5 ways the infrastructure engineer qualification can boost your career

“Chartered Infrastructure Engineer status signifies not only a mark of excellence, but a mark of trust,” says Chris Landsburgh, AECOM’s decarbonisation director.

Chris was the first to obtain the qualification in 2023. Since then, it has opened doors to “advanced roles, challenging projects and opportunities to influence the future of infrastructure and its engineers”.

The ICE’s professional qualifications for infrastructure engineers and technicians are for a broad range of professionals who play a vital role in the industry.

We spoke with a few of our members to find out how the status has boosted their careers.

1. It offers a professional home for a variety of specialists

Conor McDevitt, senior project manager at Turner & Townsend, has a degree in mechanical engineering.

He started his career in the oil and gas industry, before moving to new-build nuclear power plants and then into utilities projects.

Chartered Infrastructure Engineer “opens the door for engineers like me, who didn't have a natural home with any single institution,” says Conor.

“A whole range of potentially thousands of engineers can now find a home with the ICE; from any discipline, any background, all over the world.”

This can range from mechanical engineers like Conor, to electrical, environmental and digital engineers, and more – as long as they’re working within infrastructure.

2. You can gain broader skills to use across the infrastructure sector

“Achieving Chartered Infrastructure Engineer status doesn’t mean you stop being a specialist in your field,” clarifies Ryan Clarke, a senior engineer at AECOM.

Ryan has a background in wastewater management and asset planning, but more recently has taken on a digital role, using technology to enhance project delivery.

For Ryan, the qualification led to “[gaining] broader skills and a more comprehensive understanding of infrastructure as a whole”.

“For me this means I use my technical experience and knowledge of civils daily,” he says.

3. It leads to career growth and new opportunities

Benson Hung, a lecturer at the Vocational Training Council and RMIT University, became Hong Kong’s first Chartered Infrastructure Engineer in 2025.

He found that earning his chartered status transformed his career, helping him progress from a technical role to a leadership position where he could “influence real change”.

“The credential gave me the credibility to lead complex projects and advocate for innovative approaches,” Benson says.

“[It has] paid career dividends through unexpected opportunities and peer support.”

Ryan, who became chartered in 2024, agrees: “It opens up opportunities to work on high-profile projects and be involved in cutting-edge innovations that drive progress in our field.”

4. You get to join a community shaping the future of infrastructure

Becoming part of the ICE’s global community of infrastructure professionals is a key motivating factor for many applying for qualifications.

It certainly was the case for Ryan, who finds that by opening up opportunities for infrastructure engineers, the ICE ensures “a more dynamic and innovative engineering community”.

One that’s “capable of addressing modern infrastructure challenges with a holistic approach,” he adds.

Chris couldn’t agree more: “Inclusivity ensures a diverse membership and expertise, leading to a more forward-thinking, stronger professional community.”

This diverse, dynamic network stretches across borders and sectors.

“I've witnessed how the ICE uniquely connects professionals across borders,” says Benson.

“The institution paired me with international experts whose insights not only accelerated my projects but also revealed how other nations are revolutionising infrastructure through digital transformation.”

5. It helps you stay up to date with the latest advancements

Being part of the ICE’s community offers opportunities to keep developing and growing as an engineer.

Ryan told us: “The qualification opens up a wealth of networking opportunities and access to a global community of experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.”

With your ICE qualification you also gain access to professional development opportunities, technical resources and industry best practice.

Benson explains: “ICE status isn’t a finish line. It’s the foundation for a career where you don’t just follow best practices, you define them.”

“In today's rapidly evolving field – where AI, digital twins and sustainable design are reshaping our work – being chartered signals the strategic thinking needed to navigate these transformations.”

Could you become a qualified infrastructure engineer?

Infrastructure technicians and engineers can become qualified with the ICE as:

• Infrastructure Engineering Technicians (EngTech MICE)
• Incorporated Infrastructure Engineers (IEng MICE)
• Chartered Infrastructure Engineers (CEng MICE)

Whether you specialise in digital, environmental, low carbon, mechanical, process, electrical, or other fields of engineering, you will gain the recognition and assurance for your professional expertise.