Careers with STEM: Engineering 2024

CAREERS withSTEM

TERM 3, 2024

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engineering Find friends in engineering p8

Harry’s startup success

LE B U DOISSUE R P FO IN FLIREERSRO CA ET ZE N

Harry lucas startup founder

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Bring your design ideas to life p20

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In the future, lifting heavy objects, fighting bushfires and finding missing people will be helped by swarms of drones, able to coordinate with each other independent of human intervention.

Researchers from Macquarie University’s Drone Lab are helping to bring these swarm clouds to life by fine-tuning the technology that enables drones to work together effectively.

A hub of groundbreaking science and engineering advances, notably in robotics, mechatronics and electronics, Macquarie is proud to have pioneered FIRST® Robotics in Australia. Our other clubs and societies – including MQ Orbital, our student-led space program; MQ Automotive; and MQ Speed Team – combined with our project-based approach to learning ensure you will graduate with the practical skills you need to be successful in your career.

Macquarie’s engineering program – offering specialties in electrical and electronic, mechanical, mechatronic or software engineering – uniquely combines a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge with practical skills acquisition and industry experience. And because we know that creativity is the driving force underpinning engineering advances, our unique curriculum allows you to combine other areas of interest, enriching your university experience – and providing the spark that could inspire world-changing new ideas.

CRICOS Provider 00002J | FSE76532

FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY TODAY

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ENGINEERING

CONTENTS

What’s inside?

P6 Engineeringn

with imaginatio all

Flip over for careers in net zero

STEM + X =

P8

Combine engineering (STEM) with your passion (+ X) to discover your dream career.

Think engineering is ? precision and equations Think again!

ace P8 A woman’s pl is in engineering

s In fact, everyone belong in the ‘E’ in STEM!

Engineering + …

P12 Oceans

P12

P10 No uni?

Engineering skills are your ticket to hitting the high seas in style!

7 benefits of studying engineering via VET

Take your ideas to the bank or be the boss of the next big thing

No worries!

P16 Business P20

Why engineering?

P20 Design & Construction Blend creativity with technical expertise to turn cool concepts into reality

A

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ustralia has around half a mil lion qualified engineers, but nee ds a lot more to help the countr y thrive and innovate. It’s engineers that are helping us build a bet ter future, be it with sustainabl e design, building new businesses or responding to climate change with renewa ble energy.

P24 Agriculture

If you love science, the outdoors and problem-solving, this could be the path for you

Engineer a sustainable future

Chemical engineers solve real-world challenges by taking raw materials and turning them into useful products. They can craft plant-based food alternatives, design clean mineral processing methods or develop sustainable energy resources.

Study Chemical Engineering

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CRICOS 00123M Australian University Provider Number PRV12105

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FOREWORD

linan Anna Quil ent officer –

chief developm tions net zero energy solunz & lia ra Engie aust

Engineers are influencers too!

Engineers have the skills to help all of us adapt to a changing world

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evolving areers in engineering are nts one of its quickly as society confro te change. We biggest challenges: clima passionate people need more dedicated and drive the change with engineering skills to to 100 years. needed over the next 50 engineering – it That’s what I love about ild everything that gives you the skills to bu dges, roads, mines our society needs, be it bri s or robots to to produce critical mineral plex to be done conduct surgeries too com with human hands. m fossil fuels to As we transition away fro ’re always asking other forms of energy, we e energy differently ourselves how we can us for society. to produce better results vers with a real Engineers are problem-sol ure. ability to inf luence the fut we’re building E, GI At my company EN charging le hic a network of electric ve change how to is stations, but the first step r example, Fo g. llin people think about refue you’ll drive r, ca sel if you drive a petrol or die your car’s tank up. to the petrol station to fill are located in ENGIE’s charging stations so people can do shopping centre carparks cars charge. other things while their to solve in ble There are similar pro ms le use energy op pe changing how and when gin ura g people to in their homes, like enco

it’s about applying e iv technical skills to dr positive change” use their washing mach ines when the sun is shining and there’s exces s solar power.

The growth of data, mech atronics and robotics will unlock even more engineering careers in fields like energ y, health and medicine, business and ag riculture.

In many of these areas, en gineers will need to work with other professionals, like community engagement teams, to help inf luence and change pe ople’s behaviour.

Being an engineer is abou t so much more than working with maths , physics or chemistry. It’s about teamw ork, good communication and apply ing your technical skills to drive positive ch ange.

