People Spotlight: Meet Cosmin Chiselencu

Cosmin Chiselencu is a resident engineer focused on municipal wastewater treatment design and construction. Prior to joining AECOM, Cosmin worked as a field technician and was also a combat engineer in the Canadian Armed Forces.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry. 

My inclination towards math and the sciences inspired me to join the engineering industry. I found the practical nature of civil engineering appealing because it is easy to see the tangible results of my work, whether it is seeing a design being built or inspecting an existing structure. I embraced the hands-on aspect of civil engineering through lab work, where I studied concrete and soils in courses like soils mechanics. This practical, applied learning resonated with my personality and further solidified my passion for the field. 

After graduating from university, I worked as a field inspector at a company that specialized in concrete testing and bridge inspections. I enjoyed inspecting structures, documenting damages and conducting concrete testing. My career took a different turn when I joined the Canadian Armed Forces as a combat engineer, coordinating resources for various operations.  

I then joined AECOM, where I’ve recently celebrated my five-year anniversary.   

What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?

My favourite project has been the City of Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades, a complex undertaking that I’ve been dedicated to since I joined AECOM.   

As the second largest wastewater treatment plant in Canada, the project covers a broad spectrum of disciplines, including electrical, process, mechanical, civil and structural engineering. The plant serves the central portion of Toronto and will host the first UV disinfection system for the city. The project involves three phases: first, upgrading the water pumping station with new pumps and upgrades to the city’s electrical substation; second, constructing a UV disinfection system with 12 channels to disinfect bacteria using UV light; and third, implementing a new bypass conduit for large storm events.  

The project is technically complex, involving multiple disciplines including heavy civil, mechanical and electrical work. In particular, the UV disinfection system is an innovative and environment friendly form of treatment. I take pride in contributing to a sustainable water treatment project that pushes the boundaries of engineering. It has been a tremendous learning opportunity for me and the support and guidance from my team have played a crucial role in the project’s success.  

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

By contributing to the expansion and improvement of the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, I play a role in supporting the infrastructure vital for the well-being of approximately 1.4 million residents in Toronto. That said, my involvement extends beyond infrastructure enhancement; it also champions a more environment friendly approach to treating effluent, allowing for disinfection of wastewater without the need to rely on chemicals. Despite the often unnoticed nature of wastewater treatment, my work plays a crucial role in ensuring a better and more sustainable way of managing a resource that everyone relies on.  

Share a piece of career advice. 

Prioritize developing soft skills. While technical expertise is essential, effective communication and interpersonal abilities are equally important. On construction sites, where diverse personalities prevail, mastering social skills becomes paramount, the ability to navigate and manage social interactions helps in resolving issues proactively and fostering a positive work environment. Cultivating a collaborative attitude and learning how to handle difficult personalities contributes significantly to professional success. These skills develop with time and experience, proving invaluable throughout one’s career. 

Another piece of career advice is to establish an effective organization system for documentation and emails.  Being meticulously organized is crucial in the fast-paced environment of engineering, significantly impacting one’s ability to stay on top of tasks and responsibilities. Getting organized at the start of every assignment can greatly enhance efficiency and productivity in the long run.    

Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant in Toronto, Canada

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