Atkins Global Firm Profile: Careers, Salary, Culture, and Interviews

Key Insights:

• Atkins Global Firm Profile shows a multinational consulting and engineering company with 50,000 employees and offices in 50+ countries.
• Atkins Global careers offer structured paths from Assistant Consultant to Project Director with international project opportunities.
• The Atkins Global interview process focuses on HR, behavioral, and technical discussions rather than formal case interviews.
• Atkins Global salary ranges from $40,000 to $180,000 depending on role, generally lower than top strategy firms.
• Atkins Global culture emphasizes diversity, collaboration, and sustainability, though employees note varying experiences with turnover and advancement.

Atkins Global is a leading engineering consulting and project management firm known for delivering sustainable, large-scale infrastructure and design solutions. With thousands of employees worldwide, the company serves diverse industries from transportation and energy to defense and water management. This Atkins Global Firm Profile helps you understand whether it’s the right place to build your consulting career.

In this article, we will explore the firm’s history, careers, internships, practice areas, industries, culture, salaries, and more.

What is the Atkins Global firm profile?

Atkins Global is a multinational engineering consulting and project management firm that provides end-to-end solutions in design, engineering, digital transformation, and sustainability. The company helps clients plan, build, and operate complex projects across industries such as transportation, energy, and defense, with offices spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Founded in the United Kingdom, Atkins expanded significantly through acquisitions, including the merger with Canadian firm SNC-Lavalin and later rebranding to AtkinsRéalis in 2023. Today, it employs over 50,000 professionals worldwide.

Key facts about Atkins Global include:

• Headquarters: London, England and Montréal, Canada
• Employees: ~50,000 (as of 2023)
• Revenue: More than $7 billion annually
• Global offices: 300+ locations in over 50 countries

Atkins Global is recognized for its role in sustainable infrastructure and engineering-focused consulting, making it a prominent option for candidates seeking careers at the intersection of technical expertise and consulting strategy.

What does Atkins Global do?

Atkins Global provides engineering consulting, project management, and digital transformation services that help clients design, deliver, and operate complex infrastructure projects. The firm focuses on sustainable solutions, combining technical expertise with advisory services across industries such as transportation, water, nuclear, and energy.

The company’s work spans every stage of the project lifecycle. Clients rely on Atkins Global for strategy, planning, and design, as well as execution and long-term operations support. Its consultants often bridge the gap between technical engineering and management consulting.

Core service areas include:

• Engineering and design for buildings, transport, and utilities
• Program and project management for large-scale infrastructure
• Digital transformation and cyber resilience solutions
• Sustainability consulting, including climate change and renewable energy projects
• Operations and maintenance for long-term asset performance

This broad mix of services allows Atkins Global to support both governments and private companies in creating reliable, efficient, and sustainable systems worldwide.

Is Atkins Global a multinational company?

Yes, Atkins Global is a multinational company with more than 50,000 employees operating in over 50 countries. The firm has regional headquarters in London and Montréal and maintains a strong presence in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through more than 300 global offices.

The company’s reach allows consultants and engineers to work on projects that cross borders and industries. From North American transportation networks to Middle Eastern urban development, Atkins Global is engaged in delivering sustainable infrastructure worldwide.

Major regions of operation include:

• North America: United States and Canada
• Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain
• Middle East: Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Asia: India, Singapore, China
• Other hubs: Australia and Africa

This global footprint provides opportunities for mobility, international collaboration, and exposure to diverse industries, making Atkins Global an attractive choice for candidates seeking global consulting careers.

What is the history of Atkins Global?

Atkins Global traces its history back to 1938 when Sir William Atkins founded the company in the UK. In 2017, it was acquired by SNC-Lavalin, a Canadian engineering giant, and in 2023 the combined firm rebranded to AtkinsRéalis, reflecting its global scale and diversified expertise.

The company’s growth was marked by acquisitions and international expansion:

• 1938: Founded in the United Kingdom by Sir William Atkins
• 1991: SNC merged with Lavalin to become SNC-Lavalin
• 2017: SNC-Lavalin acquired WS Atkins, a leading UK design and engineering consultancy
• 2023: Global rebrand to AtkinsRéalis to unify its identity

This evolution made Atkins Global one of the largest multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firms worldwide, known for bridging engineering design, project management, and sustainability solutions across multiple industries.

