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

Harikrishnan's journey: Bold choices and big impact at AtkinsRéalis

From taking bold early-career decisions to scaling innovative digital solutions across the globe, Harikrishnan is shaping the future of engineering and design at AtkinsRéalis. With a unique blend of technical insight and strategic thinking, he's built a career rooted in curiosity, transformation, and purposeful leadership.

Here's his journey—in his own words.

How Harikrishnan Is Shaping the Future of Engineering | AtkinsRéalis

 

From engineering to the road not taken

I started with a degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a master's in construction management. While many of my peers followed the conventional path, I took a leap of faith by joining a startup in a digital role. Looking back, that moment changed everything.

At the time, it felt like stepping off the well-paved road. But watching the company grow from 15 people to over 300 showed me the impact digital thinking could have. I wasn't just learning tools—I was learning how to scale operations, mentor teams, and drive innovation from the inside out.

Scaling my impact at AtkinsRéalis

Joining AtkinsRéalis was a turning point. Suddenly, I was applying what I had learned in a startup to a global scale—30,000+ colleagues, world-class projects, and endless possibilities.

As part of the Digital Design Services (DDS) team, I've helped shape and deliver a range of digital capabilities—5D, Design Data Analytics, Information Management, 4D, 6D, Design Automation, and more. 

One of my proudest moments? Building our Data Driven information management service from the ground up—what started as an idea became a full-scale, value-driven capability. 

To stay ahead in this ever-evolving space, I've continued to upskill myself—recently earning the BIM Project Information and Asset Information Practitioner certifications from BSI Training Academy—ensuring we bring global best practices into our digital delivery approach.

Learning, leading, and being heard

AtkinsRéalis gave me a platform to grow—not just as an engineer but as a thought leader. In 2023, I co-presented at Autodesk University, and I've been nominated again for 2025. These experiences sharpened my storytelling, broadened my perspective, and showed me the value of sharing our journey with the world.

 

What stands out most is the culture here. I've had the chance to work with senior global leaders, influence digital strategy, and implement automation that has unlocked real efficiencies. It's a place where good ideas are heard and great ones are nurtured.

People behind my purpose

How Harikrishnan Is Shaping the Future of Engineering | AtkinsRéalis

 

I wouldn't be here without my family my wife, son, and mother. From taking out an education loan to working through intense schedules, they've supported me at every turn.

At AtkinsRéalis, my mentors and peers have been equally instrumental. I'm especially grateful to Bharat Gala, our India CEO, whose vision and clarity continue to inspire. I also co-founded an ED&I initiative called DARE (Diversity Across Regions & Ethnicities), and it's been humbling to see it win the India CEO Excellence Award—twice.

The milestones that mattered

One moment that truly stands out was visiting six of our U.S. offices and presenting at a major industry event. It reinforced how far I've come—from an engineer figuring things out, to a leader driving change on a global stage.

And now, as a Capability Lead, I focus on scalable digital workflows across the UK, US, and Middle East—blending BIM, automation, and data-driven delivery.

Life outside the job

How Harikrishnan Is Shaping the Future of Engineering | AtkinsRéalis

 

Outside work, I find balance in sport and family. I'm a big fan of badminton, volleyball, and, of course, the Chennai Super Kings. Nature is my go-to reset button, and I love treks, and beaches. 

My son, Gautham, keeps me on my toes and fills my days with laughter, learning, and paper planes—yes, I enjoy origami too.

Words that drive me

If I had to sum it all up in one thought, it would be this:

"You are responsible for your career."

Every opportunity I've had—from switching paths to creating new services—came from believing in what I had to offer and being empowered to act on it.

That's what I value most at AtkinsRéalis. It's a place where you're trusted to lead, encouraged to explore, and supported to grow not just professionally, but personally too.

At AtkinsRéalis, we empower people to lead, innovate, and grow just like Harikrishnan. If you're ready to take the road less traveled and make your mark on the future of engineering and design, explore opportunities with us.

 

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

Principal Data Scientist
Digital Full time
Principal Data Scientist

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Senior EBS Technical Lead
Digital Full time
Senior EBS Technical Lead

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Integration Solutions Architect
Digital Full time
Integration Solutions Architect

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

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.