Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

What’s life like as a Net Zero Engineer in the UK? Shayakgomo’s story

The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. 

At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are at the forefront of this mission, driving transformative energy projects and shaping the future of the UK's energy landscape. 

Here, Shayakgomo shares his experiences and insights as a Senior HV Plant Engineer, providing a glimpse into life as a Net Zero Engineer.

like as a Net Zero Engineer in

How did you navigate the challenges of moving from South Africa to the UK?

"My transition was challenging but rewarding. I had to adapt to different company cultures, but the engineering practices were quite similar as both countries adhere to globally recognized professional standards. 

Working in a similar environment—electricity distribution and transmission—made the technical transition straightforward. On a lighter note, the UK's unpredictable weather was a surprising adjustment!"

What have been the standout moments of your time at AtkinsRéalis?

"The opportunity to contribute to the UK's net zero ambitions has been incredibly fulfilling. I've worked on projects like solar connections and battery energy storage systems (BESS), which are essential for a sustainable energy future. 

Being part of these transformative initiatives makes me feel like I'm making a real impact."

How does AtkinsRéalis' commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion influence your work experience?

"The supportive and inclusive culture at AtkinsRéalis makes a big difference in my professional life. Psychological safety is a priority here, allowing me to express myself without fear of judgment. 

The team's empathy and mutual respect foster a collaborative environment that motivates continuous learning and personal growth. It's an organization where I truly feel valued."

Why should engineers consider joining AtkinsRéalis?

"AtkinsRéalis is a reputable organization with a global footprint, offering the chance to work on exciting projects that promote sustainability. 

The flexible working environment supports a healthy work-life balance, and the company's culture encourages continuous learning and professional development. It's a place where you can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the world."

How does your role as a Senior HV Plant Engineer support energy-efficient solutions?

"As a lead engineer, I prioritize designing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient solutions that reduce carbon emissions. 

Sustainability is at the heart of my projects, whether it's developing electrical substation designs or creating sustainability action plans to achieve long-term resource conservation. This focus ensures we're building a future that supports generations to come."

What excites you about the future at AtkinsRéalis?

"I'm thrilled to be part of AtkinsRéalis' 'Leading Our Culture' program, which enhances our organizational culture and makes this an even better workplace. I'm also pursuing a course in Environmental Sustainability Skills for Managers with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). 

Additionally, gaining a National Grid design assurance status will enable me to contribute even more to our projects, supporting the UK's ambitious sustainability goals."

Ready to join the journey toward a net zero future?

Discover how you can make a difference as a Net Zero Engineer.

Related blogs

Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

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.

Card link for Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering
a man standing on a beach.

Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.

Here's how I turned two summer placements into a full‑time career in mechanical engineering in nuclear.

Card link for Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.
Picture of Chinmay sitting on a chair

My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

From campus to clean energy innovation — Chinmay’s story captures what it means to start your career at AtkinsRéalis. As a young engineer, he’s helping shape the future of nuclear technology through curiosity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.

Card link for My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis carbon training is shaping careers in sustainable engineering

How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis

I joined carbon training for the skills – and left with a whole new perspective on leading across borders.

Card link for How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis
Padraic

Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues

Discover how carbon training at AtkinsRéalis helped me grow my expertise and helped create a carbon quantification tool now used across transportation projects.

Card link for Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues
Tony

Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career

Are you ready? How leaders can break past the ceiling, take on bigger roles, and deliver Ireland's most ambitious programmes.

Card link for Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career
Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Imagine leading change, building carbon solutions with our global AtkinsRéalis team.

Card link for Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis
Careers in Defence: Project Management, Cybersecurity and More

Building a brilliant career in defence

Breaking barriers and building a rewarding career in defence – here's how I did it.

Card link for Building a brilliant career in defence
Kevin

Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

Join AtkinsRéalis Ireland to work on Metrolink, Dublin Airport, Water Supply Project and more. Explore engineering jobs, leadership opportunities, and career growth.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

Related jobs

Senior / Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Senior / Principal Mechanical Building Services Engineer

Manchester, England, United Kingdom

Building Physics Modelling Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Building Physics Modelling Engineer

London, England, United Kingdom

Senior Mechanical Building Services Engineer
Project, programme & cost management Engineering Full time
Senior Mechanical Building Services Engineer

Nottingham, England, United Kingdom

group of people talking to each other

Everyone belongs

We empower each individual to shine and contribute to our collective impact. We believe in the power of unique perspectives. It’s how we’re engineering a better future every single day.