Who leads Atkins Global today?

Atkins Global is led by regional CEOs who oversee operations across different markets, reflecting the firm’s multinational structure. Key leaders include Philip Hoare for the UK and Europe, George Nash for North America, Chris Birdsong for Asia Pacific, and Grant Porter as interim CEO for the Middle East and Africa.

This leadership model allows the company to respond to regional challenges while aligning with global strategy. It also ensures local expertise in major markets where Atkins Global delivers engineering and consulting services.

Leadership highlights:

• Philip Hoare: UK and Europe
• George Nash: North America
• Chris Birdsong: Asia Pacific
• Grant Porter: Interim CEO, Middle East and Africa

By maintaining strong regional leadership, Atkins Global balances global integration with local decision-making, which is crucial for managing complex projects across multiple industries and geographies.

What careers are available at Atkins Global?

Atkins Global careers span consulting, engineering, and project management roles, offering structured paths from entry-level to senior leadership. Employees can begin as Assistant Consultants or Analysts and advance to Consultants, Senior Consultants, and Project Directors, with opportunities for global mobility and cross-industry project work.

Atkins Global emphasizes exposure to different stages of the consulting and engineering lifecycle. This means you may be involved in project design, client strategy, or long-term operational support depending on your role.

Typical career path progression includes:

• Assistant Consultant or Analyst: supports research, data analysis, and project deliverables
• Consultant: works directly with clients to identify solutions and implement improvements
• Senior Consultant: manages client relationships and oversees junior staff contributions
• Project Director: leads teams and ensures project delivery meets strategic goals

The company’s global footprint also means career experiences vary by location. Some regions provide faster advancement opportunities, while others focus on technical specialization. For candidates interested in engineering consulting, Atkins Global careers offer a blend of structured training and international project exposure.

How do Atkins Global internships and apprenticeships work?

Atkins Global internships and apprenticeships give students and early-career professionals hands-on experience in engineering, consulting, and project management. Programs run in over 50 countries, with opportunities in fields like civil engineering, project controls, IT, finance, and sustainability, offering practical exposure to large-scale projects and global teams.

In the United States, internships typically run during the summer and are aimed at STEM students. Common roles include Civil Engineering Intern, Bridge CAD Technician Intern, and Project Controls Intern.

In India, apprenticeships and internships are open to graduate and postgraduate students across engineering and corporate functions. These programs usually last at least six weeks and can be full-time or part-time.

Key features of Atkins Global internships:

• Available in multiple countries, including the US, UK, India, and Singapore
• Cover technical roles and corporate functions (HR, finance, IT)
• Published annually on the Careers page between December and February
• Designed to give candidates exposure to both engineering disciplines and consulting practices

Past interns note that the programs provide strong professional development, though balancing workload can sometimes be challenging. Overall, these internships help participants build skills and connections that strengthen long-term career prospects.

What are the main practice areas at Atkins Global?

The main practice areas at Atkins Global include management consultancy, engineering and design, project management, and sustainability, alongside specialized services like digital transformation, nuclear consulting, and cyber resilience. These areas allow the firm to deliver end-to-end solutions that cover planning, execution, and long-term operations for complex projects.

Atkins Global organizes its work around multidisciplinary expertise that serves both public and private clients. Consultants and engineers may focus on strategy and advisory, technical design, or operational delivery depending on their practice area.

Core practice areas include:

• Management consultancy and advisory services
• Digital transformation and cyber resilience
• Sustainability and climate change consulting
• Engineering and design across buildings, infrastructure, and utilities
• Program and project management for large-scale projects
• Safety and systems assurance
• Impact assessment and community engagement
• Nuclear waste management and decommissioning
• Operations and maintenance support

This breadth ensures that Atkins Global can provide clients with integrated solutions, whether they need strategic advice, technical expertise, or operational support for long-term asset management.

Which industries does Atkins Global serve?

Atkins Global serves industries such as buildings, transportation, water, nuclear, defense, and energy, with a strong focus on infrastructure and sustainability. The firm also works in renewables, industrial sectors, and natural resources, delivering engineering and consulting solutions across both public and private markets.

