From France to Canada: Aline’s career in RAMS engineering

Every day, thousands of people travel by train or metro and rely on public transit systems without giving much thought to what ensures the safety and reliability of these infrastructures. Behind these systems are specialists like Aline, a RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety) expert at AtkinsRéalis in Montreal. Her role is to anticipate risks and ensure that systems meet the most rigorous performance standards.

A career built around safety and reliability

My professional journey began in France, where I worked on cable transportation projects before specializing in tramways, metros, and high‑speed rail systems. 

I also had the opportunity to contribute to projects in a wide range of industries, including defense, nuclear energy, automotive, and power generation. Despite the diversity of these sectors, one common thread remained throughout my career: RAMS engineering. 

In 2017, I moved to Montreal with the goal of continuing my work in RAMS within a new environment. 

At the heart of major transportation projects

Today, I perform analyses and prepare the documentation required to demonstrate that a system is safe for users. I also ensure that systems meet established requirements, particularly in terms of reliability and availability. 

The opportunity to contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on people's daily lives, such as the REM in Montreal and OCC2 in British Columbia, is what attracted me to AtkinsRéalis. 

“It is especially rewarding to know that your work helps make transportation systems safe, reliable, and high‑performing for users.” 

I was also drawn to the wealth of knowledge and experience within AtkinsRéalis, the opportunities for career growth, and the people‑centered approach of its leaders. 

Why RAMS is essential

RAMS engineering is often overlooked, yet it plays a fundamental role in the success of infrastructure and transportation projects. 

By addressing RAMS considerations from the earliest stages of project design, organizations can anticipate risks, reduce the costs associated with late‑stage modifications, and progressively build confidence that performance objectives will be achieved. 

The role of a RAMS specialist is to help project teams make informed decisions from the earliest design phases while ensuring the safety of future users.

A profession built on collaboration

Contrary to what some may think, RAMS is not a discipline practiced in isolation. 

On a daily basis, I collaborate with specialists from nearly every area of a project, including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automation, quality assurance, human factors, verification and validation, risk management, and project management. 

“Although a RAMS specialist is not an expert in each of these technical disciplines, a solid understanding of systems is essential to conduct rigorous analyses. The diversity of these interactions is one of the aspects of my work that I enjoy the most.” 

Seeing a project come to life

The greatest sense of satisfaction often comes when the work is completed and the system enters service. 

Knowing that thousands of people will safely use an infrastructure that we helped develop every day provides a genuine sense of accomplishment. 

The challenges and evolution of the profession

One of the main challenges faced by RAMS specialists is collecting relevant information from vast amounts of data and understanding issues across highly specialized disciplines. 

This critical process of gathering information requires curiosity, rigor, and a strong capacity for continuous learning. 

The field of RAMS is evolving rapidly. Environmental considerations are playing an increasingly important role in system design, as are issues related to asset obsolescence. Artificial intelligence is also transforming the way we work. 

“Technology helps us work more efficiently, but results must always be validated. Ultimately, we remain responsible for our analyses and deliverables.” 

My advice to future RAMS specialists

The first piece of advice I would offer anyone interested in specializing in RAMS is not to let impostor syndrome hold them back. 

It is perfectly normal not to know everything and to ask questions when working alongside highly experienced experts. 

Curiosity, rigor, and strong communication skills are often just as important as technical knowledge and experience. 

“At AtkinsRéalis, we are fortunate to have one of the strongest RAMS teams in Canada. There is always someone willing to share their expertise or provide support when needed.” 

A career full of opportunities

Beyond the engineering projects I work on at AtkinsRéalis, I also appreciate the many initiatives that help build connections among colleagues. Recently, I participated in a soccer tournament supporting Centraide; the event brought together employees from a variety of sectors, including transportation, environment, energy, mining, and metallurgy. 

These experiences illustrate what makes AtkinsRéalis unique: it is a company where learning never stops, whether through the projects we work on or the people around us.

Build your career at AtkinsRéalis

Whether you are passionate about transportation, complex systems, or infrastructure safety, AtkinsRéalis offers opportunities to contribute to projects that make a meaningful difference in communities. 

Explore our career opportunities in transportation, systems engineering, and RAMS, and join a team that helps make infrastructure safer, more reliable, and more sustainable every day.