What's your job about?

My job is about working as part of a team to deliver exceptional engineering outcomes. Initially, I was part of the Hunter Class Frigate Project team. My job on this project consisted of a diverse range of engineering tasks, including but not limited to Computer-Aided Design (3D modelling), Systems Engineering tasks (ensuring that the product is the right system for the job), Safety Engineering tasks (ensuring that consideration of hazards and mitigations has been carried out and the system is safe so far as reasonably practicable) and Supportability Engineering tasks (ensuring that support for the product exists through the in-service life of the system). I am now in a different team that is focused on internal engineering capability. My job now consists of ensuring the many engineering projects throughout Babcock have access to the services they require, as well as focusing on developing our engineers to take their next career step.

What's your background?

I grew up in the Eastern suburbs of Adelaide, where I attended Rose Park Primary School and Marryatville High School. During high school, l worked as a barista and then started a Photographic business with a friend during university while also tutoring high school students in maths and sciences. I studied Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Adelaide and completed my internship at Century Manufacturing. I was offered my current position when a university friend who worked at Babcock urged me to apply. I did the interview and got the job, which started early in 2024.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

The answer is it depends on your experience. There are pathways into engineering for technicians, but otherwise, it is outside industry practice for someone without an engineering degree to be hired as an engineer. If you are a technician looking for a pathway into engineering, the most important skills for engineering are teamwork and communication.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is being a part of the defence industry. The defence industry is brimming with exciting projects and unique technology, and being a part of that is very invigorating.

What are the limitations of your job?

The biggest limitation of the job is that most of your time is spent sitting at a desk looking at screens.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. If I could go back in time, I would urge myself to be more vocal in large social settings, such as during class at university. Not being afraid to speak up is an important skill for an engineer. Being too afraid of embarrassment to contribute limits your opportunities to grow.
2. Enjoy your time at university. University shouldn’t just be about studying. It is important to also try and make friends and enjoy yourself.
3. Join an extra-curricular club. I joined the University Basketball team but didn’t until my third year in Uni. I wish I had joined at the start of my university career. It is a great way to make friends and do something you enjoy.