After a career spent working for SNC-Lavalin, Shamel Hosni has taken on the role as director of engineering with the multinational engineering, procurement, and construction firm Kent PLC.
Working out of the Sarnia Oil and Gas office, he provides engineering advice to clients and multi-disciplinary work teams.
He also brings the firm expertise in dynamic analysis, post disaster remediation, blast mitigation and design of complex structures.
“My passion is for designing efficient engineering structures,” he says. “I want structures I design to function well and also look good.”
Hosni, who earned his PhD in earthquake engineering in 1993, spent 25 years with SNC-Lavalin – 12 years as manager of the structural engineering department and eight years as director of engineering.
His current part-time position gives him work he enjoys, along with time to pursue recreational passions and volunteerism with the Sarnia Tennis Club and the Sarnia Police Services Board.
“I appreciate the confidence that our company and our client leadership have in me,” says Hosni. “I am recognized as the go-to person to get engineering issues resolved.”
With no Canadian work experience when he graduated from McMaster, Hosni says the job market was challenging. But persistence helped him land that first position and build a successful engineering career.
He urges young people entering the field to look for career mentors, connect with professional engineering associations and work hard.
“The period when you learn most and distinguish yourself amongst your colleagues are the early years in your profession,” he says.
“Don’t be content with the performance goals set by your supervisor. Set more ambitious goals of your own and strive to achieve them.
“Also strive for a job you enjoy, not just one that makes ends meet.”