Industry coverage reflects Atkins Global’s multidisciplinary expertise. Its consultants and engineers often adapt project management and technical skills to different client needs, from government infrastructure to corporate sustainability initiatives.

Key industries include:

• Buildings and places: urban design, commercial spaces, and housing projects
• Transportation: highways, rail, airports, and transit networks
• Water: treatment facilities, flood defense, and water management
• Energy: power generation, renewables, and climate-related projects
• Nuclear: safety, decommissioning, and waste management
• Defense: military facilities, cyber resilience, and logistics support
• Industrial and resources: minerals, metals, and manufacturing projects

By engaging across these industries, Atkins Global provides its workforce with exposure to diverse challenges, making it appealing to candidates seeking broad consulting and engineering experience.

Where are Atkins Global offices located?

Atkins Global offices are located in more than 300 cities across over 50 countries, with major hubs in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Key locations include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, Dubai, and Singapore, making the firm a truly global consulting and engineering company.

This global network enables Atkins Global to serve diverse clients and provide employees with international mobility. Office presence often aligns with infrastructure demand and major industry hubs.

Prominent locations include:

• North America: Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas
• Europe: London, Bristol, Paris, Madrid, Berlin
• Middle East: Dubai, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
• Asia: Bangalore, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai
• Global HQs: London, UK and Montréal, Canada

The breadth of offices allows consultants to work on projects with global collaboration, while also supporting regional clients with tailored solutions.

What is the Atkins Global interview process like?

The Atkins Global interview process typically includes an initial HR screening, behavioral interviews, and role-specific technical or project-related questions. Candidates are assessed on problem-solving ability, teamwork, and industry knowledge, with interviews often completed within a few days depending on the position and region.

Applicants can expect the process to focus on both technical expertise and consulting skills. Unlike traditional case interviews at top strategy firms, Atkins Global tends to emphasize project-related hypotheticals and scenario-based questions.

Key elements of the interview process include:

• HR screening call to review background and motivation
• Behavioral questions assessing teamwork, leadership, and adaptability
• Technical or project-specific discussions for engineering and consulting roles
• Regional or department-based variations in format and timing

Example interview questions include:

• “Why do you want to join Atkins Global?”
• “Tell me about a time you worked with people who had different styles.”
• “How would you communicate a project issue to a client?”

Most candidates describe the interview experience as positive and approachable, with managers focusing on cultural fit alongside professional capability.

What is the Atkins Global salary by role?

The Atkins Global salary varies by position, with Project Assistants earning around $40,000 to $60,000 annually, Consultants between $70,000 and $115,000, and Project Directors reaching $110,000 to $180,000. Overall, compensation is competitive within engineering consulting but generally lower than top strategy consulting firms.

Salary ranges by role include:

• Project Assistant: $40,000 to $60,000
• Business Analyst: $70,000 to $100,000
• Assistant Consultant: $75,000 to $120,000
• Consultant: $70,000 to $115,000
• Senior Consultant: $100,000 to $140,000
• Project Manager: $80,000 to $130,000
• Senior Project Manager: $100,000 to $160,000
• Project Director: $110,000 to $180,000

Compensation can vary depending on location, industry focus, and project type. While salaries may be lower than McKinsey, BCG, or Bain, Atkins Global offers strong international mobility, diverse project exposure, and long-term professional development, which many employees value as part of their career growth.

What is the culture like at Atkins Global?

The Atkins Global culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and work-life balance, though employee experiences vary by region and project. Many appreciate the supportive environment and international exposure, while others note challenges such as high turnover and the firm’s “launchpad” reputation for early-career consultants.

Employees describe the culture as people-focused, with an emphasis on teamwork and professional growth. Atkins Global’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion program sets measurable goals, including improving female representation and creating social value in local communities.

Cultural strengths include:

• International workforce representing 130+ nationalities
• Focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion through global initiatives
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects across industries
• Balance of professional development with flexible work options

Potential challenges:

• Large-scale structure can feel impersonal in some regions
• Turnover rates may be higher due to early-career transitions
• Salary levels are often lower compared to top-tier consulting firms

Overall, the Atkins Global culture suits candidates who value global collaboration, learning opportunities, and exposure to diverse projects, even if compensation is not the primary draw.

Is Atkins Global a good consulting firm to join?

