Dr Reza Sarkhosh

Hydrogen technology programme lead, Shell

Expertise

Design, Structural, Project Management

Location

Netherlands

My highlights

Designing and retrofitting bridges

Carrying out seismic analysis to strengthen structures

Designing energy infrastructure with an emphasis on safety and protecting the environment

A day in my life

A day in my life is a mix of planning, problem-solving, and leading teams.

Mornings often start early with virtual meetings to get up to speed on projects in Asia and Middle East, tackling challenges and ensuring everyone’s aligned on objectives.

I spend time reviewing design work, engaging with stakeholders, and communicating the projects’ progress. Afternoons often involve learnings, improvements and sharing lessons learned with other teams.

Reporting to internal managers and external partners is an important part of my daily job, making sure expectations are clear and met.

Sometimes days are longer as I need to connect with my virtual team in North America, and that’s the beauty of working with a global team.

Of course, no two days are the same, and that’s what I enjoy the most.

Even in one of the most environmental-unfriendly industries, which is energy (oil and gas), civil engineers can contribute to protecting the planet, saving lives and transitioning towards green solutions.

Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?

My father, he’s a hard-working civil engineer who has built houses, wastewater systems, and oil and gas pipelines.

We asked Dr…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

Civil engineers make a positive impact to society, the environment, and the world.

From building a bridge and connecting people, to building low-carbon structures that improve quality of life, there are a million ways that a civil engineer leaves a positive footprint.

On top of that, we make the transition to a green and net zero future possible by introducing viable and practical solutions in the energy and transport sectors.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also …

An advocate for sustainability, a champion for improving health and safety, a protector of the environment, and a promoter of low-carbon energies.

What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

Contributing to something meaningful that improves people’s lives.

What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

Even in one of the most environmental-unfriendly industries, which is energy (oil and gas), civil engineers can contribute to protecting the planet, saving lives and transitioning towards green solutions.

Our society needs energy, and the industry needs sustainable solutions and advanced technologies to facilitate green energy production.

Hydrogen, wind, solar, nuclear and many more low carbon energies require smart civil engineering solutions to become reality.

Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

I’ve always been fascinated about bridges, especially cable-stayed and suspension bridges. The Golden Gate Bridge, the Erasmus Bridge, and London’s Tower Bridge are my favourites.

Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.

Many believe that civil engineering is all about buildings and roads.

But if we look at our cities and the systems they depend on (water and wastewater systems, energy, communication), they all require a foundation or a roof as a minimum.

Some of them need innovative structural solutions, and consider a blend of technical, safety, environmental, economic and even political factors.

I believe civil engineering has a much bigger role in our society than what’s in most people’s mind.

Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?

I believe it has enhanced my problem-solving skills, an attribute that empowered me in my management journey.

What motivated you, or is motivating you, to become professionally qualified? 

I started my civil engineering career nearly two decades ago.

I knew that becoming a Chartered Engineer would mean acknowledging my technical expertise, leadership and management skills, and commitment to ethics and integrity.

It’s a personal milestone that I can be proud of in this journey.

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?  

Chartered Engineer status has strengthened my credibility within my company and the wider industry.

It highlights my leadership in navigating the complexities of projects such as hydrogen, infrastructure design, and research and development initiatives.

What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE? 

Becoming a Chartered Engineer has reinforced my capacity to lead civil teams and strengthened my position to solve technical challenges in a results-driven manner.

How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified? 

The ICE’s local representatives and my company’s managers have been very supportive.

I must admit, local ICE meetings that were sometimes planned in my company were really motivating.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

Joining a community of great civil engineers, learning from them, and working towards a common goal in developing a sustainable future.

How has being a member helped your career? 

It helped me identify gaps in my skillset and make plans to fill them.

It has also opened my eyes to many of the challenges of civil engineering (such as reducing our waste and carbon footprint) and reflect on how my job can help achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?

A real-size car (but made of larger Lego pieces). I built it in a group of eight colleagues as part of our team building and it took us one hour!

Dr Sarkhosh's career path

I have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, master’s in earthquake engineering and a PhD in structural engineering (concrete structures).

Throughout my career, I have done training on project engineering and management. I have project management qualifications and I’m a Chartered Manager (CMgr-MCI), too.