Leading energy innovation across the Middle East

Meet Ljiljana Breberina, a principal civil engineer, based in our Abu Dhabi office. From on-site engineering roles to leading major bids and delivering energy projects – her story is shaped by a passion for tackling complex challenges, driving innovation and creating her own career opportunities.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

My journey with Mott MacDonald began in 2015 in Qatar, where I started as an on-site resident engineer. Over time, I moved into the design review roles and then leading projects as a project manager across a diverse range of initiatives.

In 2022, I relocated to Abu Dhabi, where I am successfully leading projects as a project manager and technical lead as well as driving major bids, significantly strengthening our presence in the regional energy market.

Why did you choose you career path? Why Mott MacDonald?

Although I began my career as a structural civil engineer, my passion for solving complex, multidisciplinary challenges led me to the energy sector. I have spent the past decade extensively involved in the design of power transmission and distribution projects especially high-voltage substations and cables.

Mott MacDonald has given me the opportunity to apply this broad expertise – spanning civil, electrical, mechanical, protection, and supervisory control and data acquisition systems – at a company with values that support my goals.

Contributing to impactful infrastructure at an employee-owned, innovation-driven organisation is a perfect fit for both my professional growth and personal aspirations.

I take pride in the visible results of my work – constructing buildings and substations that will stand as my legacy.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly trusted and empowered in your role?

One particularly memorable moment in my career was being asked to support business development and proposal preparation for various energy projects in Saudi Arabia. Despite being new to the field, my manager trusted my capabilities, which boosted my confidence and sense of purpose at Mott MacDonald.

Over the past two years, I’ve led bidding strategies, managed proposals to meet client and governance requirements and delivered strong technical and commercial outcomes.

That trust motivates me to take the initiative, think creatively and collaborate openly,  knowing I’m part of a culture that values growth and shared success.

Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out to you?

One of my proudest achievements was contributing to the rapid  energisation of a substation in Qatar, one of the fastest ever completed. During my eight years in Qatar, I helped complete around 30 primary substations. This project stood out for its urgency, scale and the coordination it required across multiple stakeholders. I also introduced a real-time monitoring system that improved safety and efficiency – an innovation later adopted in other projects.

Being part of a team that delivered such a high-impact project, especially one tied to an event that brought the world together, was both professionally and personally rewarding. It’s a reminder of how engineering excellence can support moments of global unity and celebration.

Can you describe a time when teamwork at Mott MacDonald led to a successful outcome?

Effective teamwork is typically instrumental to the success of any project.

A flood risk assessment project for a client in the KSA is a good example. Our multidisciplinary team – including experts in scour, hydrology, geotechnical, civil, and cable engineering, as well as Geographic Information System specialists – worked in close collaboration to deliver a comprehensive flood impact assessment report, complete with conceptual mitigation strategies for different NEOM locations.

Through integrated hydrological modelling, structured internal and external workshops, and open dialogue, the team co-developed a mitigation strategies solution. The result was a cost-effective, sustainable design that exceeded client expectations and won industry recognition.

The project was delivered on time, within budget, and was praised for its innovation and collaboration – a clear example of how effective teamwork drives successful outcomes at Mott MacDonald.

What inspired you to join Mott MacDonald, and how has your career journey evolved since then?

I was drawn to Mott MacDonald because of its strong reputation for delivering impactful, sustainable infrastructure projects around the world.

The company’s commitment to innovation, social responsibility and employee development aligned perfectly with my own values and aspirations. I was particularly inspired by the opportunity to work on multidisciplinary projects that make a tangible difference in communities.

Since joining, I have had the chance to collaborate with talented professionals across various Mott MacDonald energy market offices, which has broadened my technical expertise and deepened my understanding of integrated project delivery.

Over time, I have taken on progressively greater responsibilities – starting as a resident engineer on construction sites, supporting design and analysis efforts and advancing to project leadership roles. Most recently, I have played a key role in securing major winning bids that are strengthening our position in the regional energy market. These efforts have also fostered stronger offshore collaborations within our global energy market network.

Our culture of continuous learning and support has empowered me to grow both professionally and personally.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

Mott MacDonald empowers its people by fostering a culture of trust, inclusivity and collaboration. Employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, share ideas freely and grow through continuous learning and mentorship. The supportive environment, combined with access to global expertise and meaningful projects, makes it easy to feel inspired.