insights Engineering a better future in our Transportation practice.
Alex Nelson is an Engineering Manager at Atkins, a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group. Here, she talks to us about how she's helping to take the world to carbon zero and why she feels valued as her true self with us.
Alex, the journey to zero-carbon is one of your career interests – how are you engineering better for the planet and people?
As an overhead line electrification (OLE) engineer, most of my work revolves around rail electrification, which is critical in reducing diesel use across the country. Seeing designs being built and helping them get commissioned brings a real sense of pride to the job, and the way our team is currently working to reduce the cost of rail electrification is really inspiring.
What kind of projects are you working on?
I've spent the last few years working on the Midland Mainline Electrification (MMLE) scheme as an Engineering Manager. This is one of the country's biggest electrification projects, and the team continues to deliver. Before that, I did OLE Basic Design work and OLE Design on Bletchley Flyover and London 2 Corby Grip 5 design. I also had the opportunity to be part of the entry into service and testing and commissioning team for MMLE KO1. The ability to work on both big and small projects and across the project lifecycles keeps the work interesting. I've also had the opportunity to talk at an IET event and brief the RSSB Energy Standards Committee!
Is Atkins a good company to work for?
I joined Atkins as a Graduate, drawn by the breadth of work Atkins offers. I had already done a summer placement here so I knew I liked the people and the number of opportunities there are to continually learn. I stay at Atkins because of the chance to work on some of the most significant projects in the OLE industry, the progression opportunities - and the great multi-disciplinary knowledge base I know is always there to call on when needed.
What kind of opportunities have you had?
Atkins has given me opportunities whenever I've been willing to take them. I have learnt a lot via secondment opportunities to principal contractors and progression throughout my career, from engineering to document control, back to engineering management. The organization recognizes talent and rewards it with opportunities and advancement. For me, that's been fairly fundamental.
What's the company culture like?
Atkins is built on a culture of mutual respect for our colleagues, regardless of their job roles. This means that everyone has a voice to contribute and to challenge the way we do things, whether that be processes, engineering or safety. I know that when I have something to contribute, I will be listened to and respected. Conversely, I appreciate my colleagues in the same way. This means we continually learn from each other, which always makes going to work enjoyable.
How do you use flexible working?
Currently, I go into an Atkins office two days a week and a client's office one day a week. Outside of work, I play and referee dodgeball competitively. So, flexible working allows me to put time towards the dodgeball community, including sitting on the British Dodgeball Regulations Committee and being a refereeing mentor!
How does "different make a difference" inside Atkins?
Atkins embraces differences in staff wholeheartedly. To me, differences in team members lead to new perspectives, ideas and solutions, which help us solve the problems in front of us. As a woman in engineering, I can quite often be the only woman in the room, but I don't feel like that causes me a disadvantage. I am respected for my skills and knowledge.
How have you been uniquely supported at the organization?
Atkins supports good mental health and will be there when things go wrong. Pre-pandemic, I experienced mental health problems, and Atkins supported me. It's not something I like to talk about. But my line manager helped me take a step back, and I worked from home a few days a week. The management team helped me come back in a way that worked for me and supported me while doing so. To me, that is invaluable in an employer.
Our Transportation Teams are currently hiring OLE Engineers so why not explore how you could fit in here:https://careers.snclavalin.com/atkins-rail-engineering-jobs
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
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
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Dilini! Two years ago, after completing my doctorate in structural fire engineering, I began practicing in the UK fire engineering industry. I'm proud to have contributed
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Leeds
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.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 f
Reference
R-121565
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Leeds
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Leeds
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.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 f
Reference
R-121564
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
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-121509
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
York
Stockton-on-Tees
Leeds
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Description
Principal Bridge Engineer – Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!At AtkinsRéalis, we’re not just building bridges; we’re building futures. We’re proud of the exceptional work we accomplish acros
Reference
R-121475
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
York
Stockton-on-Tees
Leeds
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Description
Senior Bridge Engineer – Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!Are you ready to lead innovative projects that redefine transportation and infrastructure? Join our dynamic, collaborative team wher
Reference
R-121474
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Cambridge
Chelmsford
Epsom
Description
Senior / Associate Principal Engineer - Bridges & Civil Structures (Open)– Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!Are you ready to make an impact, build a reputation for excellence, and thrive in
Reference
R-121467
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Potters Bar
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Business development
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Potters Bar
Dartford
Leatherhead
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-121451
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
West Midlands
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
West Midlands
Description
Senior / Associate Principal Bridge Engineer – Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!Are you ready to take on a pivotal role in shaping some of the most exciting infrastructure projects of our ti
Reference
R-121418
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
West Midlands
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
West Midlands
Description
Principal Engineer/ Chief Engineer – Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!Are you ready to step into a key role within some of the industry’s most impactful projects? Join our dynamic team, wher
Reference
R-121417
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Belfast
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Belfast
Description
Senior Bridge Engineer – Shape the Future of Transportation with Us!Are you ready to play a pivotal role in shaping exciting projects that make a difference? Join our dynamic team, where every voice m
Reference
R-121409
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