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The Engineer
The Engineer
An engineer is responsible for taking a “bird’s eye” view of the residential building project and guiding the project team towards a compliant and safe outcome.
A good engineer has a sharp mind, is good with numbers and able to deal with fast-paced demands. Whether it’s the home’s foundations, walls and roof or mechanical elements, they all need an engineer to design and oversee their construction.
Meet the engineer: Jane Arnolda
‘My job is to make houses stand up,’ states National Engineering Manager Jane Arnolda. ‘Based on a home’s location, we assess the natural events it may be exposed to and ensure the structure is designed to withstand them,’ she says.
‘Unlike the designer who focuses on aesthetics, my role is about structural performance – but it’s still highly creative in its own way,’ she continues. ‘These days, I mainly problem solve, looking for new and innovative solutions to some of the challenges builders face every day. I enjoy finding new solutions to the challenge of balancing the cost of construction with keeping the structure safe.’
Jane entered the industry by chance. ‘I was good at maths and physics at school so looked for a career that needed those skills. I was also attracted to housing, because it's about building people’s homes.’
Jane’s advice to young women considering a career in engineering? ‘Like all good things, it has its challenging moments; it is an industry that is slow to change, so sometimes you must be patient.’
Jane’s top five tips
Join a committee or council.
Joining an HIA committee or council is a great way to get to know more people and get an understanding of the bigger picture, while giving back to our industry.
Balance feedback.
Not every bit of feedback you get should hold the same value. I tend to value the feedback of people who get out there and do things over people who like to watch from the sidelines. Not to say it’s not valuable feedback, just that sometimes they miss the compromises needed to get things done.
Remember, it mostly is not about you.
it mostly is not about you. Sometimes someone says something or does something that feels like an attack. In most cases, it’s actually not about you. You’re not the centre of the universe.
Take what you do seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.
Building people’s homes is a serious job, but that doesn’t mean you have to be too serious yourself.
Have fun.
Our industry is full of amazing people who know how to have a great time, so make sure you join in and have some fun.
Structural engineers in Australia: key statistics
Employed
9,013Median age
36Female share
13%What an engineer does
Works closely with architects and other stakeholders to create clear and effective project plans and specifications.
Ensures all construction activities adhere to building codes, safety standards, and other regulations.
Works with the builder to oversee and coordinate construction projects with timelines, budgets, and resource plans.
Guides project teams—such as architects, contractors, and other key players—to make sure works meets the design standards during construction.
Keeps an eye on project progress and adjusts plans as needed.
Establishes and enforces quality control measures to ensure the building works meet the necessary standards.
Offers technical support and guidance to project teams, including architects, contractors, and other collaborators.
Keeps accurate records and documentation for the entire project.
How to get qualified
There is a broad spectrum of engineering specialties in construction. These range from civil and structural engineers, to acoustic, electrical and hydraulic engineers. Professional engineers in some specialist fields are required to maintain registration, and registration systems vary across states and territories.
A four year undergraduate bachelor’s degree is typically the entry point for a professional engineer, while many also undertake postgraduate tertiary studies to develop their specialisations. Registration authorities may also require evidence of appropriate professional work experience.
