At IRE, we believe every career journey brings unique insights shaped by experience, challenge, and growth. In this post, Kenyi Momo, one of our talented engineers, reflects on his path from manufacturing into the rail industry. He shares the lessons he’s learned, what fuels his passion for engineering, and why people and communication are just as important as technical skills in delivering great outcomes.
Can you share your journey in engineering and the key experiences that have shaped your career in this industry?
Graduating as an engineer doesn’t automatically lead to an engineering role, something I discovered soon after finishing university. It took over six months before I secured a position as a Technician/Engineer in manufacturing. That role set the tone for the next 15 years, during which I worked across systems testing, test and commissioning, manufacturing supervision, and project coordination.
After manufacturing, I transitioned into the rail industry as a signalling cadet engineer on level crossing removal projects. Within nine months, I stepped into a Site Engineer role. Over the past five years, I’ve held several key engineering roles, including as an Access Engineer.
Each sector has brought different experiences. I have found manufacturing to be fast-paced, stressful, and demanding, whereas rail is a more accommodating and collaborative environment by comparison.
“Technical skills matter, but it’s how you communicate and work with people that truly drives successful outcomes.”
How has your passion for engineering in the rail space evolved since you began?
My passion for engineering has grown with every project and opportunity to solve complex problems on the ground. As a cadet engineer in rail, it gave me a hands-on appreciation of how critical rail infrastructure is to people’s everyday lives. Stepping into the Site Engineer role just nine months later was a turning point, it gave me a sense of ownership and purpose, knowing that the work I was doing directly impacted public safety and mobility.
What keeps me engaged is the dynamic nature of the rail environment — no two projects are the same. I enjoy the blend of technical challenge, operational constraints, and collaboration with different teams.
While rail comes with its own challenges, what stands out is the importance of building strong relationships — collaboration is key in this industry, and I find real satisfaction in bringing people together to deliver safe, reliable solutions.
What do you wish someone had told you at the start of your career?
I wish someone had told me that it’s okay not to have all the answers from day one and that asking questions is not a sign of weakness, but a strength. Early on, I often found myself being assigned tasks without clear guidance, and I felt like I had to figure everything out on my own. That led to avoidable mistakes, confusion and a lot of second-guessing.
Looking back, I realise how important it is to create space for learning, both for myself and for others. Clear expectations, open communication, and approachable leadership make a huge difference. If I’d known that earlier, I would’ve been more confident in speaking up and would’ve made a lot less mistakes!
You’re not just filling a role
You’re trusted to bring ideas, challenge the norm and make a meaningful impact.
In your view, what sets IRE apart as an employer in the rail industry?
What sets IRE apart is the way it values people, not just output. From the start, I felt that my skills were recognised and that I had room to grow. There’s a genuine culture of open communication here. People listen, support each other, and share knowledge freely, which isn’t something you find everywhere.
IRE also takes the time to match people to roles where they can succeed and make an impact. You’re not just filling a position, you are being trusted to bring ideas, challenge the norm, and contribute meaningfully. That level of trust and support is what makes the difference.
Where do you draw inspiration from, either professionally or personally, that shapes how you work?
I draw inspiration from the people I work with — especially the open and honest communication within the IRE team. Seeing how others approach challenges with calm, clarity, and a caring mindset has shaped the way I operate. I’ve learned that while technical skill is important, how you work with people, how you communicate, collaborate, and support each other, is what really drives successful outcomes.
Personally, I’m also inspired by environments where people are encouraged to grow. At IRE, there’s a real focus on development, and helping people step into new challenges and build their confidence. That mindset pushes me to keep learning and to help others do the same.
