Amit Dadhania's Journey to Becoming an Electrical Engineer

As part of our #PeopleDriveResults campaign, this week we have caught up with Amit Dadhania, Senior Electrical Engineer for the Mining & Metallurgy group. 

Amit has been with AtkinsRéalis since 2011 and joined the business as a Lead Electrical Engineer. He has contributed to several local and international projects, ranging from early-stage to complete EPCM projects. With over 22 years of experience, he shares that working on different project stages is what keeps things exciting for him. 

What is your professional background?

"Before joining AtkinsRéalis, I received my Masters in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from Ryerson University. I'm proud to say that I graduated with honours, won a graduate research award and published a paper in an international journal.

My first job after I earned my bachelor's degree was at a local power generation and utility company. I've been fortunate enough to work in multiple fields throughout my career. Various projects in commercial, industrial, oil and gas and utilities have really allowed me to spread my wings and grow as a professional."

What inspired you to become an Electrical Engineer?

"During grades 8 through 10, I was given the opportunity to enrol in a special technical program focusing on providing all sorts of hands-on experience in engineering, design and beyond. 

At the same time, we had the opportunity to take field trips to power plants, industrial facilities, workshops, etc. Trips like these were the first time I got to see the things I learned in the classroom come to life and I remember it sparking my imagination as a child. 

I made my mind up that I wanted to become an electrical engineer."

What is the best thing about your job as an Electrical Engineer?

"I'm challenged at work every day and this can also be very rewarding. I'm always pushing myself to keep up with the latest developments and innovations. 

It's exciting to learn about all the ongoing developments in my field and how to integrate them into client solutions. I genuinely feel that the impact I make is significant and it's amazing to see how my work can change not only the way business operates but real people's quality of life.

One thing's for sure, I never get bored at work. There's always a new pioneering piece of technology around every corner." 

As a catalyst for our organization's learning, we're always engineering new ways for our people to increase their know-how and skill sets. You'll be part of a continuous learning environment where you are encouraged to learn and grow. 

Amit also highlighted the importance of technology and at our Global Technology Centre, innovation is integral to everybody's day. We've developed an employee-friendly platform that encourages anyone to share their ideas on how to automate work.

A dedicated team is tasked to bring these to life. This initiative has resulted in many success stories across multiple projects, achieving untold cost savings.

What is the coolest thing you're working on?

"The Coeur Rochester POA11 Project in Nevada, US is very interesting as I'm part of a fun and energetic project team and we're all really proud that we're scoring over 90% client satisfaction, according to the latest survey. 

We're a high-energy group from all sorts of different disciplines. We've spent the last year coming together in a virtual environment and now the project has started construction in several areas of the plant.

To get a little technical, the project is going through a massive expansion at 6600 ft high altitude and significant grade variances at different stages of the plant areas. 

It's incredible to see the plant being built in the real world after all of our time providing remote support with 3D technologies. And might I brag that it was done on time and on budget!"

As an international firm, you'll get the chance to work on global projects with seasoned professionals from different disciplines and teams from all over the world. 

Why do you love working at AtkinsRéalis?

"AtkinsRéalis has a collaborative and diversified working environment that encourages, guides, and supports me. 

I felt this the most when I worked in Morocco on an international assignment. There were language and cultural barriers, but we successfully achieved a common goal and built the world's largest phosphate wash plant. 

Everyone in the company constantly inspires me, cheers me up and encourages me to become a better person. 

The current expansion at Coeur Rochester is the largest and most significant project for Coeur Mining Inc. Further, I'm extremely proud to be leading and contributing to this project, which is one of the largest Gold/Silver projects currently taking place in the world." 

Who or what motivates you every day?

"The most influential people in my life have always been the people closest to me, my family, friends and colleagues.

They always remind me of what's important in life – being honest, aiming high, working hard and valuing your relationships.

Above all, the greatest influence in my life is my wife. She is also an Electrical Engineer and provides me with remarkable support, inspiration and guidance in both everyday professional and personal life."

At AtkinsRealis, we wholeheartedly understand the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

We believe that time spent with family and friends is invaluable, and we encourage our team to prioritize their personal lives alongside their professional commitments. 

We foster a supportive environment that promotes flexibility, allowing our employees to manage their time efficiently and make the most of moments spent with loved ones. 

What is the best advice you could give to someone considering AtkinsRéalis?

"Never give up. Success is the result of a sound strategy, exploration, hard work and learning from experience and how you handle disappointment along the way." 

"This is my favourite quote from my research supervisor in 2008. His advice keeps me in check so when I hit a bump in the road and when things get hard I remember what he told me. It always inspires me to think differently, try again and continue with my goals until I succeed." 

Find your next electrical engineering job with us

Electrical engineering is changing and it will transform the construction industry to enable a better future for society. 

If Amit's story has inspired you to take your next career move, then why not explore our latest opportunities? 

Check out our electrical engineering vacancies and see where a career with AtkinsRéalis could take you.