What's your job about?

I am a Pipelines Engineer at Viva Energy. We have pipelines that span over long distances at very high pressure transporting a whole range of petroleum products. To ensure the integrity of our pipelines, the pipelines team carry out regular maintenance work and performs inspections to ensure our pipelines comply with relevant State regulations and Australian Standards.

As the asset owner, I have to wear many hats, overseeing the end-to-end phases of projects - from identifying, select, designing, execute, all the way to operating. I collaborate with a diverse team, with our engineering, operations, and management team, working with consultants to review designs, drawings, and reports, and coordinating with contractors during execution, then to commissioning, and final operation.

As our pipelines span across Victoria, my role involves significant travel. Although based in our Docklands office, I frequently manage projects onsite, whether at the Geelong Refinery, Newport Terminal, or in the field. My work includes pipeline verification digs, inline inspections, and corrosion protection, among other tasks.

What's your background?

I graduated from Monash University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering (Honours), gaining a wide range of experiences during my time there. I held executive committee positions in student-run clubs, participated in a student mentorship program for new engineering students, represented the university in debate and the Warman Competition team, and gained internship experience in packaging and quality engineering. These experiences allowed me to develop skills like time management, leadership, adaptability, problem-solving and communication, and expanded my knowledge and skillsets, many of which are transferrable to my current role, including document control, inspections, inventory management and root cause analysis work.

These experiences solidified my desire to work in analytical and problem-solving environments. I have a passion for working in the energy sector and wanted to work on large, meaningful projects, which influenced me to apply for Viva Energy, a leader in the energy sector. I have been working at Viva Energy for two years now. My first year in the Terminals Engineering Team as a Project Manager and now as a Pipelines Engineer.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

While I have an engineering degree, much of what I do in my role has been learned on the job. My knowledge of tanks, pumps, pipelines and valve systems has been developed through my work experience at Viva Energy, including through training, project work, shadowing and learning from other team members.

Although it’s important to have developed a technical understanding of Pipelines, my role is not that of a subject matter expert. We work in a team, and I’d say the main skills for my role include teamwork and communication, a passion for problem-solving, embracing change, curiosity, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to manage various projects on time and budget, all whilst prioritizing safety, as we are working in Major Hazard Facilities and high-risk areas.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Working in a place like Viva Energy, a leader in the energy sector, we have the opportunity to work on many exciting projects. I enjoy the thrill and challenge that come with these projects, and the chance to gain exposure to meaningful work early in my career. For example, as an Engineering Graduate at Viva Energy, I’ve had the opportunity to manage the execution phase of a large Tank Conversion Project as well as maintenance inspection of one of our pipelines, which is important in ensuring reliable operations of our assets and energy security for Australia.

What’s cool about my job is that not only are the results rewarding, but being onsite means I get to witness the issues firsthand and collaborate with the team to come up with various solutions. Additionally, we get the opportunity to work with fascinating tools and technology, such as pigs (Hint: Google Pipeline Pigs).

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

1. Balance is key. Form healthy habits!
2. Stay curious and open-minded, and don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith when trying something new!
3. Take advantage of every chance to learn, whether it’s through speaking to different people, attending seminars, doing coursework, gaining industry experience, or extracurricular activities. The knowledge and skills you gain from diverse experiences will help shape you.