What's your job about?

Monadelphous is a leading construction and maintenance company, providing services to major companies in the mining, resources, and energy industries. I am currently working in the Engineering Construction division as a Project Engineer.

Currently, I am involved in constructing a lithium Chemical Grade Plant at the largest lithium mine in the world. My role includes working alongside supervisors to oversee the construction of conveyors, thickeners, and processing buildings.

In construction projects, my responsibilities vary depending on the stage of the project. For instance, during shutdowns, my initial tasks involve developing methodologies for installing structural, mechanical, and piping works, managing subcontractors, and ensuring all materials are obtained for the project.

Once the project begins, my role shifts to managing the work on-site. This includes tracking the project schedule, ensuring supervisors have all the necessary work packs and materials required at the job front, and addressing design issues or clashes that have not been resolved. While working night shifts during a shutdown, I was also responsible for completing QA/QC documentation to finalise all required sign-offs.

What's your background?

I was born in Sydney but spent most of my school years in Perth. From a young age, I was fascinated by construction and how things were built. My grandpa was an engineer, and I loved listening to his stories, which sparked my interest in the field. My parents recognised my curiosity and encouraged me to pursue engineering as a career.

In November 2023, I started working at Monadelphous to gain first-hand experience in the mining industry. I have always been interested in the mining sector, and I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to be part of large-scale projects and witness how everything comes together on-site.

I feel like I was always meant to be in engineering. I’ve always loved building things and have been curious about how structures are constructed and how they operate. In school, I particularly enjoyed my maths and physics classes. My interest in these subjects, combined with my fascination with construction, ultimately led me to where I am today.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

People from different backgrounds can absolutely succeed in this role. The most important skills in this industry are strong communication and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. It’s also essential to have a drive for continuous learning and a desire to develop a deeper understanding of the work you’re involved in. If you possess these qualities, you can certainly make a meaningful impact as a Project Engineer.

I’ve always believed that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience. Even if you don’t come from a highly technical background, you can develop knowledge and skills along the way, building your expertise step by step.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The most enjoyable part of my job so far has been seeing a project come to life from start to finish. During the Paraburdoo shutdown, I was one of the first on the job, developing methodologies and preparing for the shutdown. I enjoyed planning every step, visualising how the project would unfold, and then witnessing it all come together on-site.

The most rewarding moment was seeing the final product after months of stress and detailed planning. Watching all the planning and hard work from the early stages in the office pay off reminded me why I chose this career. 
It’s that sense of accomplishment—knowing that my work directly contributed to the success of the project—that makes it all worthwhile.

What are the limitations of your job?

The biggest limitation of my job is working on-site on a roster. Being on a 2:1 roster means working two weekends in a row, which can be tough when hearing about what friends and family are doing back home. However, I do thoroughly enjoy having a full week off to relax and travel. Another challenge is constantly changing rooms each swing, which can sometimes make it difficult to get comfortable in a new environment.

The long hours—often up to 12-hour days—can be exhausting, but I’ve learned to manage this by maintaining a routine. Staying busy after work by going to the gym and ensuring I get enough sleep helps me feel refreshed. It’s a demanding job, but finding balance makes it much more manageable.