Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering

From supervising to leading highway operations: Catherine’s career journey speaks of teamwork, growth, and the value of women in civil engineering.

I’m the Chief Engineer for the O&M Brunway Highway Operations Inc. project at AtkinsRéalis. It’s a role that places me at the centre of ensuring a 275 km highway is safe, functional, and in top condition in every season. This is the story of how I got there, being empowered to transition from a role I was already excelling in to a new challenge that advanced my civil engineering career, all while maintaining strong connections with amazing colleagues and women in engineering mentors.

From graduation to building a new engineering career path 

I graduated from Polytechnique Montréal in 2013 and started my career at a large engineering firm. In 2018, I joined AtkinsRéalis, wanting to work with a team I’d encountered as part of a road project. Within a few weeks, I was trusted with my first major assignment: managing the rehabilitation of a bridge on a main Montréal artery.

That project set the tone for a decade of fulfillment, supervising multiple site projects as lead or assistant lead until 2023. I then felt ready for a new challenge, and our HR team helped me find my current position in operations and maintenance.

Why I Chose AtkinsRéalis: Strong team, top-quality work & women mentors

I first connected with AtkinsRéalis while working on a project they had conceptualized. I was struck by how collaborative their team was, and by the high quality of their work. So, when I saw a position posted, I applied.

In my first few years here, I remember being most impressed by the strong presence of women in my team. At my previous firm, I only knew of two other women in similar positions. At AtkinsRéalis, there were ten. Having female role models made my transition much smoother, and I’ve always felt supported by my colleagues—no one has ever refused a call for help.

Freedom, purpose, and project diversity

Autonomy and trust are huge for me. I appreciate the freedom to manage my work and the confidence that my opinions are valued. I also enjoy the variety—my previous role focused on one construction project at a time, but now I work on many different structures, each with its own challenges and learning opportunities. And then there’s the teamwork. Whether it’s collaborating with in-house specialists or coordinating with field crews, the sense of shared purpose that first attracted me to AtkinsRéalis is still very much alive.

A typical year as a civil engineer in chief

Operations and maintenance projects last for years, so my work repeats yearly. Although things are always busy, my year is organized around each season’s requirements.

• Winter: preparing upcoming contracts—rehabilitation, bridge repairs, road signage, and maintenance work.
• Spring: inspecting every structure along our stretch of highway.
• Summer: executing the contracts.
• Fall: planning and reviewing inspection reports.

Compared to other sectors, in infrastructure and operation maintenance, we have fewer meetings. But behind the scenes, there’s constant planning and coordination to ensure our highway meets the highest safety and quality standards.

The proudest moments of my engineering career (so far)

Over my years at AtkinsRéalis, I was provided with numerous opportunities to shine. One that stands out is my very first site supervision project as lead. We closed the project in under three months—final report, contract modifications, everything—while reopening traffic lanes ahead of schedule. It was a big win for the whole team.

Another highlight was my involvement in the YAI (Young AtkinsRéalis Initiative). As co-lead in 2023, I helped launch regional subcommittees and organized our first young professionals’ conference. These years were filled with inspiring connections, engaged peers, and meaningful achievements.

Advice for future civil engineers: Network and learn from the field

Technical skills are essential, but communication is just as important. To lead major projects, you need to work well with clients, colleagues, and partners. Build your network—it will help you at every stage of your career.

I’ve learned as much from carpenters and concrete workers as from fellow engineers. Our operators with 20 years’ experience often know better than anyone how to handle a snowstorm, no matter how many degrees I have.

School doesn’t prepare you for the realities of a road infrastructure site, but the field is the best classroom for anyone who wants to deliver impactful projects.

What makes AtkinsRéalis a great place to work

Beyond projects and expertise, it’s the people and culture that make the difference. At AtkinsRéalis, collaboration is how we work. We support one another, share knowledge, and respect the unique value each person brings. Here, careers grow alongside capabilities, and everyone has the chance to be brilliant.

If you’re ready to develop your skills, work on game-changing, diverse infrastructure projects, and join a collaborative team that values your unique contribution, explore your next career opportunity with AtkinsRéalis.