insights What keeps talented M&E Engineers at Atkins?

Meet Ivan, Principal Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Engineer in the Rail Engineering Practice at Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group. He joined us in 2012 as a BEng graduate straight out of university, initially starting his studies in 2008 as an HND Level 4 student.

"What initially attracted me to Atkins was its involvement in the design work for the 2012 Olympic Park, which at the time was possibly the largest marquee engineering project in the country. A similar reason has kept me at Atkins for 10 years: the opportunities to work on varied and technically challenging projects."

Ivan, what projects do you work on in our Rail Engineering Practice?

I work on a wide variety of projects ranging from complex billion-pound projects to small local renewals. I've built up experience working for a range of end clients, including Crossrail, the London Underground, Transport for London, the Department for Transport, and Network Rail – as well as working on Design & Build contracts for all of the major contractors in the UK. I've also had the opportunity to work closely with local authorities to help and define how they deliver their promises to local rail users.

How are you engineering better for the planet and its people?

The UK has a long, proud tradition in the railways, and Atkins has been intrinsically involved in the sector for many years. I feel pride knowing that I have contributed to projects aiding social mobility and connecting cities, towns, friends and families. I take particular pride in that my role at Atkins allows me to contribute to projects from their inception all the way to their construction and operation.

Is Atkins a good company to work for?

Working for a company like Atkins has allowed me to pursue my own technical ambitions while also giving me opportunities to develop into a people leader.

Atkins places particular importance on Professional Registration and has always exposed me to numerous opportunities that allowed me to successfully become a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This included the opportunity to study for a MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power.

More recently, I've also been afforded the freedom and opportunity to progress to more senior leadership roles, advancing from a project engineer to leading a team of 38 M&E engineers in 5 offices across the UK. This kind of progression is only possible in a company that actively encourages its staff to progress and 'dream big.'

What's the culture like at Atkins?

Atkins has always championed behaviours and cultures I fundamentally believe in – integrity, fairness, safety, kindness and inclusivity. Doing "the right thing first time" has been an embedded mantra in the company since I joined and remains so.

One of the things that really stands out for me within Atkins is the dedication towards professional ethics, always prioritizing sound engineering decision-making aimed at safety and regulations.

Beyond Atkins' technical culture, the organizational culture is overwhelmingly supportive. It's full of bright, intelligent people passionate about learning from each other and sharing knowledge and information.

What are your flexible working arrangements?

Atkins has always supported me with flexible working, even before the COVID pandemic. When my daughter was born in 2016, I took advantage of Atkins' flexible working commitment to staff by reducing my working hours to drop down to four days a week, which allowed me to spend time with my daughter in the early years of her life. In general, I would say that the biggest personal positive about working for Atkins would be the freedom I'm given to balance my home life with work commitments.

How does "Different Make a Difference" inside Atkins?

As a white, cis, straight male, I'm aware that my role within Atkins is to actively promote and contribute to an environment of understanding and inclusivity. I have always been encouraged and supported to understand how I can be an ally in equality, diversity and inclusion, how I can better understand how unconscious bias affects me and others, and how much of a positive impact a diverse workforce can have on a company like Atkins.

MARCH 2023 OPPORTUNITY - Following significant framework wins in the Wales and Western region, we are expanding our Rail MEP team to include a Principal Electrical Engineer, to be based out of our Swindon office (flexible working). If you’re an ambitious person keen to lead on some of the exciting projects we will be delivering, then hit apply!