Olivia Heaney

From commissioning systems independently in Fiji to supporting customers around the world, Olivia shares how curiosity, communication and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service have helped her grow as an engineer. She also discusses the importance of embracing new technologies, building strong client relationships and why she is excited about the future of the industry.

What led you to join Atmos, and what attracted you to the company?

I was drawn to Atmos because the role matched the skills I had developed during my degree and looked like an exciting opportunity to begin my engineering career.

While researching the company, I also listened to a podcast with Atmos’ CEO Dr Jun Zhang about how Atmos was founded. Hearing the company's story and vision made a real impression on me and reinforced that it was the kind of organisation I wanted to be part of.

What does your role involve day to day?

As a Project Engineer, no two days are the same. One day I might be tuning a leak detection system or testing hardware. Another day I could be travelling overseas to support a customer. The variety is one of the things I enjoy most about the role.

What achievement in your time here are you most proud of?

One of my proudest achievements was completing my first Atmos Eclipse commissioning independently in Fiji after previously working alongside our installation engineers in the UK.

It was a significant milestone in my development and gave me the confidence to take on more responsibility in future projects. I've also really enjoyed being involved with the Employee Action Team and running the Atmos book club, which has been a great way to get to know colleagues from across the business.

Can you share a project where you saw the real-world impact of our work?

Commissioning my first Atmos Eclipse system independently really highlighted the impact our work has for customers. Being trusted to deliver a project and seeing it successfully brought into operation was incredibly rewarding and reinforced the importance of providing reliable solutions that customers can depend on.

What are the biggest challenges in your role, and how do you approach them?

One of the biggest challenges is applying existing technologies to new situations and industries. Every project presents something different, so it's important to stay open-minded, work closely with colleagues and continue learning in order to find the right solution.

What does success look like in your role?

For me, success is delivering high-quality work on time while making sure the customer has a positive experience throughout the project. Providing excellent customer service is something I really value, whether that's responding quickly, communicating clearly or following through on commitments.

What skills are most important for someone in your position?

Strong communication skills are essential, along with good attention to detail. Being able to build relationships with customers, understand their requirements and ensure nothing is overlooked all contribute to delivering successful projects.

In your view, what is the biggest challenge facing pipeline and infrastructure operators today?

As regulations become more demanding, operators are under increasing pressure to identify smaller leaks more quickly while continuing to operate safely and efficiently. Meeting those expectations requires reliable technologies and trusted partners who can help them respond effectively.

How is technology changing the way we support pipeline and infrastructure operators?

Technology is helping us reduce the amount of repetitive work we do, giving engineers more time to focus on the areas where human expertise makes the biggest difference. Artificial intelligence is already beginning to support that, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to develop in the future.

How do you work with clients to solve complex challenges?

Communication is at the heart of every successful project. Building strong relationships with customers and, when needed, working alongside them in person helps us understand challenges more effectively and deliver the best possible outcome.

What do you think sets Atmos apart in the pipeline industry?

Our commitment to customer service. We work hard to build lasting relationships with our customers and make sure they always receive the support they need. Going the extra mile and being available when customers need us is a key part of how we work.

What excites you most about the future of this industry?

I'm excited by the opportunities to apply our technologies in new areas and support Atmos' continued diversification. Expanding into areas such as water pipelines creates new challenges and opportunities, and I'd love to be part of that journey.

What motivates you in your work?

I'm motivated by doing a good job. There's a real sense of satisfaction in delivering high-quality work and knowing you've helped achieve a successful outcome for the customer.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career in this industry?

Be curious and ask lots of questions, even if you think they're silly. That's how you learn, develop your skills and build your confidence throughout your career.