Robert Santiago: A life of design, engineering, and innovation

Civil engineering is the backbone of modern infrastructure and a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and vision. Few professionals embody these qualities as comprehensively as Robert Santiago, a seasoned civil engineer with over 35 years of experience. Through his work on projects ranging from river improvement to flood protection, and coastal design, Robert has made a significant and lasting impact on communities and ecosystems.

Through this article, explore working as a Design Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, and learn more about Robert Santiago’s fascinating career

Shaping a career in engineering

Robert Santiago’s career is a testament to lifelong learning and dedication to innovation. With a combination of academic training and on-the-job mentorship, Robert began his career working on essential infrastructure projects across China, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia. His focus? Water infrastructure—projects like flood protection, river improvements, water system planning, and coastal protection.

While engineering occupies much of Robert's time, he also cultivates his creativity outside work with writing music, an outlet that parallels his engineering work, requiring structure, flow, and technical skills.

He joined our organization 25 years ago, and during that time, he has evolved from a young engineer learning design best practice to an accomplished professional guiding the next generation of engineers.

The Tsui Ping River

One of Robert’s most notable projects is his work on the Tsui Ping River. Serving as the Design Engineer, he led a multidisciplinary team to design and implement critical enhancements to the river and its surrounding environment. His work included bank strengthening, river enhancement interventions, footbridges, in-stream planting, and landscaping. He also developed drainage improvements to safeguard against flooding and other water-related issues.

A notable challenge on this project was the design of a tidal gate to manage water levels. Initially, there were concerns about how the gate would operate due to the intricate handling required. Robert and his team developed an ingenious solution, a completely automated tidal gate. The system incorporates predictive technology, using tidal forecasts, river water level sensors, and weather forecasts to optimize performance.

Not only does the gate ensure consistent hydraulic capacity before storms, but it also transforms into a visually captivating waterfall during normal operations, blending form and function seamlessly. This innovative approach marks a significant step forward in modern design engineering, showcasing what is possible with teamwork, ingenuity, and advanced technology.

A journey of growth and adaptability

Robert’s inspiring career illustrates how persistence and adaptability can enable an individual to thrive in diverse environments. Over the years, Robert has worked on large-scale infrastructure projects, ranging from rail and airport development to new towns and flood systems.

Each project has introduced new challenges, enriching Robert’s technical expertise and expanding his problem-solving capabilities. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams has equipped him with a more innovative and holistic approach to engineering solutions.

Guiding the next generation

Early in his career, Robert was fortunate to have mentors who emphasized the importance of high-quality design drawings, constructability, and stakeholder communication. Today, he passes these lessons to younger engineers in his team, encouraging them to master new software, leverage digital tools, and aim for collaborative excellence.

Robert believes mentorship is key to professional growth and emphasizes the power of learning on the job. His philosophy revolves around sharing experiences, developing technical know-how, and fostering an ethical approach to sustainable and innovative design.

Technology as a catalyst for innovation

According to Robert, technology plays an indispensable role in driving innovation, creativity, and efficiency in modern engineering. Thanks to the state-of-the-art tools provided by his company, Robert and his teams are equipped with cutting-edge technology integrated into Building Information Modeling (BIM). This allows them to create accurate visualizations, run interactive walkthroughs, and present intuitive solutions to clients.

“Our company has also developed proprietary in-house tools that integrate with industry-standard platforms. These tools generate insightful data, optimize our designs, and ensure our solutions meet the highest standards in quality and functionality,” Robert shares enthusiastically.

Lessons in impact and legacy

Throughout his career, Robert has remained deeply committed to making a positive impact and engineering a better future for our planet and its people.  One of his proudest accomplishments is contributing to large-scale projects that deliver real benefits to communities. From improved flood protection to sustainably designed ecosystems, his work has elevated neighborhoods and improved the quality of life for countless people.

Advice for aspiring engineers

To those wishing to follow in his footsteps, Robert offers clear and compelling advice:

• Learn on the job: Be enthusiastic about the learning process and immerse yourself in projects that challenge your skills and creativity. 

 • Leverage technology: Familiarize yourself with the latest digital tools available. These will enhance your efficiency and innovation. 

 • Collaborate: Be open to working with multidisciplinary teams to find the most optimal solutions. The more perspectives you incorporate, the richer your results. 

 • Stay open to growth: Every project offers a new lesson, an opportunity to innovate, and a chance to grow your expertise.

Building a future for engineers like you

Robert Santiago’s career serves as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring engineers eager to make a difference. His vast expertise in design engineering and civil engineering has empowered him to work on groundbreaking projects that balance functionality, sustainability, and innovation.

If Robert’s story has inspired you, consider taking the next step in your engineering career. Apply to join our team today and become part of a collaborative, forward-thinking community making strides in infrastructure and design. Click here to explore opportunities with us!