Shuaib is a senior structural engineer whose experience spans railway station infrastructure, bridge repairs, lineside works, and temporary design solutions.
When did you first become aware of the possibility of a career in engineering?
I’ve always had a love for maths, but engineering wasn’t my first career choice. I originally studied accounting and finance; however, I soon realised I was more interested in problem-solving and applying mathematics than accounting itself. After exploring alternative courses, I came across Civil Engineering and quickly realised it offered the perfect combination of analytical thinking and practical application.
What inspires you about Engineering?
What inspires me most is the opportunity to solve complex problems and create infrastructure that people rely on every day. Engineering is constantly evolving, with new technologies, materials and methods providing opportunities to improve the way we design, maintain and deliver projects. I enjoy being able to work on projects that have a lasting impact on communities and infrastructure. One of the aspects I enjoy most is getting out on site and seeing structures firsthand, understanding how they perform in practice and how engineering solutions are delivered in the real world.
What has been your favourite project?
It’s difficult to choose a single project, as I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide variety of railway infrastructure schemes. The projects I enjoy most are those that combine site investigations, engineering assessments and design development, allowing me to see a project progress from an initial concept through to construction and completion. My workload also includes bridge and platform refurbishment schemes, track access stairs and condition surveys of existing infrastructure. The variety means no two projects are the same and allows me to combine office-based engineering work with site inspections and surveys, providing a well-rounded understanding of how structures perform throughout their lifecycle.
What advice do you have for someone interested in engineering?
Stay curious and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Engineering is about much more than calculations; communication, teamwork and practical thinking are equally important. Take every opportunity to gain hands-on experience, whether through site visits, placements or speaking with engineers from different disciplines. The more exposure you have, the better you’ll understand the variety of opportunities available within the profession.
What is your favourite structure and why?
My favourite structure is Scammonden Bridge. It might not be the most obvious choice, but I’ve always admired it. Growing up, I would regularly see it while travelling along the M62 and was fascinated by its scale and design. Long before I became an engineer, it was one of the structures that made me appreciate how impressive civil engineering can be, and it remains a standout example of engineering that has inspired me throughout my career.
Photo credit – Metrail Construction Ltd.