Careers for Ex-Military and Blue Light Services Professionals

At AtkinsRéalis, we are one of the world’s leading design, engineering, and project management consultancies. We work on innovative and large-scale projects across various sectors, including nuclear energy, defence, infrastructure, transport, and HVAC systems. We understand the value of the skills you’ve gained from your time in the military or blue light services, and we’re committed to helping you transition into a successful civilian career.

The Opportunity:

We’re actively seeking individuals from military and emergency services backgrounds to join us across a range of roles. Whether you have a background in engineering, project management, commissioning, or operational leadership, your experience can translate into a rewarding career at AtkinsRéalis. Here, you’ll contribute to high-impact projects that shape the future of energy, transportation, HVAC systems, and infrastructure. You could find yourself working on exciting projects like:

• Nuclear Energy Projects - Help design, construct, maintain, commissioning or decommission nuclear facilities, contributing to the future of clean energy and national security. Your leadership and attention to safety will be critical in managing complex, high-stakes environments.
• Defence Infrastructure - Work on vital projects for the Ministry of Defence, such as upgrading military facilities, cyber security systems, or national Defence logistics, ensuring the UK’s resilience and operational readiness.
• Transportation and Infrastructure - Be part of improving railways, roads, and public transport systems, making cities more connected and safer for millions of people.
• HVAC and Building Services - Design, install, and commission Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning systems across critical infrastructure or large-scale building projects. Your technical skills can help ensure efficient, sustainable, and compliant HVAC systems for industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
• Energy and Environment - Work on renewable energy projects, such as wind farms or carbon-reduction initiatives, or contribute to solving the challenges of nuclear decommissioning, waste management, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.

What We’re Looking For:

We are seeking people with strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and problem-solving abilities. If you’ve served in the military or emergency services, you likely already have the mindset and skill set to succeed at AtkinsRéalis. Some of the key areas we are hiring for include:

• Project Management - If you’ve managed operations, coordinated teams, or delivered projects under pressure, you’ll find a natural fit as a Project Manager. You’ll oversee complex engineering, construction, or commissioning projects, managing budgets, schedules, risks, and teams to ensure successful outcomes.
• Mechanical, Electrical, and HVAC Engineering - If you have hands-on technical experience or a background in mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems (such as working with aircraft, vehicles, machinery, or building services), your skills can be applied to designing, building, and maintaining infrastructure projects, energy systems, or HVAC solutions. You could be involved in anything from nuclear facility maintenance to HVAC system design and commissioning in transport, industrial, or residential projects.
• Commissioning and Operational Roles - If you’ve led teams in ensuring systems and equipment meet operational standards, you’ll excel in roles focused on commissioning and validating complex engineering systems, including HVAC, energy, and safety systems. Your experience will ensure projects meet regulatory and safety requirements, operate efficiently, and are delivered on time.
• Leadership and Operational Roles - If you’ve been in charge of teams, logistics, or crisis management, you’ll thrive in leadership roles where you ensure projects run smoothly and meet safety and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead or contribute to multi-disciplinary teams delivering large-scale projects on time and within budget.
• Engage with clients and stakeholders to understand project needs and provide innovative solutions.
• Ensure safety, risk management, and operational efficiency across project phases, particularly in high-security or highly regulated sectors like nuclear, defence, and HVAC system commissioning.
• Commission and validate complex mechanical, electrical, and HVAC systems, ensuring they meet all performance, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Apply your strategic planning and problem-solving skills to overcome project challenges and optimise delivery.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills from a military or emergency services background.
• Experience in project management, engineering, or technical operations.
• Mechanical, electrical, or HVAC engineering experience (e.g., working with systems, machinery, or critical infrastructure).
• Familiarity with commissioning processes for building services or energy systems, including HVAC systems.
• Strong ability to manage risks, ensure safety, and maintain operational excellence under pressure.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams, communicate effectively, and build strong relationships.

Why work for AtkinsRéalis? 

The UK is the first major economy to legislate for a Net Zero target by 2050. To achieve this, our Energy Teams are ensuring a mix of secure and sustainable energies that can meet our industry and lifestyle demands today, and in 30 years' time. We help to power our world through exciting new technologies and intelligent cybersecurity systems on projects that vary greatly in size, scope, and scale. So, you'll be creating the right safe and resilient systems across nuclear power, renewables, decarbonisation development, new builds and energy efficiency. 

We value your diversity and believe that everyone deserves to thrive – no exceptions. You'll be part of a culture committed to finding new talent from underrepresented groups. We're Disability Confident, an Inclusive Employer, and support STEM Returners. We also want to see more women in senior roles at AtkinsRéalis. In the energy sector, we've signed up to the AXIS Pledge, promising to make equal pay, equal leadership, and equal opportunities a reality. 

Security clearance: 

This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance.  If this is necessary, it will be discussed with you at interview. The vetting process is delivered by United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) and may require candidates to provide proof of residency in the UK of 5 years or longer. If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance. 

We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves, thrive and develop. To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support staff from different backgrounds. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we value applications from all backgrounds, cultures and ability. 

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