Stories

Earlier this year, Tiina Ratamo, an accomplished electrical engineer and long-standing KBR employee, commenced her new role as the chief engineer of KBR’s Infrastructure Services (IS) Australia business. The chief engineer is the most senior technical person in the business and is charged with ensuring technical excellence. Tiina is the first woman to hold this position, marking a significant step towards equality in the workplace.

Tiina’s tenacity toward her career in engineering has recently led to her winning the Champions of Change – Female Leadership Award at the 2022 Consult Australia Awards for Excellence – an Australian industry association that proudly represents businesses in design, advisory, and engineering. The award recognizes a mid or senior level female professional who has demonstrated leadership capabilities and is championing change within her company or the industry.

This award also recognizes Tiina’s unwavering contributions to the broader engineering community. She uses her expertise to influence the future of engineering and boost the awareness of women in STEM roles. Tiina has held numerous volunteer roles with Engineers Australia, Engineering Energy Society of Australia (EESA), and Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand (IESANZ). In addition, she brings this diverse experience and insight back to the women of KBR, where she helps foster a culture of inclusion through ASPIRE, KBR’s women leadership employee resource group.

“I’m extremely honoured to be recognised for both my technical and leadership experience in my role as chief engineer and in the broader engineering community,” says Tiina Ratamo, Chief Engineer, Infrastructure Services Australia. “I hope my experience can inspire future technical leaders to also let their passion for engineering guide their path toward achieving their career goals.”

Originally from Finland, Tiina began her career in a male-dominated industry during a time when women engineers were an even greater minority than they are today. Despite this, she has moved between numerous project leadership roles on a range of mining, buildings, roads and defense projects. Today, Tiina applies her 35 years of industry experience to bring multi-disciplinary teams together to deliver integrated solutions to our customers.

Tiina is just one example of how IS Australia is working to set a standard for female leaders through mentoring and structured development programs, and increasing the number female engineers across the business.

“This award is beyond well-deserved – our people and our customers are in assured hands under Tiina’s leadership,” says Wayne Nolan, Vice President, Infrastructure Services Australia. “I am so pleased to have Tiina guide the technical integrity of our business and be a voice of positive change during this time of tremendous growth and evolution.”

KBR’s aim is to become a magnet for diverse talent, known for a culture of belonging and equality. Around the globe, KBR is creating environments where women have the opportunity to lead, feel valued and can thrive. Visit KBR.com/inclusion to learn more.