insights Career growth? You set the pace.

My rapid career growth at AtkinRéalis from senior engineer to practice manager Nuclear New Build

Hello! My name is Gobinath. I graduated from PSG College of Technology in 2008 as a gold medalist. Joining AtkinsRéalis had always been my dream, but I wasn't selected when they first visited our campus. The interview process can be unpredictable. Sometimes, it's just about being in the right place at the right time.

After gaining experience with other companies, I finally got my chance in 2017 when I was invited to an AtkinsRéalis walk-in drive. The interview went well, and I was immediately offered a role. It was a dream come true. I had finally made it into AtkinsRéalis!

Pivoting into nuclear

I started as a Senior Structural Engineer on the Hinkley Point C (HPC) project. This was a new challenge, transitioning from buildings and airports to the nuclear sector. With guidance from our senior director, I embraced the challenge. Six months in, I managed a small project successfully, which helped grow our team from three to nearly 140 members by 2018.

My career progression

By 2018, I was the Building Lead for the Unclassified Building at HPC, managing a team of eight engineers. Over the next few years, my role expanded to include leading teams on various other projects. By 2022, I was leading the entire Nuclear New Build (NNB) engineering team, overseeing nearly 100 employees and projects across the globe.

Achievements at Hinkley Point C

Working on HPC from the preliminary stage to post-occupancy review, I successfully completed the €32 million contract, delivering nearly 900 detailed technical reports ready for construction. I also played a key role in managing change process variations and maintaining project progress.

Building the engineering team

My career at AtkinsRéalis has flourished from entry-level to leading the entire Nuclear New Build engineering team, where I am Principal Head Of Department. Building the HPC engineering team from scratch was one of my most significant achievements. Starting with just a few people, I helped grow the team to 98 members, with expectations of reaching 200 by 2023. Our projects include major initiatives like CANDU, Canada SMR, and the Sizewell C replication.

#GivingBack through mentorship

Mentorship has been a big part of my journey. I've been actively involved in training and mentoring structural engineers, particularly recent graduates. I've led several training sessions, including CRC tool and HPC software training. Developing the innovative Contour RC tool has been another career highlight.

Expanding to new geographies

In 2021, I had the opportunity to work on the Candu-AMNRC project in Canada. I was instrumental in showcasing our technical capabilities, growing the team from 10 to around 45 engineers, and securing new regional projects.

Achievements at AtkinsRéalis

Throughout my time at AtkinsRéalis, I've received several accolades, including two WOW Awards for quality deliverables and Excellence Awards in Project Delivery, Technical Solutions, and Digital Delivery. My aspiration is to continue excelling in technical and management roles, with the ultimate goal of becoming the CEO of AtkinsRéalis. So, watch this space!

Find a role in our Nuclear & Power team today.