In this “Conversation with” we spoke to Iván Segura, a Project Engineer based in Atmos’ Costa Rica office.

With a background that blends music, mechanical engineering and a passion for client collaboration, Iván brings a unique perspective to his work in simulation, maintenance and leak detection.

We discussed his journey into engineering, his recent return to music, and what motivates him at Atmos.
Iván answers questions about:

An Image of Iván Segura performing music with a microphone and a guitarWhat was your journey to Atmos?

My first dream was to be a professional musician. I grew up playing guitar and singing with the school band and even performed an opera solo in Honduras when I was about 14. Making a living from music in Costa Rica is tough though, so my mother encouraged me to pursue another path.

I was drawn to engineering through my dad who’s an Electromechanical Technician. As kids, my brother and I would end our Sunday trips listening to the machines at his factory. He’d explain how they worked and we were fascinated.

Eventually I became an Industrial Maintenance Engineer, a branch of electromechanical engineering. I worked in renewable energy and then with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) suppliers, where I managed project compliance and advised industrial clients. I joined Atmos in 2022 and I’ll be celebrating three years here soon.

What his biggest achievement is to date

Professional

I’ve had two milestones. One was working abroad with a client in Colombia, training operators and collaborating with their hydraulic engineers.

The second was being appointed to Costa Rica’s national liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engineering board, a group that advises on laws and standards. I was nominated by our engineering federation and I’m the youngest member, which was a big surprise and honor.

Personal

Personally, I’ve achieved something close to my heart: releasing my first song. After putting my music dream on hold, I finally recorded and released “Girasoles” (“Sunflowers”) on Spotify and YouTube. That’s been a dream come true.

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

My day starts by checking emails for any urgent tasks, then I move onto my planned work or jump in to support teammates. I’m currently managing maintenance projects for Atmos Wave and Atmos Simulation (SIM) Suite, as well as a leak detection system upgrade in Chile.

In Latin America, we work across many Atmos products, including Atmos SIM, Atmos Wave, Atmos Pipe and more. It keeps things dynamic and makes you versatile.

What three words describe your role at Atmos?

Challenging

I’m constantly reviewing hydraulics and adapting to client requests, especially with simulation.

Important

Our work reduces environmental impact and helps improve safety in oil and gas operations.

Innovative

We listen to clients and use their feedback to improve our products through constant collaboration between engineering and development teams.

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

I’m happy with where I am. I’m doing well and don’t see myself wanting to switch with anyone else.

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

I want to deepen my expertise in simulation and continue contributing to Atmos SIM because it’s one of our most powerful tools.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Keeping up with rapid technological change. Artificial intelligence (AI) and other advances are transforming how we work.

Staying up to date with AI methods, standards and tools is a constant challenge, but also a rewarding one.

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

Not a specific person, but someone who enjoys what they do and focuses on the meaningful things in life, not just the material ones. I admire people who can spot the value in everyday moments and live with a clear sense of purpose.

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

I’d probably sit beside my 16 year old self and say: keep going. Even if things don’t make sense now, they will. Stay true to yourself and it’ll all be worth it in the end.

What do you like most about your job?

The people. I really enjoy working with the amazing teams in Costa Rica and around the world, from the UK to the USA and beyond. It’s not just about technical growth. You get to see different ways of thinking, working and living. It broadens your personal perspective.

What advice would you give to recent new entrants?

When I first joined Atmos, there was a lot to take in like new systems, new concepts and new products, but that’s what makes it exciting.

My advice to new starters is to give yourself time and space to absorb everything and enjoy the journey. There’s so much to learn and so many great people to connect with.

If you let the experience shape you, it will help you grow in ways you didn’t expect. 

What is your motto or personal mantra?

I have it tattooed: “Make it happen”. For me, that means taking control of your goals and pushing forward instead of waiting for someone else to step in. It’s a reminder to stay proactive.

What’s your favorite blog or website you follow?

I spend a lot of time on Spotify listening to music, but LinkedIn is the site I find most useful professionally. LinkedIn is great for seeing what’s new in the engineering world, from codes and standards to insights from professionals in different countries.

What’s your favorite country to visit?

Antigua in Guatemala. It’s a small, ancient town surrounded by volcanoes and there’s something magical about sitting down with a coffee and soaking it all in.

A dream destination for my wife and I is Iceland. My friends say it’s unforgettable, so it’s definitely on our bucket list.

Find out more about what life is like at Atmos

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