of Australia’s infrastructure revolution, spanning more than 36,064km of track and powering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity. Once reliant on imported as

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Do you want to fuel your career with purpose and watch your impact grow? Would you like to make an impact and join the global net zero revolution? Do you have what it takes to lead the nuclear r

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
The future of electrical engineering is bright, and its influence on industries like automotive, energy, and wearable technology is growing exponentially. At AtkinsRéalis, electrical engineers are a

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
Mechanical engineering is recognized as one of the most diverse and impactful fields, constantly shaping innovations across industries. At AtkinsRéalis, professionals like Sean, a BIM (Building

Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
Our Water, Environment, and Project Delivery teams—along with Design & Advanced Technology and Project and Programme Services—delivered the career-defining Havant Thicket Reservoir pro

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
What does it take to transform an industry? Hard work, innovative technology, and a culture that fosters creativity. This is how AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in project management, engineering
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project controls
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, wi
Reference
R-127061
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Consulting & advisory
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About UsCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a b
Reference
R-127054
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Consulting & advisory
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About UsCreated by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engineering a b
Reference
R-127053
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Union
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About 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 be
Reference
R-127008
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About 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 be
Reference
R-127007
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Category
Permanent
Location
Bangalore
Riyadh
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world class Engineering Services and Nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our i
Reference
R-126751
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project controls
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Cost Control Manager (Estimation Manager), in Abu Dhabi, UAE.About AtkinsRéalis:Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéali
Reference
R-126680
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Process engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engi
Reference
R-126614
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126348
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126345
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