Rajiv Iyer

technical expert, Assystem EOS

Expertise

Design, Project Management, Structural

Location

France

My highlights

Winning the Jehangir Shroff Gold Medal in 2007

Becoming a Chartered Engineer with the ICE in 2023

Winning the FIDIC Asia Pacific Emerging Leaders Award

A day in my life

A day in my life as a civil structural engineer is marked by a blend of technical prowess, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability.

My mornings often begin with a review of project updates and communication with cross-functional teams.

I'm engaged in designing intricate reinforced concrete and steel structures, ensuring they meet rigorous international standards.

The day unfolds with a variety of tasks, from collaborating with architects and construction teams to using advanced finite element analysis tools to verify safety and efficiency under extreme loads.

I prioritise eco-friendly engineering, whether it's in nuclear power plants, defence, or space projects.

I actively participate in professional organisations, contributing to the advancement of the engineering field.

My dedication to safety is reflected in my involvement in revising design codes.

Each day is an opportunity to make a lasting impact, championing excellence, and advancing sustainability in civil structural engineering.

As an ICE member, what I value most is the sense of belonging to a respected and prestigious professional community.

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

Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, regarded as one of India’s foremost civil engineers whose birthday, 15 September, is celebrated every year as Engineer's Day in India.

We asked Rajiv…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

It provides the opportunity to shape the world through infrastructure projects and offers a wide range of specialisations.

This makes it a fulfilling and versatile field for those interested in problem-solving and making a positive impact on society.

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

Passionate about sustainable design and environmental conservation.

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

A Lego Porsche 911 model. It took me three days to make it.

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

It’s the chance to positively impact communities through infrastructure design and construction.

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

It’s the incredible collaborative nature of the field.

I didn't realise how many diverse professionals, from architects to environmental specialists, come together to create sustainable and innovative solutions.

This collaborative aspect has enriched my work experience and expanded my knowledge in ways I hadn't expected.

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

Past: Burj Khalifa, Dubai.

Present: NEOM, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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

The belief that it's a male-dominated field.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

Becoming a Chartered Engineer with the ICE was motivated by:

my dedication to excellence in civil engineering
seeking validation from a respected professional body
fostering networking and knowledge exchange
aligning with the ICE's esteemed standards

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

Being professionally qualified with the ICE is a career milestone that not only validates my expertise but also expands my career horizons, fosters professional growth, and connects me to a global community of engineers and opportunities.

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

The best aspect of being professionally qualified with the ICE is the recognition, career opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the field through a respected professional community.

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

The ICE and my employer jointly offered mentorship, training, assessments, networking, and financial assistance, enabling me to successfully achieve professional qualification.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

As an ICE member, what I value most is the sense of belonging to a respected and prestigious professional community.

How has being a member helped your career? 

Being an ICE member has enriched my career by providing networking, knowledge, professional development, recognition, and career prospects that have contributed to my growth and success in the field of civil engineering.

Anything else?

I mentor team members in their overall professional development.

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is a skyscraper in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Rajiv's career path

My career pathway is built on a strong educational foundation in civil engineering, culminating in Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.

I've dedicated my career to structural engineering, spanning diverse sectors, such as nuclear, space, defence, and infrastructure.

My work involves designing complex, safety-compliant structures with a strong emphasis on sustainability.

Beyond technical projects, I actively engage in professional organisations, deliver presentations, and participating in industry standards revisions to advance the engineering profession.