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

Why I went from Engineering to Digital Asset Management

Hi, I'm Ryan Versteeg-Biln, Director of Asset Management, Operations & Maintenance at AtkinsRéalis in Vancouver, Canada. In my role, I draw on my own 13 years of experience in operations and maintenance (O&M) in AtkinsRéalis with the Canada Line team, as well as best practices and subject matter expertise from across the organization.

A day in the life of an asset management job…

I'm responsible for ensuring that assets are managed consistently and effectively for AtkinsRéalis' O&M projects, as well as external clients across Canada. I work with operators to craft policies and processes, checking what needs to be done and where we can gain more value. I also support operations projects by ensuring they have the right skills, technologies, and expert advice to meet their needs.

When I explain what I do to friends and family, I do it with some difficulty! I say I'm basically a management consultant specializing in infrastructure operations and maintenance. If their eyes haven't glazed over yet... I may describe some examples of asset management decision-making and total lifecycle costing, such as whether or not to keep a certain maintenance program or invest in new technology to reduce lifecycle costs.

How I became interested in digital asset management

In my previous role as Engineering Manager on the Canada Line in Vancouver, I drove efficiency in asset management and optimizing the total cost of asset ownership. This led me to get involved in digital asset management, Digital Twins and Building Information Management (BIM) development across the organization.

Winning at twinning on the Canada Line

The Digital Futures team had been looking to create a proof-of-concept digital twin for Transportation Operations. So, I was delighted to be able to bring them and the Canada Line together to develop the Canada Line digital twin. Our goal was to create the first large scale digital twin of a transit system, using only our own staff at AtkinsRéalis, and to show how useful this can be.

What software is used for asset management?

Now, our O&M team is using this digital twin to help them do their maintenance work better and reduce the overall cost of operating and maintaining the Canada Line. The twin will also help reduce the time spent on maintenance, avoid disruptions to the travelling public, and improve our operational health and safety.

"One of my favourite quotes is, "It is impossible to be curious and judgmental at the same time." A former mentor shared it with me, and it often pops into my mind.

Ryan Versteeg-Biln, Director of Asset Management, Operations & Maintenance, AtkinsRéalis

What does a software asset management tool do?

The Canada Line digital twin is designed with the user in mind. An online dashboard gives our staff access to all available asset information, with asset easily identified on a system map. We've also created a user-navigable 3D representation of the tracks built around a LiDAR scanned model of the system and displayed using video game-inspired software.

I'm pleased to say that Phase One of the Canada Line digital twin recently went live. Everyone is eager to start using it and to keep adding new functionalities and capabilities.

Proud to lead asset management projects led by our values

It's easy to think of digital twins and digital asset management as focusing primarily on innovation and how to do things better. And yes, innovation is vital, but our other values of safety, integrity and collaboration are also a big part of this project.

Taking the Canada Line digital twin project as an example, we had team members from Canada, the UK, the Middle East and the Global Design Centre (GTC) all working collaboratively to build the twin. Fostering a collaborative spirit on projects like this is vital, leading to a much better result than the alternative. What's more, the display and analytics of safety information is a crucial capability under development for Phase Two.

Making everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.

One of my core values is continual improvement. Within my working life, this is about making processes more efficient by reducing wasted effort. In the context of the digital twin project, this was about developing a user interface that gets the right information to the user in the most accessible and easy way. When a user comments on how a complex system just makes sense to them, that makes me proud.

When I'm not working, find me on the water.

Out of the office, I'm passionate about sailing. I love being out on the water. My family and I enjoy going out in our sailboat or small sailing catamaran, and I race locally with some fellow enthusiasts. People say a boat is a hole in the water you pour money into, and it's true. Thankfully I'm just as passionate about projects as I am about sailing, so I get great satisfaction from both the sailing and the boat work.

Are you interested in joining the journey of software asset management?

With AtkinsRéalis there are always opportunities to grow your career. If you have had software asset management training or work experience, a role in digital asset management could be a great fit for you.

Browse our digital page for more information.

Related blogs

Hrudya carrying her child

“I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

From designing the foundations that shape our world to empowering the people around her, read how Hrudya’s journey showcases passion, resilience, and possibility.

Card link for “I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey

She trained as a classical dancer, reads 23 books a year, and helps build some of the biggest projects in North America. Meet Advika.

Card link for From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey
Image of Anna on a horse

From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

Discover Anna’s path from policy to practice, where impact, authenticity, and a non linear career come together.

Card link for From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

What does it take to rebuild your career — and rise even higher than before? Kajal’s journey is a story of courage, reinvention, and earning one of the highest recognitions in project management.

Card link for From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship

Setbacks don't define you – how you respond does. See how I turned my first one into a win.

Card link for Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship
AtkinsRéalis logo

My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice

Here's how my apprenticeship is helping me grow in confidence and real-world skills.

Card link for My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice
Image of Keith standing on a bridge

From global adventures to nuclear innovation: Keith’s story

Meet Keith, who’s helping shape the UK’s clean‑energy future by bringing global, cross‑discipline experience to one of the most exciting and fast‑growing areas of our business.

Card link for From global adventures to nuclear innovation: Keith’s story

Leading fire protection innovation at AtkinsRéalis: Aaron’s journey and vision

As the Director of Fire Protection for Canada at AtkinsRéalis, I have the privilege of leading a team of nearly 30 specialists and engineers across the country. Every day, I work to unify our national expertise and elevate our technical excellence across sectors such as nuclear, defence, power and energy, transportation, and more.

Card link for Leading fire protection innovation at AtkinsRéalis: Aaron’s journey and vision

From apprentice to assistant design engineer: Ciara’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

From starting out as an apprentice to becoming an Assistant Design Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, my journey has been shaped by hands‑on project experience, continuous learning, and the support to grow at every step. Here’s how I built a career I love.

Card link for From apprentice to assistant design engineer: Ciara’s journey at AtkinsRéalis
Picture of Maria standing near a road

Making work, parenting and career progression work together

From career progression to caring responsibilities, Maria’s journey highlights the power of trust, empathy, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Card link for Making work, parenting and career progression work together

Building a real career through an apprenticeship

Join me as I share my journey from Degree Apprentice to Graduate Quantity Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis — and show how an apprenticeship can build real skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose

Card link for Building a real career through an apprenticeship

Choosing an apprenticeship with purpose - my journey

I’m sharing how my apprenticeship at AtkinsRéalis helped me build in‑demand skills, gain real‑world experience, and kick‑start a meaningful engineering career with purpose.

Card link for Choosing an apprenticeship with purpose - my journey

Related jobs

Functional Analyst Intern
Consulting & advisory Digital Full time
Functional Analyst Intern

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Senior EBS Functional Analyst
Corporate Digital Full time
Senior EBS Functional Analyst

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Procurement Systems Analyst (Smart Materials)
Nuclear Digital Full time
Procurement Systems Analyst (Smart Materials)

Various locations

Hexagon Smartplant Information Management System Support Specialist (SDx/SPF)
Nuclear Digital Full time
Hexagon Smartplant Information Management System Support Specialist (SDx/SPF)

Various locations

IT Business Analyst
Corporate Digital Full time
IT Business Analyst

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Senior EBS Technical Lead
Corporate Digital Full time
Senior EBS Technical Lead

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

Lead EBS Developer I
Corporate Digital Full time
Lead EBS Developer I

Montréal, Quebec, Canada

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.