Working as an electrical engineer
Contributed by Leah Portlen - Hatch Associates
Degree:
Bachelor of Engineering (1st class Hons), Major Mechatronics
Graduated:
Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, 2006
Company:
Hatch Associates, Geelong, Victoria
Time in job:
3.5yrs
Job Role:
I am an electrical engineer based onsite and my main role is support engineering work for capital and maintenance projects.
Working Environment:
My primary location of work is on site at the Alcoa World Alumina Smelter, however from time to time I also support the Hatch business group in Geelong. I work in project offices alongside managers, engineers, safety, scheduling and procurement personnel.
Interesting projects:
I have done quite a few smaller projects as an embedded engineer at Alcoa, but more recently have been involved in a reliability project to replace electrical panels in an overhead gantry vacuum crane; electrical machine guarding tasks and lighting and associated electrical equipment on a new 20 tonne ship unloader boom replacement. I am currently working on a multi million dollar project to install new over head gantry cranes in the smelter Potrooms.
Best job aspects:
Definitely being on site where I can design, commission and watch my designs in operation. I get to chat with operators, trades personnel and area engineers and tailor my designs to best meet their needs. I also get to see the after effects my designs have on the business, processes and the personnel who work with them. Also I enjoy the variety that comes with consulting engineering and working with a friendly and competent team of people.
Worst job aspects:
Paper work! As an engineer I am constantly designing to standards and regulations, and as a result must document every decision made and why. Then from the design, I must write detailed scopes of work to ensure that no shortcuts are taken during construction and to avoid unforeseen costs that may be incurred due to miscommunications. Also there are a lot of reports and auditing requirements that come with the job.
Skill set:
Communication, team work, project management, engineering knowledge as well as personal organisation and time management skills.
Tips for Graduates:
Ensure that you apply for jobs that will challenge and grow you as a person and as a professional engineer. Try to surround yourself with professionals that you admire and ones that you can gain knowledge from.
