What's your job about?

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace, and security company.  I work in Babcock’s MFSS (Maritime Fleet Support Services) Optimisation team, where I focus on improving the delivery of products and services for the sustainment contract of New Zealand’s naval fleet.  

My role involves identifying problems within key areas of the MFSS business and developing practical solutions to address them. My daily tasks vary—ranging from analyzing current processes and conducting root cause analysis to reviewing contractual requirements, drafting process documents, developing automated tools, implementing new software, and designing innovative engineering solutions to enhance business efficiency.

Engaging with major stakeholders is an important part of my role. I interact with a wide range of individuals—from tradespeople to program and managing directors—bringing an exciting element to my work as I gain insights from a variety of talented perspectives within Babcock.

What's your background?

Growing up in Sydney’s North Shore, I developed a strong affinity for physics and mathematics. My passion for these subjects inspired me to pursue a career in engineering, where I could apply them in a practical and impactful way.

With this in mind, I applied for and received a WEiT Scholarship for Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at UTS. This scholarship provided me with invaluable undergraduate placements at CSR, a building products manufacturing company. These experiences not only gave me hands-on engineering exposure but also sparked my interest in project management and process improvement.

During my time at CSR, I met a mentor who later introduced me to an opportunity at Babcock, working on the ACPC Naval Sustainment contract for the Australian Navy's LHD and LLC class vessels. I secured an undergraduate position at Babcock, where I rotated through various roles within the ACPC contract, including Production, Process Improvement, Supply Support, and Engineering. I was also fortunate to be part of a small team that delivered a multi-million dollar project for Australian naval vessel upgrades.

Recognised for my undergraduate work, I was offered a graduate engineering role at Babcock’s MFSS Optimisation team, supporting Babcock NZ’s contract in Devonport. Leveraging past experience, I focused on enhancing product and service delivery for the New Zealand Defence Force.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! My role involves project management, engineering, and process improvement. People from different fields could do some of my work.

The key skills required in my role include the ability to understand root causes of problems, ideate practical solutions, present ideas to a wide range of stakeholders, and drive development forward. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for effective communication and collaboration. 

Overall, strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and excellent communication abilities are essential for success in this role.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

What I love most about my job is the variety of experiences. One day I'm traveling to New Zealand, the next I'm collaborating face-to-face with the NZ team to solve problems. Other days I'm intensely focused on project deliverables, whether from home or in our Sydney office, working alongside talented professionals from various Babcock contracts.

The work itself is incredibly rewarding, especially when developing innovative processes and solutions to complex problems.

What are the limitations of your job?

There are several limitations I have experienced in my role. The solutions I design significantly impact the program's operations; hence, I bear a considerable level of responsibility. Making sure to balance solutions that are best for the business while also supporting individuals in the organisation is crucial but difficult to achieve. 

Additionally, the role comes with strict deadlines and frequent interactions with customers and senior leadership. These aspects can be stressful, as engaging with higher-level stakeholders can be intimidating, and maintaining consistent performance under pressure requires resilience.