In this “Conversation with” we sat down with Esteban Sibaja, an Associate Engineer based in our Costa Rica office.

Esteban’s thoughtful approach to engineering combines consistency, creativity and collaboration. He shared insights into his journey to Atmos, his drive to improve pipeline safety and his lessons learned through recent challenges, both personal and professional.

Esteban answers questions about:

What was your journey to Atmos?

After leaving my previous job, I was freelancing and developing apps with my brother, but I was looking for something more challenging. While applying for other roles, I came across a vacancy at Atmos. What really caught my attention was Atmos’ Conversation with Sylvia Vargas. It helped me understand the culture and made me feel like Atmos was something special.

I applied, interviewed a few days later and within two weeks, I was starting my new role. It all happened quickly, but it felt right.

What is your biggest achievement to date - personal or professional?

Right now, it’s recovering from an injury. I broke my right foot three months ago after falling off a new motorbike on my way home from work. It was a difficult period, but also a valuable lesson.

The experience taught me that consistency is key when it comes to solving problems, whether physical recovery or professional challenges. Now I’m back at work and I’ve learned a lot about persistence and progress.

What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?

I’m a bit old school. I start each morning by reviewing my agenda and prioritizing tasks on paper. Once I’ve set my goals, I get started, usually around 7:30 am.

Right now I’m working on diagrams for a large pipeline system that spans a huge number of stations and thousands of kilometers. It's fascinating to understand the scale and complexity of a system like that. I’m also working on a project in Chile which I started before my injury. It’s been great to gradually re-engage with the client and continue building momentum.

What three words describe your role at Atmos?

Consistency

Solving complex problems requires steady, step-by-step focus.

Creativity

Engineering isn’t just about technical answers. Thinking differently often leads to the best solutions.

Openness

Knowing when to ask for help and being willing to collaborate makes a huge difference. No one has all the answers, but we grow when we learn from each other.

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?

Daniel Arroyo from the Costa Rica office. We call him “El Profesor” (the teacher) because he knows everyone and he’s always there to help.

He’s approachable, knowledgeable, and generous with his time. If I could take on a role like his, I’d get the chance to support and teach others the way he does.

What would you like to achieve in the next five years at Atmos?

I’d love to master both Atmos Pipe and Atmos Wave. Not just for the sake of knowledge, but because I want to play a role in using them to prevent incidents before they happen, whether it's detecting a leak that could harm the environment or identifying theft.

If I could fine-tune a system so effectively that we detect issues early and protect infrastructure, that would be incredibly rewarding. My goal is to have a real, tangible impact in leak detection.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Atmos’ technology is highly specialized, so the learning curve can be intense. There’s a lot of information to absorb and we also work with teams across different disciplines and cultures.

For example, I might be speaking English in this interview, then switching back to Spanish with my team and then working with colleagues in Chile who have their own communication style.

Managing the technical side while navigating different teams and languages is a challenge, but also a strength of this role.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

Again, I’d say Daniel. He embodies the kind of leadership I admire. He’s approachable, supportive and always ready to share his knowledge. I’d love to develop those same qualities.

If you could go back and speak with the 16 year-old you, what would you tell yourself?

Keep your head up. Follow your heart and stay true to your values. Even if you feel like you’re failing or not giving 100%, if you’re living by your principles, then you’re on the right path. Everything will work out.

What do you like most about your job?

Working with multidisciplinary teams across the world. One day I might be collaborating with the Chilean team, the next I’m reaching out to colleagues in the UK or USA. It’s like assembling pieces of a puzzle: every day brings a new part and over time you start to see the bigger picture.

What advice would you give to recent new entrants?

Trust the process. It might feel overwhelming at first (there’s a lot to learn), but you have a team around you that’s ready to help. Rely on them. They’ll listen, support, and guide you.

A sense of collaboration is at the heart of everything here and it ties into our values: being brilliant together, fresh thinking, and maximizing our potential.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

“Memento mori.” It’s a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die.” While it might sound dark, to me it’s a reminder to stay grounded, focus on what matters and approach goals one step at a time. It helps me stay present and intentional with everything I do.

What’s your favorite blog or website you follow?

I follow a social media account and website called Stoic Reflections that shares daily insights from stoic philosophy. It reminds me to stay centered, be patient and appreciate the process. Like a puzzle, life is built piece by piece and, over time, that bigger picture reveals itself. 

What’s your favorite country to visit?

I haven’t travelled to many countries yet, I’ve mostly explored the USA, but I love New York. The architecture, food, culture and energy are unforgettable.

As someone who enjoys hiking and nature, I also dream of visiting Patagonia in Chile. I’d love to see glaciers and immerse myself in the wild beauty of the landscape.

Find out more about what life is like at Atmos

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