A conversation with Peichun Liu, a Senior Technical Manager in China

For decades, professionals have been breaking barriers and redefining limits in the engineering field. Today, we shine a spotlight on Peichun Liu, a Senior Technical Manager at AtkinsRéalis in China, who has spent over a decade championing sustainability and innovation. Peichun's remarkable career path serves as an inspiration for all aspiring engineers and the next generation of STEM professionals.

From her academic background to her leadership strategies, this blog offers an insider look into Peichun's career, perspectives on diversity in the industry, and her aspirations for the future of engineers in STEM.

Meet Peichun Liu

Education and early career

Peichun Liu's educational background is a blend of architecture and engineering. After earning her BA and MSc degrees from National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, she took her first steps into the professional world as a green building consultancy engineer at the Taiwan Architecture and Building Centre. Inspired by her fascination with building performance and sustainability, Peichun pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham, UK, which further honed her expertise in environmental design and building thermal physics.

When asked about her inspiration for choosing this career path, she shares, "Over 90% of our time is spent indoors. Understanding how buildings impact our environment and applying that knowledge to create sustainable designs made me gravitate toward the practical applications of building physics."

Career growth at AtkinsRéalis

Peichun joined AtkinsRéalis in October 2013 and has built an impressive career spanning over 11 years. Starting as a Project Engineer, she steadily progressed to Senior Technical Manager within the sustainability and engineering business unit.

With growing expertise and strong leadership, Peichun successfully transitioned through roles such as Senior Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, Regional Manager, and eventually her current position. She attributes this growth to not only technical expertise but also to a welcoming corporate culture that values flexibility and culture where everyone belongs.

"Flexibility at AtkinsRéalis is what I appreciate the most. It's enabled me to balance my responsibilities as a Senior Technical Manager while still being present in my son's life, supervising his homework, and attending his school events," she shares.

Why she loves her role

Peichun values the unique diversity of her team at AtkinsRéalis, recognizing it as a key driver of innovation and success. Her team comprises members from different educational and technical backgrounds, all working towards a shared vision of sustainability and innovative problem-solving.

When describing her leadership strategy, she highlights the importance of timely feedback, resource allocation, and empowering her team to take ownership of complex technical challenges. This collaborative approach ensures client satisfaction while fostering professional growth for her team members.

Progress and challenges in engineering

Gender diversity in engineering

Throughout Peichun's career, there has been notable progress in promoting gender diversity within the engineering field. At AtkinsRéalis, equal opportunities for promotion are a standard, not an exception. Peichun also highlights inclusive policies—such as equal access to childcare leave for all employees—as a meaningful step toward true equity.

"In sustainability consultancy, there's no such thing as a gender gap when it comes to delivering high-quality results. Capabilities and performance speak louder than anything else," she adds.

The importance of inclusive work environments

Creating a workplace that supports growth for all professionals requires flexibility, respect, and comprehensive policies. These elements are essential for enabling individuals to maintain a healthy work-life balance while advancing in their careers.

Peichun believes that fostering a supportive community is equally important. "A diverse and talented workforce is the key to driving innovation. Creating mentorship programs, encouraging collaboration, and establishing a culture of inclusivity are the building blocks for organizational success."

Advice for next generation of engineers

Peichun's success is built on a combination of personal discipline, patience, curiosity, and an eagerness to learn. She emphasizes that these traits are instrumental for pursuing a career in STEM.

For organizations looking to support future leaders in engineering, Peichun advocates for fair access to opportunities, resources, mentorship and more, that nurture talent and foster leadership.

When asked about her message to aspiring female engineers, Peichun says, "Engineering is about impact, innovation, and solving real-world problems. Stay curious, passionate, and always be willing to learn. With these traits and the right environment, there's no limit to what you can achieve."

The next decade holds immense potential for engineers.. Peichun is optimistic about the progress, envisioning an engineering industry where leadership is representative of all the brilliance and creativity professionals can bring.

Make an impact with AtkinsRéalis

At AtkinsRéalis, we believe in fostering environments that empower professionals like Peichun Liu to thrive and grow. If you're passionate about creating innovative solutions and driving progress, explore the opportunities AtkinsRéalis has to offer.

"Flexibility at AtkinsRéalis is what I appreciate the most. It's enabled me to balance my responsibilities as a Senior Technical Manager while still being present in my son's life, supervising his homework, and attending his school events," she shares.