Anna Quillinan Chief Development Offic er – Net Zero Energy Solutions, ENGI E Australia & New Zealand

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Honours), RMIT

Graduate engineer, Pasminco Australia

Lead process engineer, Performance & Innovation Director, WorleyParsons

Process engineer, Jacobs Engineering

Chief Development Officer – Net Zero Energy Solutions, ENGIE Australia & New Zealand

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ENGINEERING

UPFRONT

Engineering n o i t a n i g a m i h wit

ways 5 engineers use creati

vity

Think engineering is all precision and equations? Think again! Engineers use their imagination and creativity to solve problems and innovate every day

What’s creativity?

seeing problems th new and unique ideas, wi up ing com ut abo all surprising or Creativity is g solutions that might be tin en inv d an ys wa w ne in and situations and music! Creative not limited to fields like art d news? out of the ordinary. And it’s luding engineering. The goo inc , eer car ery ev in ble skills are super valua ough regular be developed over time thr can t tha ll ski a is ty ivi eat Cr gh portunities to embrace tou practice. Think: finding op w ne of ty elf to a wide varie challenges, exposing yours d regularly engaging with experiences and ideas, an ative thinking, whether it’s activities that require cre random problems or taking brainstorming solutions to ilton an art class! – Gemma Ch

Real-life inspo We asked two engineers how they use creativity in their STEM careers

lemIn construction, probments just solving and design ad ll always wi are common, and we the box to have to think outside on site” fix issues that arise Read more about Allen’s study and career path on P22

Allen Geelo r

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Site engin

Kayla Chaoui Site engineer

For us in engineering, w creativity is about ho e lv so d you approach an g in rk problems. While wo ge on site, things chan ten very quickly and of your you need to think onlve feet to problem-sorience based on your expe u and the resources yo have around you”

Engineers often use creativity to think about other people’s needs and make designs that are easier and more enjoyable for everyone to use.

Solving 2 complex problems

When the usual methods don’t work, engineers think creatively to come up with new and unusual ways to solve challenging problems .

Using 3 resources wisely

Being creative with materials means doing more with less.

Engineers find clever ways to use what they have, coming up with more efficient and sustainable solutions.

4toPlmoanrrningowfor

Engineers use their imagination to think about what the future might hold, which helps them to get ahead of potential issues or challenges.

5neEmwbrteacching

Using the latest tools and software to streamline their workflow and processes is the norm for engineers, and requires plenty of creativity and thinking outside the box.

Read more about Kayla’s study and career path on P22

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1emDesipagnthinyg with

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ENGINEERING

UPFRONT

e c a l p s ’ n a A wom g n i r e e n i g n is in e

ngs in the ‘E’ in STEM! In fact, everyone belo

Get there with a scholarship

D

of qualified engineers in id you know that only 13% are women? And that the Australian workforce to grow by 14.2% by 2026 STEM jobs are predicted an n-STEM jobs? Looks like – almost twice as fast as no ed ne It’s super clear that we opportunity if you ask us! u’re le in engineering, so if yo more diversity AND peop inary or gender-diverse a female-identifying, non-b you here. – Louise Meers student, there’s a place for

Diversity FTW According to CSIRO, diverse teams and workforces consistently have better problem-solving abilitie s, increased creativity and imp roved productivity. It should be all hands on deck to engineer solutions for a better, brighter future.

Women working in engineerin g agree!

Materials engineer Laura Cle mente says: “Diversity is important becaus e every single person, regardless of gender orientation or cultural upbring ing, matters – they have their ow n potential and capability to com e up with new innovations that cou ld possibly change the world.”

Catherine Isaac, a medical dev ices engineer, adds: “Without fem ale representation, issues that half the population face can be overloo ked and ignored due to lack of aware ness. Women need to be included and inv olved in creating the technolog y of the future.”

SOME GREAT ONES TO APPLY FOR …

Arup Women in Engineering Scholarship, Curtin University

laura clemente materials engineer

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UNSW Women in Engineering Scholarships Program, UNSW STEM Women in Engineering Scholarship, RMIT Margaret Hamer Scholarship for Women in Engineering, The University of Sydney Women in Engineering Scholarship, Monash University

catherine isaac medical devices engineer

The FEIT Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship, UTS

Zoe Eather

Get a role model

civil and environmen tal engineer and CEO

u If you ca n see it, yo ca n be it. Head to m Careersw ith ST EM.co s CV the t ou eck ch to s of and career jou rney in ing rk wo n me more wo en gineering.

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

Women in Engineering Scholarship, QUT

I’m passionate about ive changing the narratso that it g in er around engine o want encourages people wh to get to change the worldd bring an involved in STEM them!” their creativity with 8

All the inspo

Join the club

Wise words from women in engineering!

I’ve heard many say they want a care young women because they want toer in medicine The impact may be mo help people. engineers absolutelyre indirect, but just as much as doct help people ors”

Yemi Penn rail project entrepreneur

Karen Willcox aerospace engineer

Finding like-minded peers when you’re at uni can make a massive difference to your study experience. Check out these societies and clubs at some of Australia’s leading universities: GEMS (Gender Equity in Engineering Makes Sense), QUT Griffith University Women in Engineering, Griffith University Newcastle University Women in Engineering, University of Newcastle Sydney University Women in Engineering Society, The University of Sydney

te Be open-minded, creast to, ay your lane if you need u want to connected to ‘why’ yo the first have a STEM career ingo back to instance and alwaysgets tough, this when the going because it will”

Women in Engineering Curtin Division, Curtin University Women in Engineering at ECU, Edith Cowan University Women in Engineering and Mathematical Sciences UWA, University of Western Australia Women in Engineering at Monash, Monash University

Dr Eva Cheng

Uni programs

director of Women in Engineering and IT Program, UTS

Lots of unis (like Macquarie University, Monash Universi ty, QUT, RMIT, The University of Queensland, The University of Western Australia, UNSW an d UTS) have awesome programs that mentor, encourage and support female-identifying, non-binary and gender-divers e students in engineering. Doub check what’s on offer at you le r favourite uni before applying .

