Meet Caroline, a Senior Engineering Surveyor at Costain.
Caroline is currently working on Costain's AMP8 Framework with United Utilities to upgrade water and wastewater infrastructure. She previously supported Costain's delivery of the Thames Tideway Tunnel.
What led you to your career at Costain?
"Costain visited our university in Newcastle and interviewed people for a surveying role in tunnelling. I had never considered tunnelling before but it sounded like an exciting opportunity. I applied and was really pleased to be offered the role. That was in May 2011, and I haven’t looked back since."
How does your role contribute to improving people’s lives?
"I was involved in Costain’s delivery of Thames Tideway Tunnel, the new super sewer for London, which since June 2026 has diverted more than 21 million tonnes of sewage from the River Thames, improving water quality for Londoners and protecting the tidal Thames from sewage pollution."
What’s your biggest professional achievement and why?
"I achieved my full Member Status of the Charted Institute of Civil Engineers Surveyors in May 2021, which was a big achievement in my professional career but a personal one too.
"Working in the Engineering Survey team, we are always looking to apply new and innovative technologies that enhance productivity. In 2021 I won the SCS Innovation award for using laser scanning technology to monitor river wall movements. The technology had clear safety benefits since it removed the need to apply control measures in the river, as well as no requirement to physically fix to the wall."
What do you enjoy most about working at Costain?
"In my day-to-day role I love problem solving, using new technologies and the best ways to apply them to improve our ways of working. I like that it is a role where you’re always learning, discussing ideas and putting them into practical use. I also love collaborating with my colleagues to solve problems but also recognise our accomplishments together."
What have you learned / what has inspired you during your time at Costain?
"I recently completed Costain’s Empower programme, a career development programme designed to support women reaching their career goals. During this I got to speak to and work with lots of different women in various roles throughout Costain. I got to hear their stories and what motivates them, which I found inspiring and I have taken to reflect on what I want next on my journey. "
What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?
"Grab opportunities with both hands, saying yes even when you're unsure.
"You should also be curious. There are no stupid questions in engineering!"
Connect with Caroline on LinkedIn or search our careers page to learn about our current job opportunities.