Leading fire protection innovation at AtkinsRéalis: Aaron’s journey and vision

Shaping the future of fire protection in Canada 

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. 

My goal is simple but ambitious: position our team as industry leaders who deliver world-class fire protection solutions while shaping the future of safety standards through collaboration, innovation, and forward-thinking strategies.

A career defined by reinvention and growth 

My journey didn’t begin in an office; it started on the tools. I spent more than a decade as a fire alarm technician in Ottawa, gaining hands-on experience that remains central to how I lead today. 

After years in the field, I was ready for a challenge. Transitioning into engineering, and eventually into the nuclear sector, pushed me far outside my comfort zone. Defending my designs in front of multidisciplinary stakeholders sharpened my communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. Those early lessons helped shape the leader I am today. 

Along the way, mentors guided me, challenged me, and inspired me. Now, I strive to pay that forward by supporting and empowering my team to become the next generation of leaders. 

Powering progress through next‑generation fire protection 

What brought me to AtkinsRéalis was the opportunity to contribute to the Darlington New Nuclear Project (DNNP) Small Modular Reactor (SMR) initiative. Canada hasn’t built a new nuclear station in over 40 years and helping pioneer fire protection strategies for SMRs was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. 

I was also ready for a leadership role where I could build a team, drive innovation, and reconnect with in‑person collaboration after several years of working remotely. AtkinsRéalis offered the perfect environment to do all of that and more. 

Where mentorship meets meaningful work 

What keeps me energized every day is collaboration. Bringing people together, building strong relationships, and fostering a supportive environment where others can thrive; those are the core parts of my job that I value most. 

I’m passionate about mentorship and helping others grow. I also enjoy winning new work because it’s a chance to showcase our capabilities and strengthen the reputation of our fire protection team. 

Designing innovative solutions that push the industry forward is a source of pride, and developing strong resource strategies ensures that our people are set up for success, every project, every time.

What drives me every day 

Complex problems don’t intimidate me; they motivate me. I tackle challenges one step at a time, breaking them down into manageable pieces that keep projects moving and teams confident. 

This mindset helps us build momentum, stay grounded, and push through even the most daunting obstacles. 

My proudest achievement 

The accomplishment that means the most to me is successfully transitioning from a hands-on technical role to an engineering leadership position mid-career. That journey ultimately led me to re-establish a fire protection engineering department within one of Canada’s top engineering firms. 

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to some of the nation’s most significant and high-profile infrastructure projects, experiences that shaped my expertise, and fueled my desire to lead. 

Technology’s growing role in fire protection 

Fire protection doesn’t always innovate at the pace of new technologies. One of the biggest challenges today is protecting cutting‑edge designs with existing codes and engineering approaches. 

For example, how do you protect a structure that has never existed before, like a Small Modular Reactor? Developing strategies for first‑of‑a‑kind facilities requires creativity, collaboration, and deep technical understanding. 

These are the types of challenges that inspire me and push our industry forward. 

Why AtkinsRéalis is a great place to build a career 

At AtkinsRéalis, I’ve always felt supported in my vision to build an industry-leading fire protection team. We work on exciting, meaningful projects that directly impact Canada’s critical infrastructure, especially within the nuclear and defence sectors. 

What makes the company truly exceptional is its supportive and empowering culture. Employees at every level have access to strong leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and comprehensive technical and language training. 

It’s an environment where people grow and where great work happens because of it. 

Industry trends transforming fire protection