Women in Engineering Society, UNSW Women in Science and Engineering, The University of Melbourne Women in Science and Engineering, Victoria University

Follow what you’re re interested in and caex ist t about. If it doesn’ it or yet, you can create it!” be a part of creating 9

ENGINEERING

UPFRONT

!

S E I R R O W O N NO UNI?

ring via VET 7 benefits of studying enginee

It’s hands-on If you learn best by doing, VET engineering could be the right option for you.

VET is all about giving you the practical experience you need for the workplace, and you can often complete an apprenticeship as part of your studies.

You’ll be super employable

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stralia,

ills Au According to Jobs and Sk top 100 82.7% of grads who completed a s. erward VET course were employed aft levels of The courses with the highest employment after training?

They were in the Engineering d! and Related Technologies fiel

It’s cheaper Did you know a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) can cost over $30,000? a lot VET qualifications are usually e cheaper, and there are fee-fre and government-subsidised courses to choose from too.

You can start while you’re still at school es Yep, you can take VET cours e cod QR as electives. Scan the can to find 43 STEM courses you do while at school – there are plenty of engineering options!

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

You’ll spend less time studying Not keen on studying a Bachel or of Engineering for four years? You could earn a VET qualification in engineering a lot faster: • Certificate I in Engineeri ng – 6 months (full time) • Certificate II in Engineeri ng – 1.5 years (full time) • Certificate III in Engineeri ng – Technical – 4 to 6 mo nths (full time) • Certificate IV in Engineeri ng Drafting – 12 months (fu ll time) • Diploma of Engineering Technical (Mechanical) – 1 to 3 years (full time)

It’s a great alternate pathway If you didn’t get the ATAR for an engineering degree, you can complete a Diploma of Engineerin

g to gain entry into second year of a Bachelor of Engineering at UNSW, The University of Adelaide, Mo nash University and more.

You can combine your interests with your study Into construction? Take on an l Structura Advanced Diploma of Civil and Study a n? sig Engineering. Love de

wellery).

Certificate II in Engineering (Je loma Space fan? Try an Advanced Dip l). of Engineering (Aeronautica

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YOUR CAREER YOUR WAY Your career can take a variety of twists and turns, steps and stages. yourcareer.gov.au can help you make informed decisions about your learning, training and career development.

Know what you want to do when you finish school?

Got plans to do some study or training, start working, or take a gap year?

Download the School Leavers Information Kit for information about: • study or training options to upskill • financial support for further study • how to nail a job interview

yourcareer.gov.au/schoolleaver

• and more!

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ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+OCEANS

AWASH WITH OPPORTUNITY

g career working on Make waves with an engineerin or around the world’s oceans

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f the mysteries of the ocean fascinate you, then engineering skills are your ticket to hitting the high seas in style!

From designing sustainable solutions to address climate change to pioneering new technologies for underwater exploration, engineers are in demand on maritime projects around the world.

Imagine being part of a team that designs and constructs innovative structures like underwater turbines that harness the

Specialist pay

The average sa la ry for a marine en ginee r in Austral ia is $105 K*, with an average startin g sa lary of $84K.

power of ocean currents to generate clean energy, or coming up with solutions to minimise the impact of human activities on oc ean environments. This could involve developing syste ms to clean up marine pollutio n or designing offshore struc tures that minimise disturbanc e to marine life.

Engineers also design and deploy instruments and equipment for oceanogra phic research, enabling scientis ts to study ocean currents, ma rine life and the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.

Plus, with the growing de mand for sustainable transportatio n and shipping, the world needs engineer s to develop eco-friendly solutions for maritime transport. From designin g more fuelefficient ships to impleme nting innovative navigation and comms sy stems, engineers help make maritime trans portation safer, cleaner and more efficien t.

So dive in and discover the exciting world of engineering careers in maritime projects!

– Charis Palmer

The right fit?

Skills you’ll need to float in this field:

✔ Problemsolving ✔C reativity ✔A love of being on the water

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✔ Basic physics and maths

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START YOUR CAREER HERE ENGINEERING + OCEANS + STUDY

Boat designer s every passing boat wa

d, liff!

Growing up on an islan eering for Tyler Ratc gin en d an n sig de in a lesson

tyler ratcliff maritime engineering student

Bachelor of Maritime Engineering, (Specialisation) (Honours), Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Maritime Engineering, (Specialisation) (Honours), University of Tasmania Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Naval Architecture), UNSW Canberra Bachelor of Applied Science (Marine Engineering), Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania

T

yler has loved boats for as long as he can remember. Growing up on an island in Sydney’s Pittwater, sailing wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a way of life.

“I’ve been surrounded by boats my whole life through sailing events – I even took a ferry to school.

My grandpa has done over 50 Sydney to Hobart yacht races, so I definitely grew up in a sailing family,” he explains.

As a child, Tyler and his dad would discuss the design features of passing boats and why they worked or didn’t. “In Year 8, I remember watching the America’s Cup on TV and being fascinated by the commentary about the yacht design. That’s what really got me into fast yachts.”

