Mohammed Azizullah Khan

When did you join Atkins?

I joined the company on 28 October 2008.

Why did you join Atkins?

Atkins is one of the largest design companies in the world. Offshore oil and gas structures have always fascinated me and when the opportunity came along to work with Atkins’ Marine Structures team it was just irresistible.

What did you do before you joined Atkins?

I joined the Oil & Gas division as part of the graduate scheme. I’d only worked for a year in another consultancy.

Describe your role and responsibilities in a sentence.

I look at the structural integrity and management of oil and gas structures.

What professional accreditations do you have?

I’m a graduate member of the Institute of Structural Engineers.

How do you describe what you do to friends and family?

I help in the extraction of oil and gas from the earth by building and maintaining the structures required for the job.

What projects have you worked on?

Varied projects including the design, analysis and structural integrity management of offshore oil and gas platforms, storage terminals and offshore wind farms. We are also working on some life-extension programs for some 30 to 40-year-old platforms in the North Sea.

What are you currently working on?

I’m working on a strengthening job of a bridge connecting the drilling and production platforms of an oil and gas complex in the southern North Sea.

What’s the most technically challenging project you’ve worked on at Atkins?

They’ve all been challenging so it’s difficult to pick. With every project we have to look at the environmental risks as well as the health and safety aspects so we always have to be on our toes.

How has your career developed at Atkins?

I have had a lot of operational support from my senior colleagues to develop my technical capabilities. They’ve been very encouraging and time and again have shown belief in my abilities.

How do structural engineers and Atkins make a difference?

As our present world is still heavily dependent on fossil fuel, we try to help our clients use their resources as efficiently as possible and avoid any accidents and disasters.

How would you describe the culture at Atkins?

Being a worldwide company, it’s very multicultural. The working environment is pretty relaxed and at the same time, our output meets the highest professional standards.

How would you describe its personality?

Technically strong, we are always innovative and forward looking.