What's your job about?

The Directorate Navy Engineering (DNE) is responsible for providing specialist technical advice, products and services for the Royal Australian Navy.

Within DNE, I work for the Recoverability and Survival Systems (RSS) cell. This area of work is concerned with the equipment used by the Navy to allow a vessel to continue operating after receiving damage and, if the damage is bad enough, the equipment the crew will use to evacuate and survive after abandoning the ship.

My work involves confirming that equipment that is either to be procured or already in-service meets and maintains its performance, which is determined by specified standards. Put simply, I either review tests which have been conducted on equipment, or develop and perform my own testing procedure and then compare it with expected outcomes. The equipment I work on includes; life rafts, life jackets, survival suits, lifting equipment, fire suppression systems, water pumps and leak repair tools.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Easily the coolest thing about my job is being involved with physical testing on Navy ships or equipment. Ships are basically floating buildings, which, for a mechanical engineer make them fascinating as they have everything from diesel engines to HVAC systems, so being able to work on one is an amazing opportunity. A lot of engineering work is completed behind a desk on a computer and only some jobs give you the chance to go and see the work you have completed in person, so I definitely feel privileged being able to get hands on work.

What are the limitations of your job?

Working with international companies, my work occasionally has meetings which occur at irregular times (e.g. 1am-5am). We always get equal time off work during normal hours, so for people who like to stay up late and sleep in, this could be considered an advantage.
Another limitation of my job is that you are occasionally required to travel interstate, sometimes work weekends, and whilst away, work long hours.

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

• Try to get broad range of work experience, it will assist in selecting which field you eventually want to work in, or don’t want work in. This will also assist in gaining work once you have completed your degree.
• Talk to students, lecturers and any people in your field about their experiences in the workforce. This is a good way of understanding what different sub-areas within your chosen field exist and the work they involve.
• Put the effort in and you will see positive results. This applies for university grades, job applications and even just general everyday life.