With a deep connection to the sea and an interest in maths and science, Tyler knew he’d found his calling. He chose to study maritime engineering at the Australian Maritime College, specialising in naval architecture. He’s now in his fourth year and charting a path towards a promising career.

Gap year, labour wo rk and waterproofing appre nticeship

The skills you develop working in the industry are so useful” Learning the ropes

A real highlight for Tyler has been gaining hands-on skills, both as a waterproofin g apprentice in his gap year and as an intern with Inc at Crowther, an Australian marine engineerin g company.

“The skills you develop by wo rking in the industry are so useful,” he says. “So me uni assignments are practical, including one big building project a year where we design and build wo rking in teams, so I really value those skills.”

Tyler’s dream career is to hel p design a boat for the America’s Cup. “I like how the design change s each year and how teams manufacture solutions.

As a kid, I decided I wanted to be on a winning team!” – Danielle Lucas

Intern, Incat Crowther

Certificate IV in Engineering (Marine Craft Construction), Federation Academy

ENGINEERING + OCEANS + JOBS Marine engineer $62K–$107K Marine surveyor $51K–$120K Navy mechanical engineer submariner $113K Naval architect $66K–$152K* *Salaries sourced from payscale.com, Indeed.com and adfcareers.gov.au

Bachelor of Ma (Specialisation) ritime Engineering nours), Austr alian Maritime College, (Ho University of Tasma nia

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ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+OCEANS: NATIONAL CAREERS INSTITUTE

Whatever floats your boat Award-winning apprentice Joachim Lopez-Valoa followed his interests to a career at his perfect workplace

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learning the oachim has always enjoyed rk. Now, as science behind how things wo cian, his job an apprentice marine techni rine ma g inin involves fixing and mainta Getting to ts? par t equipment. One of the bes test his work! job would be “The coolest thing about my t that has been whenever we water test a boa engine. Nothing repaired or fitted with a new in a boat that beats going out on the water chim says. you’ve just put together,” Joa maths, and s sic Always a lover of phy and testing ms ble Joachim enjoys solving pro rn and lea for faults in his work so he can at t school was improve. “My favourite subjec involved was fun physics, but also the maths you would get it since it felt satisfying when right,” he says. for Joachim So, what does a typical day m Fro ! look like? There isn’t one gearboxes disassembling engines and er to boat and putting them back togeth chim’s rigging and water testing, Joa ing. work is diverse and never bor

Joachim Lopez-Valoa Appren tice marine technician

He even adds some dance mo ves to his day when a good song comes on the radio!

Joachim is currently comple ting a Cer tificate III in Marine Mechanical Tec hnolog y and says it’s exciting to know that wit h this qualification, he’ll be able to get a job in mo st countries around the world.

Looking back on his pathway so far, Joachim says he wouldn’t change a thin g. “I would follow the exact same path, which was to pursue what I actually wante d – done through trial and error until I found the per fect workplace that suited me.”

– Jaina McIntyre

nothing beats going out on the water in a boat you’ve just fixed” Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology

2023 Victorian school-based Apprentice of the Year 2023 Kangan Institute Schoolbased Apprentice of the Year

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rds school2023 australian training awa year finalist the of inee tra or ice rent app based Apprentice Marine Technician, Mercury Marine

Water robots

Electronics engineer, CEE HydroSystems

ectronics engineer

from robotics i got et ds a problem-solving ymin ork” that i now use in m w

Vance is now an electron ics engineer at CEE HydroSystems, a compa ny that manufactures equipment for underwate r surveys, where he works on self-driving bo ats!

“My work consists of deve loping anything that moves and the autop ilot,” he says.

Vance also still supports robotics competitions, volunteerin g as a mentor and helping kids to build robots and compete on the national stage against teams from aroun d the world. – Charis Palm er

Check out FIRST Robotics FIRST Robotics is about more than just robots – it’s a community of students learning important life skills that will help them compete in the workforce of tomorrow. There are regular meetings and competitions around Australia, like the annual Duel Down Under. For the full calendar, visit firstaustralia.org

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Bachelor of Engineeri ng (Me atronics, Robotics and Autom ation Engineering), ch Macquarie University

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e was lucky lectronics engineer Vanc with robots in enough to start working FIRST Robotics Year 4 when he joined the hooked, joining club. From there he was and eventually another robotics program do a Bachelor of landing a scholarship to with a specialisation Engineering (Honours), uarie University. in mechatronics at Macq involvement in Vance says that while his ly helped with his the robotics clubs definite re valuable when it studies, it proved even mo n the workforce. came time for him to joi s a problem-solving “The main thing I got wa now use in my mindset and skills that I work,” he explains. o had the “While in university I als eo game vid a in opportunity to coach ing that I am very eth som professionally. This is n’t think many people happy about because I do says. get that chance!” Vance

Robotics instructo Knox Gr ammar Scho r, ol

Robotics mentor, FIRST Team 3132

kiguchi’s love Electronics engineer Vance Ta now he’s helping for robotics started early and others find their path

ENGINEERING+OCEANS: MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY

Vance Takiguchi El

ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+BUSINESS

d l r o w e h t t n Inve be the Take your ideas to the bank or

boss of the next big thing

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ing, you probably f you’re keen on engineer problem-solving, already know it’s all about improving be it developing new tech, ng something more existing systems or creati eady there. sustainable than what’s alr n your ideas into tur to nt But what if you wa where business comes something bigger? That’s to create innovative in – giving you the skills to market. products and bring them and business By combining engineering tions in many skills, you’ll have career op yourself leading industries. You might find ts for a global a startup, managing projec the next big thing! corporation or inventing termination, hard To get there, you’ll need de – Charis Palmer work and business basics.

