People Spotlight: Meet Peter Ellingsen

Peter Ellingsen has a broad range of experience across structural, civil and geotechnical engineering. He has worked in the power, water and transportation sectors, recently returning to water upon joining the Calgary team. With over 10 years of experience in finite element analysis, he specializes in designing complex structures, including water retaining structures, pumping stations, below ground structures, flood defences, bridges and wind farms.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry. 

As I have always been strong at mathematics and physics, I knew a career in general problem solving would be for me. Ultimately it was my physics lecturer that recommended that I pursue engineering at university, and I listened! For most of my career I have worked within water as I cannot think of a more crucial sector in safeguarding our society and the environment, with the added benefit that no two projects are ever the same. 

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects is the modernization of Stillorgan Reservoir in Dublin, Ireland, for which I served as the structural engineer. This was one of the few remaining grey water reservoirs in Europe, which left treated water exposed to the elements and air pollution. Given the scale of the reservoir, I had to implement several optimizations when modelling. With it being a design-build project, I worked closely with the contractor to determine concrete pouring sequences and where we could maximize the use of pre-cast elements to accelerate the rate of construction. The new 160-megalitre treated water reservoir now provides safe drinking water to 200,000 people in south Dublin. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

One project that comes to mind is the Northumberland Line project, which will very soon bring passenger rail services back to communities north of Newcastle, United Kingdom.  This project includes the construction of six new stations spread along 29 kilometres of track that will provide affordable transportation to more than 350,000 people per year. I was the lead structural designer for the stations elements of this project and was involved in all aspects of design, but predominantly for footbridges, elevator shafts, and heavy civil aspects such as a new contiguous piled wall at Northumberland Park Station.  

Share a piece of career advice. 

Enthusiastically learn from every project, regardless of how big or small your input may be, as this attitude can only result in positive outcomes.    

The Northumberland Line project in Newcastle, UK

Stillorgan Reservoir in Dublin, Ireland

Featured Spotlights

Stay tuned for our latest updates

AECOM on LinkedIn

Peter Ellingsen on LinkedIn