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 enjoy working abroad as a mechanical engineer in nuclear

I'm Sam – a mechanical engineer usually based in the UK, now working in Ontario, Canada. My contract abroad has opened up new technical experiences, digital innovation opportunities, and a whole new set of hobbies (including ice hockey!). Here's what I've learned about life, work, and nuclear jobs you can travel with.

Why I said yes to working abroad?

What really drew me in was the chance to get a variety of experiences in work, culture, and hobbies. Plus, it all just seemed to fall into place perfectly, making it impossible for me to say no.

Why I enjoy working abroad as a mechanical engineer in nuclear

 

From mechanical engineering to digital innovation

My job here is pretty different from what I was doing in the UK. Being here has given me chances I probably wouldn't have gotten so quickly back home. Now, I'm part of the digital innovations team, which I was always interested in back in the UK but hadn't landed a job in yet.

Learning new skills on the job I can travel with

So far, I have been learning all about different aspects of what the digital innovations team do here. In addition to this, we have all been enrolled on a Candu fundamentals course which covers all the basics of Candu design, this has been a really interesting course to get a high-level overview.

How international nuclear jobs grow your confidence

We've had a lot of first-time experiences outside of work, like watching baseball and American football, spending weekends at a lakeside cottage up north, checking out Niagara Falls, and visiting Montréal for the weekend. I've also taken up new hobbies like sailing, volleyball, softball, and pretty soon, I'll be starting ice hockey!

New people, new projects – and a clear path forward

I think it has been, and will continue to be, great for my career growth. It's helped me meet new people and get exposure to different kinds of work in the industry.

Why I enjoy working abroad as a mechanical engineer in nuclear

 

The toughest part? Being far from home

One of the hardest parts has been adjusting to the different culture and being far from home, friends, and family. It's been challenging, but everyone here is super supportive and friendly.

Good people make great teammates – in any country

People back in the UK have been very supportive with both pastoral and technical support when I have called on them, including people in the UK I had never previously spoken to offering their support. The team out here have been good whenever I have needed support and everyone is more than happy to share their experience.

Stronger UK-Canada connections start here

When I return, I hope to keep the connections to the Candu teams and my knowledge of projects. Aiming to strengthen the connections between the UK and Canada, allowing support and expertise to be easily shared.

If the time is right, take the leap

Definitely! If your personal circumstances and connections to the UK allow for it. I was fortunate not to have many reasons preventing me from doing so. Being away from home can be challenging. That said, there are numerous support systems in place, including options for traveling back home.

Curious about international opportunities like mine? Explore mechanical engineering jobs or nuclear careers at AtkinsRéalis.

Related blogs

a smiling picture of Merna

Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen

Meet Merna, a landscape architect blending creativity with purpose. Read how she designs spaces that help people feel connected, seen, and inspired.

Card link for Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen
A candid picture of Eliza writing on a white board, with a marker

Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza

From UX design to data leadership, Eliza’s journey is all about saying yes to opportunity. Read how she shaped a bold, global career from New Zealand.

Card link for Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza
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

Related jobs

Chartered Geotechnical Engineer/Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Chartered Geotechnical Engineer/Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Various locations

Chief Geotechnical Engineer
Cities & development Engineering Full time
Chief Geotechnical Engineer

Various locations

Principal Electrical Engineer
Water Engineering Full time
Principal Electrical Engineer

Various locations

Associate Director ICA Engineering
Water Engineering Full time
Associate Director ICA Engineering

Various locations

Engineering Manager - Power and Energy Solutions
Clean power Engineering Full time
Engineering Manager - Power and Energy Solutions

Various locations

Associate Director Civil Water
Water Engineering Full time
Associate Director Civil Water

Various locations

Associate Director Mechanical Engineering
Water Engineering Full time
Associate Director Mechanical Engineering

Various locations

Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer
Water Engineering Full time
Senior/Principal Mechanical Engineer

Various locations

Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build
Water Engineering Full time
Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

Various locations

Associate Director Civil Water
Water Engineering Full time
Associate Director Civil Water

Various locations

Associate Director Mechanical Engineering
Water Engineering Full time
Associate Director Mechanical Engineering

Various locations

Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build
Water Engineering Full time
Senior/Principal Design Manager for Design & Build

Various locations

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.