What it takes To be a business leader you’ll need these skills in abundance:

Analytics

So you can connect the dots between a current problem and how it might be solved in the future.

Communication

So you can sell your idea to potential investors.

Financial management

So you can make the money you raise go far.

Hustle

So you can handle rejection and keep going through tough times.

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Team building

So you can bring the best team around you and keep them loyal.

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

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cathy edwards head engineer, google

Inspiring business founders who started out in engineering #1 Cathy Edwards

As the head engineer at Googl e, and former director of engineeri ng at Apple, Cathy is an Aussie who was encouraged to code at a young age. Befor e holding down two of the most powe rful computer engineer gigs in the world, Cathy co-founded search eng ine Chomp, which Apple acquired for US$50 million.

#2 Flavia Tata Nard in

i Aerospace engineer Flavia wa nted to be an astronaut when she wa s a girl, but then she decided she’d rat her build rockets! Flavia co-founded Fle et Space Technologies, a leading Austr alian space company with a missio n to empower humanity’s explor ation of new worlds. #3 Steve Wozniak

flavia tata nardini

co-founder, Fleet space technologies

You’ve probably heard of Ap ple founder Steve Jobs, but what about his co-founder Steve Wozniak?

An electrical engineer by trainin g, it was Wozniak that designed the Ap ple II, one of the first highly succes sful mass-produced microcompu ters. He went on to found other com panies too, including one that develope d and brought the first programmabl e universal remote control to market.

START YOUR CAREER HERE ENGINEERING + BUSINESS + STUDY Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Macquarie University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce, Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Business, QUT Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Commerce, UNSW

ENGINEERING + BUSINESS + JOBS Entrepreneur CEO $100K–$297K Founder $42K–$294K Head of engineering $140K–$200K* *Salaries sourced from payscale.com and seek.com

steve wozniak co-founder, apple

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ENGINEERING

I landed an internship at the European Astronaut Center in Germany, working on lunar operations with the European Space Age ncy (ESA). This experience was pivotal as it showed me the vast potential of ‘hard’ sof tware — sof tware with real-world impacts on life and mission success.

Craving a more formal sof twa re background, I joined JPMorgan Chase as a sof tware engineer.

Living in Geneva, I worked on incredible technologies and transitioned from being ‘an engineer’ to a ‘software eng ineer’.

What convinced you to do

another startup?

I came across this company in Zurich who told me they were founded throug h an accelerator program called Entrepreneur First. It pays founders for three months to get a new business

harry luuncdears startup fo

underway. I applied for the cohort in Singapore and they flew me there in January 2021!

I met my cofounder Raman online while I was in COVID quarantine in Singapore. He was a 3D printing metallurgist who had published some mechanical engineering research papers that made my eyes water they were so incredible. So we paired off and started Phasio, a business that provides software tools to manufacturers to help enhance their websites and sales process.

Engineer or founder — which comes first?

RICARDO SEAH

I’d say being a generalist has been my biggest advantage over the past decade. Bridging the gap between different fields has allowed me to come up with innovative solutions and inspire others to join the journey and look toward the future.

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

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Master of Science, Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology (ongoing) Co-founder, Phasio

What happened after you had to close your first business?

Software Engineer, JPMorgan Chase & Co

W

d entrepreneur e first profiled engineer an en he was a uni Harry Lucas in 2015, wh onics. student studying mechatr ing ild a company Back then, Harry was bu food production. That aiming to change global but last year Harry’s company didn’t make it, sed $3.8 million in current startup, Phasio, rai which in Australian venture capital funding, startup terms is a big deal! to discuss his pathway We caught up with Harry siness. – Charis Palmer to building a successful bu

Co-founder, Seer Insights

raged pt learning and leve ke s ca Lu y rr Ha p, tu his first star manufacturing After a setback with into a new business making big change in his persistence

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Mechatronics, University of Adelaide

ENGINEERING+BUSINESS

e s r u o c e h t g Stayin

ENGINEERING+BUSINESS: EDITH COWAN UNIVERSITY

Breanna Cameron

Tunnel vision

underground mine manager

h a Cameron dug throug ECU graduate Breann to launch her own her engineering degree ess mining services busin

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me to STEM, t high school, when it ca . So much so that Breanna favoured maths mates out when she enjoyed helping her ing she still does in they were stuck – someth . her next-gen mining gig parts of the job now,” rite “It’s one of my favou ople see things from Breanna says. “Helping pe what I love to do most.” different perspectives is er end up as So, how did this maths lov ning industry? The a leader in Australia’s mi Cowan University answer: a degree at Edith work experience and (ECU), loads of hands-on d inspiring others. a talent for leadership an

companies. “I gained a ski ll set that I’ll use for the rest of my life,” she say s.

