Women in Construction: Smita Sawdadkar, delivery head of the quality management team at the Global Technology Center, AtkinsRéalis

“Engineering is not just about structures and systems; it is about shaping the future,” says Smita Sawdadkar, delivery head of the quality management team at the Global Technology Center for AtkinsRéalis.

A chartered civil engineer and fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Sawdadkar has spent two decades in the built environment sector, with the first 10 years in the UK and the subsequent decade in India. Based in Bengaluru, she plays a crucial role in overseeing technical quality assurance across projects delivered from the Global Technology Center (GTC).

“The GTC is a global centre of excellence and an integral part of AtkinsRéalis’s delivery model, providing capabilities and talent to support our global operations,” she explains. Since joining the company in 2013, she has held various leadership roles that have enabled her to push the boundaries of engineering excellence. Her passion for innovation and commitment to quality ensure that project deliveries consistently meet and exceed client expectations.

Sawdadkar’s journey into engineering was fuelled by an early fascination with the interplay of design, construction and innovation within natural landscapes. “I pursued civil engineering at the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP), which has a legacy of producing distinguished engineers,” she says. Inspired by engineering pioneers such as Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, she aspired to leave a lasting impact on the industry.

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Her career has been shaped by moments of resilience and determination. “One defining moment was holding my daughter for the first time. It reinforced my responsibility to contribute to a more equitable world and be a role model she could look up to,” she reflects. She credits her father as a constant source of inspiration, along with her husband, children and siblings, who have provided unwavering support.

Balancing career aspirations with motherhood has been one of Sawdadkar’s biggest challenges. “Entrusting my children’s care to others was difficult. However, supportive line managers and a robust family network helped me navigate this phase,” she says. AtkinsRéalis’s flexible working policies played a crucial role in enabling her to achieve a harmonious work-life balance.

The industry is about delivering quality of life. Women play a crucial role in sustaining our communities and tackling global challenges 

Smita Sawdadkar, delivery head of the quality management team at the Global Technology Center, AtkinsRéalis

Among the many projects she has contributed to, her work with Highways England stands out. “Leading multidisciplinary teams across India and the UK was a rewarding experience,” she says. She takes pride in delivering projects that achieve excellence, often receiving the highest compliment: “It couldn’t physically be any better!”

Sawdadkar is also a staunch advocate for increasing women’s participation in engineering. “The industry needs to highlight its modern, transformed landscape and the diverse skill sets required today,” she asserts. Retaining women in the industry, particularly during life transitions such as maternity and menopause, remains a challenge. She commends initiatives such as the Menopause Network at AtkinsRéalis, which provides vital support to female colleagues.

Her influence as a role model is evident. “I know women closely follow my journey and find inspiration in my experiences,” she says. Her advice to aspiring female engineers is clear: “If I can do it, you can do even better.”

She finds inspiration in everyday heroines – women engineers who, though unrecognised, tirelessly balance professional and personal commitments. On a broader scale, she admires the leadership of Indira Gandhi and the scientific achievements of Marie Curie.

While being awarded a fellowship of the ICE was a significant milestone, Sawdadkar considers becoming a chartered engineer via the technical report route her greatest achievement. “Without a formal mentor, I had to carve my own path. This accomplishment affirmed that I can achieve anything I set my mind to,” she reflects.

For women considering a career in the built environment, Sawdadkar offers compelling advice: “The industry is about delivering quality of life. Women play a crucial role in sustaining our communities and tackling global challenges. Be self-aware, identify your strengths, and work collaboratively with confidence to build a better future.”

She leaves aspiring engineers with a final thought: “Don’t give up if you’re tired. Pause, rejuvenate and come back stronger.”