Yes, Atkins Global is a good consulting firm to join if you want international project exposure, diverse industries, and career growth in engineering-focused consulting. While salaries are lower than top strategy firms, Atkins Global offers strong training, global mobility, and a culture of collaboration and sustainability.

Strengths of joining Atkins Global include:

• Opportunities to work on infrastructure and sustainability projects
• Global offices across 50+ countries with mobility options
• Exposure to both engineering and consulting practices
• Training programs and early-career development support

Potential drawbacks:

• Lower salary compared to leading management consulting firms
• Career progression can vary significantly by region
• Large-scale structure may feel less personalized

For candidates interested in combining technical expertise with consulting, Atkins Global is a strong entry point that builds transferable skills for careers in engineering, project management, or broader consulting roles.

How do you get a job at Atkins Global?

You can get a job at Atkins Global by applying through its Careers page, networking with current employees, and preparing for behavioral and technical interviews. The firm recruits from top universities worldwide and values candidates with strong problem-solving, teamwork, and engineering or consulting experience.

The recruitment process usually includes:

• Online application through the official Careers site
• Campus recruiting at select universities and graduate schools
• HR and behavioral interviews to assess cultural fit
• Technical or scenario-based discussions tailored to the role
• Regional variations in timelines and requirements

Atkins Global also offers diversity programs and apprenticeships to broaden access for underrepresented groups. For students, internships often serve as a pipeline to full-time positions.

Tips for getting hired at Atkins Global:

• Highlight STEM or consulting-related coursework and internships
• Demonstrate interest in sustainability and large-scale infrastructure projects
• Prepare examples of teamwork, leadership, and client communication
• Stay informed on industry trends in engineering and digital transformation

This approach helps candidates stand out in a competitive process and increases the likelihood of securing an Atkins Global career.

What exit opportunities does Atkins Global provide?

Atkins Global exit opportunities include transitions into consulting roles at other firms, corporate strategy positions in engineering and infrastructure companies, and leadership roles in project management or operations. Alumni often leverage experience in sustainability, engineering design, and complex project delivery to move into senior industry positions.

Typical exit paths include:

• Joining other consulting firms that specialize in engineering, energy, or infrastructure
• Moving into corporate strategy or internal consulting teams at global companies
• Leading project management offices in government or private organizations
• Transitioning into sustainability, climate change, or digital transformation roles
• Entering executive leadership positions in engineering, construction, or energy sectors

Because Atkins Global offers global exposure and end-to-end project experience, its alumni are well-positioned to succeed in roles requiring technical expertise combined with consulting and management skills.

Atkins Global Firm Profile: Key Takeaways

Atkins Global is a multinational consulting and engineering firm that combines technical expertise with project management and sustainability. With career paths spanning consulting, internships, and global mobility, it offers opportunities for early-career professionals and experienced hires alike. Salaries may be lower than top-tier firms, but Atkins Global provides international exposure, diverse industries, and a collaborative culture.

For candidates interested in engineering-focused consulting and long-term professional growth, the Atkins Global Firm Profile highlights a company that builds transferable skills, fosters innovation, and prepares you for future roles in consulting, corporate strategy, or global infrastructure leadership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What kind of company is AtkinsRéalis?
A: AtkinsRéalis is a global engineering consulting firm focused on sustainable project management, infrastructure, and design. The company oversees Atkins Global and operates across multiple industries including energy, transportation, and defense.

Q: Is Atkins a defence company?
A: Atkins is not solely a defence company, but it does provide consulting and engineering services to defense and government sectors. Its work spans security, infrastructure, and project management in addition to other industries.

Q: Why do you want to join Atkins?
A: You may want to join Atkins for its diverse global projects, structured career path, and strong culture of collaboration. Atkins Global careers offer opportunities in engineering, consulting, and sustainable development with international exposure.

Q: Is AtkinsRéalis a good company to work for?
A: AtkinsRéalis is considered a good company to work for due to its focus on sustainability, innovation, and employee development. It emphasizes diversity and inclusion, while offering global career mobility and long-term growth opportunities.

Q: How big is AtkinsRéalis?
A: AtkinsRéalis is a large multinational with more than 50,000 employees and offices in over 50 countries. Its global scale allows the firm to deliver complex engineering and consulting projects across industries and geographies.