Engineering means bu sine

ss Thanks to her work expe rience and academic achievements, getting a job after uni was pretty straightforward for Brea nna – she was the perfect candidate for mi ning giant BHP. Initially, Brenna started as an underground mining engineer at BHP’s West Australian nickel mine, but she’s sin ce fast-tracked it to manager and production superintendent.

Somewhere in there, she’s also found time to start her own business, JU DDRILL, a mining services company speciali sing in drill and blast plus minor plant hire.

“It was built from a desir e to provide people with a workplace filled wi th positivity and a sense of community,” sh e says. “You only have one shot at life – start ea rly and always say yes.”

– Cassie Steel

Above ground

a navigated heavy After high school, Breann , lithium, gold and machinery in the iron ore ing to uni. When she nickel sectors before head ing, she had no idea decided to study engineer supercharge her career. just how much it would ECU] would “I thought the degree [at s already doing but it wa I complement the work rk opportunities,” she created more than just wo to long-term career says. “It provided access me to have wider pathways and positioned industry impact.” her career success to Breanna credits much of offerings at ECU the many extra-curricular advantage of – from that she was able to take to work experience a study exchange to China d construction placements at mining an

my ecu degree provided access to long-term career pathways and industry impact”

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental) Honours, Edith Cowan University Senior Undergraduate Mining Engineer, BHP

First Class Mine Manager Certification, DMIRS

Undergraduate Mining Engineer, GOLD FIELDS

Alt. Underground Manager and Production Superintendent, BHP

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Co-founder, JUDDRILL

ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

BRINGING E F I L O T S A E ID D

g a sketch you’ve o you ever imagine turnin l or spend your drawn into something rea uctures? If so, weekends building epic str uction engineering a career in design or constr might be for you. tailed plans for Design engineers create de s and bridges to everything from building eryday objects. machines, systems and ev e those plans and Construction engineers tak ersee the construction bring them to life. They ov and ensure everything process, manage projects d on time. is built to specifications an

Design and construction engineering blend creativity with technical expertise to turn concepts into reality

But it’s not all about calcu lations and hard hats – you get to be creative too ! As a design engineer, you’ll sketch out new con cepts and see them evolve from an idea to a tan gible structure.

Construction engineers cre atively solve problems and find the best ways to implement designs.

Both careers can be incred ibly rewarding, offering the perfect blend of creativity and technical prowess, with rea l opportunities to shape the world around yo u. – Charis Palmer

Skills checklist eer To work as a certified engin e in you’ll need a four-year degre o VET als are re engineering, but the loma Dip a pathways, starting with of Engineering.

Attention to detail

Precision is crucial when you ’re designing structures or manag ing construction projects.

Technical skills

like Proficiency in design software You also AutoCAD or Revit is essential. ering need a strong grasp of engine . tics principles and mathema

Communication

You’ll work with various stakeh olders, including clients, architects and contractors, so clear and effect ive communication is key.

Problem-solving

kle complex Both roles require you to tac solutions. challenges and find effective

Project management

Managing timelines, budgets and resources efficiently is a big par t of construction engineering.

Creativity

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Despite the technical nature, the se fields are highly creative. You’ll design innovative solutions and find ways to brin g unique visions to life.

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

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START YOUR CAREER HERE ENGINEERING + DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION + STUDY

Drawing on STEM f Sophia Schulz is proo Mechatronics major n be creative too that STEM careers ca

Diploma of Engineering, Macquarie University

S

ophia’s high school timetable was equal parts creative and STEM-based. As an International Baccalaureate student in Canada, she took physics, chemistry and advanced calculus to fulfil the prerequisites for an engineering degree in New Zealand – yet she still enjoyed units like photography, music and design.

“Even though my STEM skills didn’t come as naturally [as my creative ones at university], engineering appealed to me because it was really hands-on,” she says.

Sophia decided to focus on mechatronics because it covered many different niches, including mechanical, electrical and software systems.

Though she struggled at first with the rigidity of engineering, it didn’t take Sophia long to realise her

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) (Honours), Macquarie University

sophia schul

mechatronics enginee z ring student creative skills were a major asset. Thinking outside the box has proved pivotal to her engineering units, bringing innovation, fresh ide as and next-level presentation skills.

“When I’m coming up with a hardware design, like a robot or a moving cam era, I always start by sketching my ideas to proble m-solve,” she says.

“That’s creativity at work!”

– Cassie Steel

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Design / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), QUT Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic Engineering) (Honours), Macquarie University

engineering appealed because it was hands-on” Bachelor of Eng eri ng (Mechatronics Engine ine ng) (Honours), Universeri ity of Auckland

Intern, Halter

Intern, Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Research assistant, University of Auckland

construction and management services.

Laing O’Rourke A multinational construction company delivering complex projects.

Arup Another global group known for its innovative

GHD Provides engineering, architecture,

Lendlease A leading international property

Hansen Yuncken An Australian construction

design and sustainable engineering solutions.

and infrastructure group.

