In this “Conversation with” we caught up with Senior Engineer Juan Rodriguez. Juan has a wealth of experience supporting leak detection systems across the Latin American region.

In this blog he shares his journey into engineering, his professional motivations and what drives him both at work and at home.

Juan answers questions about:

What was your journey to Atmos?

I’m an Industrial Maintenance Engineer by profession and I’ve always been curious about how things work. Growing up, my constant companions were a football, Lego blocks and a fascination with machines, especially planes, trucks and construction equipment.

As a teenager, I chose a career that allowed me to explore both the mechanical and electrical aspects of machines. I’ve now spent 15 years in engineering across industries like metal mechanics, medical devices and electrical installation projects. Over time I’ve gained not only technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of how to optimize machine performance.

I joined Atmos six years ago and found a place that nurtures creativity and critical thinking. Since then, I’ve grown professionally and personally, learning lessons that continue to shape me today.

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

Professional

Professionally, I’m proud of the work I’ve done commissioning projects across South America. It has helped me deeply understand not only leak detection systems but also pipeline operations. Working closely with clients from diverse cultures has been especially rewarding and I take pride in adapting and building relationships to meet our shared goals.

Personal

On a personal level, it’s my family. I met my wife a year after joining Atmos and she’s played a huge role in the person I’ve become. My children motivate me every day.

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

My day starts around 5am taking care of my four year old son before he goes to kindergarten. After that, I begin my workday by reviewing client communications and conducting system checks. From there, I focus on scheduled tasks, whether they’re project-related or maintenance-focused.

Currently, my main responsibility is managing system maintenance contracts across South America. I work with clients using Atmos Simulation (SIM) Suite and Atmos Wave, but my main focus is the Atmos Pipe systems in Colombia.

What three words describe your role at Atmos?

My team say I’m unshakable, fearless and balanced. I try to remain steady under pressure and bring resilience to the team. I’m not afraid of new ideas or challenges and I strive to build strong, honest relationships with clients by being calm and objective, even in tricky situations.

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

I wouldn’t switch! I enjoy observing my colleagues and learning from them. One person I really admire is my teammate Mariano Sibaja. He’s knowledgeable, organized, proactive and shares a similar balanced approach to work. I take inspiration from people like him to grow personally and professionally.

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

I’d like to become a subject matter expert in leak detection. I already have strong experience with Atmos Pipe and Atmos Wave and I want to continue raising client awareness about effective maintenance strategies and instrumentation.

My goal is to serve as a technical consultant and help promote a standardized and comprehensive approach to pipeline operations, boosting system reliability, operational efficiency and safety.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Adapting to fast-paced technological change is a challenge we all face. It requires continuous learning and openness to innovation. For me personally, I’m focused on developing standardized services that help clients clearly identify improvements in operational maintenance. I believe this is key to striking the right balance between reliability, safety and energy efficiency in pipeline operations.

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

My father. We worked together for five years and he taught me so much about being a good professional and a good person.

My wife has also been a huge influence. She’s taught me about emotional intelligence and staying grounded. I’m not the same person I was in 2019 and that’s thanks to her.

More recently, my son has taught me patience and the importance of appreciating life’s processes. I truly believe there’s always more to learn.

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

You were right to choose this career path. I’d tell myself not to be afraid to make decisions, to ask questions and to never let others’ opinions hold me back. Keep learning and enjoy every stage of life because everything happens in its own time.

What do you like most about your job?

My role lets me maintain a healthy work-life balance and gives me quality time with my family. It also allows me to keep studying and expanding my knowledge, which I’m very grateful for.

Another big plus is the team I work with. We’ve built a stable, trusting dynamic and it really does feel like a second family.

What advice would you give to recent new entrants?

Get to know the people closest to the operations. Learn how they approach projects and build from that. Don’t just learn how a product works, go deeper. Try to understand the client’s context and operational reality. That perspective allows you to bring real value to the table.

Also, find a good mentor. I’ve learned so much from the people around me and their guidance has been invaluable.

What is your motto or personal mantra?

I believe everything happens for a reason, even if it’s not clear yet. If it’s not good, it’s not the end. I always try to see opportunities where others might see obstacles. My wife says I’m overly optimistic, but I think staying positive helps us grow through challenges.

What’s your favorite blog or website you follow?

I don’t follow a specific blog, but I love learning about history, geography and culture. In recent years, I’ve developed a strong connection with Norse mythology. It has taught me about resilience, living with purpose and leaving a legacy rooted in honor and personal responsibility.

What’s your favorite country to visit?

Two places come to mind. I visited the Atitlán Lake in Guatemala with my family two years ago and it was beautiful. About eight years ago, I went to Grindelwald in Switzerland too. Both places are stunning and very different, but each left a lasting impression on me.

Find out more about what life is like at Atmos

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