Thriving as an engineer: Rony’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

I’m a building mechanical engineer at AtkinsRéalis, and it may come as a surprise, but the word fun best captures my experience! From discovering a passion for engineering in my home country to having the time of my life in Northern Quebec, the support of my team and daily meaningful work have shaped my journey. I’ve been thriving every step of the way!

At just 17, I started university back home, in Lebanon, drawn to the complexity and creativity of the field. That’s when I found my passion, especially for building systems—heating, ventilation, cooling, and plumbing. It just clicked. I graduated at 21 with top marks and earned a tuition exemption to study in Quebec, which led me to Canada for a master’s program in mechanical engineering at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Moving to a new country, culture, and education system wasn’t what I had initially planned, but looking back, I see that I’m right where I was meant to be! Just two years later, at 23, my master’s in hand, I joined AtkinsRéalis. I got my engineering title: I can’t wait to stamp my first plans and sign off with pride.

From student to thriving engineer: An exciting transition

My shift from academia to the workforce is one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I went from memorizing textbooks and taking exams to actually applying what I’ve learned—and learning even more on the job. Every day feels different.

As a deliverable approaches, I get this rush of adrenaline. It pushes me to do better. Beyond technical skills, my work experience has helped me mature and gain a deeper understanding of myself. It’s not just about growing as an engineer—it’s about growing as a person.

A day in the life of a building mechanical engineer

There’s no such thing as a “typical day”—and that’s exactly how I like it. One of my favorite projects has been building a school in Quaqtaq, in Northern Quebec. I work closely with the project lead and take on a range of responsibilities.

• Performing detailed calculations for HVAC and plumbing systems.
• Coordinating with architects, electricians, automation teams, and more.
• Selecting equipment in collaboration with suppliers.
• Ensuring quality and consistency with the mechanical team.
• Providing regular updates and reviewing deliverables with the project manager.

And that’s just what’s happening in the office! We also handle site supervision—both on‑site and from the office. This involves visiting the construction site, identifying issues, writing reports, and responding to technical questions. It’s hands‑on learning, and it makes all the difference.

Engineer at AtkinsRéalis: rewarding and fun

Two things make it rewarding to work at AtkinsRéalis as an engineer: the work itself and the people surrounding me. There are days when I look around and think, I’m really having fun. This isn’t just a job for a paycheck—this is something I enjoy.

A big part of that enjoyment comes from my teammates. I’ve been lucky to work with incredible senior colleagues. They’re the life of the party at work. Professionally, their support has made a significant difference in my growth.

I also love the opportunity to work on projects in Northern Quebec. Designing for the North presents unique challenges — from weather conditions to equipment delivery— and that means engineers must adapt their approach accordingly. It’s different from designing in the South, and it makes the work that much more interesting. I’ve even had the chance to visit places like Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq. It’s an amazing way to discover new parts of Quebec while building new skills.

Advice for early‑career engineers

To anyone thinking of joining AtkinsRéalis, I’d say: Don’t hesitate. Here, no one expects you to have five years of experience to apply as an EIT. I didn’t have much experience in building systems when I started. But I learned everything here, step by step. And there are so many other benefits to working here—but I’ll let HR tell you about those.

Join us at AtkinsRéalis and pursue your passion, just like I did. Whether you’re a recent graduate or seeking the next chapter in your career, there’s a place for you here.

Explore our current job openings and apply today.