Civil engineer $60K–$119K Project engineer, Construction $62K–$136K Design engineer $59K–$117K

Who’s hiring?

AECOM A global firm providing design, consulting,

ENGINEERING + DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION + JOBS

Engineering project manager $76K–$188K* *Salaries sourced from payscale.com

environmental and construction services.

company specialising in commercial projects.

21

ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

BUILDING THE FUTURE

the real-world impact their work has Site engineers Kayla Chaoui and Allen Glo love

#1

City shaper

Kayla Chaoui Site engineer

on becoming an architect but ayla initially had her heart set at an architectural firm made a work experience placement ing STEM-based. her realise she wanted someth about engineering, and found out She soon decided upon civil ering ine eng al offered by internation Inspiring STEM+, a program nce in ala imb t aims to combat gender company Laing O’Rourke tha the construction industry. ion any thing about the construct “I went from knowing barely ion uct was ineers to knowing that constr industry and the role of eng Kayla says. where I wanted to end up,” a highlight of her role is Laing O’Rourke, Kayla says h wit Now a site engineer ks on my laptop to mainly in the office doing tas I’m s day me “So . iety var the er days I’m out attending meetings, while oth or rks wo ing om upc for e prepar pour.” on site monitoring a concrete ructure that utes to “city-shaping infrast trib con rk wo her t tha es lov She also Chilton by so many people.” – Gemma will outlive you and get used

K

Bachelor of Engineeri ng (Civil Engineering with Arch itecture), UNSW

Undergr aduate site engineer, Laing O’Rourke

construction was where I wanted to end up” Gr aduate site engine er, Laing O’Rourke

Site engineer, Laing O’Rourke

#2 Skills collector A

lo Allen Gsit e Graduate engineer

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All my experiences helped ” me land every role

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Structural), Charles Darwin University

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

Crew Member / Safety Team, McDonald’s

Intern, Halikos Group

22

llen’s engineering career sta rted at an unlikely place: McDonald’s. He may not have been employed as an engineer, but Allen says his eight years at the fast food giant taught him vital skills like communication, teamwork and task management.

After school, Allen enrolled in a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Struct ural) at Charles Dar win University. While studying, he successfully applied for an internship at Halikos Group, a Northern Territory-based construction company. His one-month internship turned into a casual job, and eventually evolved into a full -time role.

Towards the end of his degree , Allen applied for a graduate site engineer role being advertised at Aussie construction giant, Len dlease – and landed his dream engineering gig.

His advice for aspiring engine ers? Take every opportunity. “All my experie nces helped me achieve every role that I got.” – Gem ma Chilton Undergraduate Project Coordinator, Halikos Group

Graduate Site Engineer, Lendlease

ethan carter

structural engineer

Real-world learnin eering student helped a Charles Sturt engin ck his career Ethan Carter fast-tra ineering was or Ethan, choosing to study eng ely rewarding career, a no-brainer. “It’s an extrem and positively impact with an ability to contribute to your community,” he says. engineering career Ethan began constructing his to paid industry before he graduated thanks ree at Charles Sturt placements as part of his deg mining resources University – first at oil and gas up, and later at company Monadelphous Gro D. engineering services firm GH dying has enabled me stu ile wh rk wo “The ability to eer but my financial to accelerate not only my car ustry considered my position,” Ethan says. “The ind relevant postgraduate pre-graduation placement as progression.” experience, which sped up my ge engineer, where Ethan is now thriving as a brid structing and his role involves designing, con structures to support maintaining new and existing Charis Palmer transport-related projects. –

Scholarship Charles Sturt?

Want to study engineering at rid Civil Engineering nsg Check out the $20,000 Tra r career!

Scholarship to help build you gineering/ Learn more: csu.edu.au/en transgrid-scholarship

Bachelor of Technology (Civil) / Master of Engineering (Civil), Charles Sturt University

Undergraduate project engineer, Monadelphous Group

Engineering intern, Western Project Services

Graduate engineering technologist, GHD

Structural engineer – bridges, GHD

Get ahead of the curve with Charles Sturt Engineering Want to unearth a future in engineering? Build a career that will improve communities with the university where 100 per cent of engineering grads get jobs – and earn a starting salary 35 per cent higher than engineering grads from any other university.* • Get paid while you study with industry cadetships.

• Experience real-world, project-based learning.

• Connect with industry and be taught by practising engineers.

• Choose from our range of engineering courses to find your perfect fit.

Best of all, you could score a Transgrid engineering scholarship worth $20,000 – there are 25 on offer each year. *Quality Indicators from Learning and Teaching

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Learn more csu.edu.au/engineering

© 2024 Charles Sturt University - TEQSA Provider Identification: PRV12018 (Australian University). CRICOS Provider: 00005F. M3107.

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ENGINEERING+DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION: CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY

ilder Bridge bu as g and Paid placements

ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING+AGRICULTURE

. . . m r a f r u o y Calm … and combine engineering with agriculture for an earth-shaping career

I

m-solving and f you love science, proble r in engineering the outdoors, then a caree the path for you! and agriculture could be sign and Agricultural engineers de systems to d an nt develop new equipme sustainable t, en ici make farming more eff dly en . This could and environmentally fri ating advanced involve anything from cre loping drones that irrigation systems to deve the sky. monitor crop health from

These engineers are helpi ng to ensure we can feed a growing globa l population while protecting our planet.

