Mark Beer

Mechanical Engineer - BHP Billiton

Graduated in:

2007

Course completed:

Bachelor of Engineering majoring in mechanical engineering

Currently working for:

BHP Billiton

How long have you been working for this organisation?

3 years

Position title and short job description:

Inflow Maintenance, Mechanical Engineer. Responsible for day to day engineering maintenance of the inflow section of plant, making sure the series of Car Dumpers, Conveyors and Stackers are reliable to produce the ever increasing demand of Iron Ore to be loaded out of our port. 

Working highlights so far:

Participating in numerous breakdown situations. When we have a breakdown the pressure is really on to determine the cause of the problem then to arrange a fix to the problem in the shortest, safest possible time. In such a business every minute of production is worth thousands of tonnes shipped equating to millions of dollars lost production, generating plenty of interest from management.

What are the things you enjoy most about your job?

Working day to day in the shutdown environment, getting to meet a vast variety of people and trades always provides for an interesting and challenging day.

An area in which you have needed assistance:

Decision making; when the pressure is on to complete a shutdown task in the allocated time decisions need to be made on the spot. Having the confidence to make a decision under pressure is something that takes time to develop and has been one of my greatest lessons since graduating. 

What do you intend to do in the future?

Further develop my engineering base in my current role while advancing into a more senior position within BHP Billiton when the times arises.

#1 tip for current students studying your course:

Gain as much experience and exposure to the engineering world while studying, whether it be in the form of vacation work experience or even part time work in the area. This will benefit you greatly in the long run.