And it isn’t just about sit ting behind a desk. You’ll spend time working on the land, seeing the tangible impacts of your work like healthier crops and happier livestock. Plus, you’ll use the latest tech, like UAVs, sensors and autom ated machinery.

How cool is that? – Chari s Palmer

START YOUR CAREER HERE ENGINEERING + AGRICULTURE + STUDY Bachelor of Engineering (Agricultural Engineering) (Honours), University of Southern Queensland Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical) (Honours), Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), Macquarie University

Who’s hiring?

Australia is a leader in innovative agricultural practices, and there are many exciting companies to work for. Here are just a handful:

Skills to gather Problem-solving

utions Come up with innovative sol . ms to practical proble

John Deere

Known for advanced farming equipment and technology.

Creativity

Design new tools and systems that improve farming practices.

AgriFutures Australia

Focuses on agricultural innovation and development.

Analytics

cesses Analyse data to optimise pro and increase efficiency.

Elders

Provides a range of services to support agricultural businesses.

Communication

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and Work with farmers, scientists other engineers.

AGCO Australia

Environmental awareness

Supplies agricultural machinery and precision farming technology.

ctices Understand sustainable pra act. imp al ent and their environm

CAREERSwithSTEM.com

24

ENGINEERING + AGRICULTURE + JOBS Agricultural engineer $56K–$84K Chemical engineer $60K–$112K Mechanical engineer $60K–$121K Environmental engineer $60K–$141K* *Salaries sourced from payscale.com

Fun fact

If you spread ou t one teaspoon of activ ated charcoal, it woul d contai n enough matter to cover an entir e footbal l field!

By shaking up the improve all our lives Naufal is helping to

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A

Bachelor of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury Energy Consultant, Renewable Energy, Maldives

what to study Solve real-world challenges with a Bachelor of Engineerin (Honours) (Chemical) from theg University of Adelaide. More information at: bit.ly/studychemeng

ahmed naufal processs engineer

Graduate Chemical and Process Engineer, Silverfern farms, NZ

Engineering Specialist, Sundrop farms, Port Augusta

Process Engineer, Bygen

5 ways to kickstart your career today!

Choose the right electives Be sure to check whether the qualification you’re interested in has any prerequisites. You might also consider helpful subjects like engineering studies, maths, design and technolog y, biolog y and chemistry.

Find engineering role models This is an awesome way to find out about different engineering roles and how to land them. Find role models at CareerswithSTEM .com/categor y/ engineering/

Consider your study options

s at Look up engineering degree or explore VET .au gooduniversitiesguide.com EM-VET ST engineering options at bit.ly/

Learn about specific careers ineering Job Kits.

Download one of our free eng into careers like These mini mags dive deep metaverse engineer, renewable energy engineer, rswithSTEM.com/ and electrical engineer. Caree -kit/ product-category/stem-job Careers with STEM: Engineering 2024 is a publication and trademark of Refraction Media.

Copyright © 2024 Refraction Media, all rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any manner or form without written permission. If you would like to reproduce anything from this magazine, email: info@refractionmedia.com.au.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

NEXT STEPS

has found himself in s a process engineer, Ahmed massive greenhouses some awesome places, like the e tomatoes for Coles. All at Sundrop Farms that produc y and Ahmed was in those buildings need electricit nt responsible for charge of the solar thermal pla enhouses. powering 20 hectares of gre way we make the g pin sha Now, Ahmed is ial filter is used activated carbon. This essent drinking to purify liquids and gases for systems, as ting water and air in public ven r gold. ove well as to refine sugar and rec the g To anyone considering enterin ed says one process engineering field, Ahm of the job is of the most exciting aspects logies. working with emerging techno STEM career? a ing hav of t His favourite par ple, as well as “learning to Working with like-minded peo g technically to figure out observe and analyse everythin ggs how things work.” – Amy Bri

ENGINEERING+AGRICULTURE: UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

eer Processwayewenmagkeinthing s, Ahmed

Quiz yourself Can’t decide on what area of engineering you should study?

Scan the QR code for a handy quiz that will help you out!

Cover images: Ricardo Seah/Lauren Trompp Co-founder, CEO & Publisher: Karen Taylor-Brown Partnerships Manager: Rachel Jones Managing Editor: Charis Palmer

SUBSCRIBE AND ORDER COPIES: CareerswithSTEM.com/subscribe EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES: Email: info@refractionmedia.com.au

Deputy Editor: Louise Meers

POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 154, Oyster Bay, NSW 2225, Australia

Sub Editor: Amelia Caddy

CareerswithSTEM.com

Art Director: Katherine Power

ISSN 2209-1076

Writers: Amy Briggs, Gemma Chilton, Danielle Lucas, Jaina McIntyre, Louise Meers, Cassie Steel

This issue went to press on 12 July 2024.

Printed in Australia by IVE.

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ENGINEERING