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Allison Gwilt

from RAAF Student Pilot to Senior Project Engineer
I coordinate a multidisciplined team to solve problems and deliver solutions
Industry
Energy, gas and oil
Company
Origin Energy
Job Level
Mid
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Ask me about

  • Working on oil and gas rigs
  • Using my love of maths to find renewable energy solutions
  • Being an ambassador for gender equity

About me

  • International Experience
  • Regional Background

I grew up in Toowoomba and had planned to be a pilot in the RAAF. However I didn’t make the cut so I studied engineering instead as had always enjoyed maths and problem solving. Fast forward, and I have 12+ years’ experience in the energy industry – and have loved it! 

I’ve spent most of my career in FIFO roles, either supporting drilling operations or on construction projects. In these roles I’d spend up to 4 weeks at the work location, then go home and have up to 4 weeks off! I travelled A LOT working at remote locations across Australia, New Zealand, UAE and PNG. Think deserts, jungles, rigs in the middle of the ocean!

For the past two years I’ve had ‘office’ jobs in power generation and, now, renewable hydrogen projects. I also co-chair our Origin gender equity network and am an Origin Energy Foundation Ambassador. Being able to advocate for the things I’m passionate about as part of my job makes it 10x better!

About my role

  • Confident
  • Logical
  • Passionate
  • Practical
  • Resourceful

The Senior Project Engineer manages the day-to-day activities from project conception to project completion. 

It’s the Senior Project Engineer’s role to plan the work that needs to be done, arrange the resources required to do it, implement and manage the work to ensure it’s being done safely, on time, on budget and to specification. 

The key tasks of a Senior Project Engineer include team coordination, risk management, change management, assurance, engineering, financial controls, procurement, governance, contract and contractor management. 

As the role works across multidisciplined teams, individuals will learn a little bit about everything! This role involves site visits to project locations to ensure an adequate level of oversight and connection are maintained throughout the project. 

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Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
  • MBA (currently completing)
  • CAPM (currently completing)

Subjects

  • Building and Construction Skills
  • Chemistry
  • Design
  • Digital Design/Information Technology
  • Earth and Environmental Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering/Engineering Skills
  • General Mathematics (Maths A)
  • Industrial Technology
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Hobbies

  • Pilates
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Travel
  • Volunteering

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“Don’t let your fear of failure overcome your ambitions. You’re never going to feel 100% “ready”. Take the leap! Give it a go! ”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. First job in Oil & Gas. Training school in Paris
  2. Worked on rigs in Aus, NZ, UAE and PNG
  3. Changed companies. First management role
  4. Changed companies again. Worked in Construction and Power operations
  5. First office job! Working on Hydrogen Projects

My typical day

My employer

Origin Energy is a leading Australian integrated energy company. Origin is a leading energy retailer with more than 4.5 million customer accounts, approximately 7,300 MW of power generation capacity and is also a large natural gas producer. Origin’s ambition is to lead the energy transition through cleaner energy and customer solutions, underpinned by three strategic pillars: unrivalled customer solutions; accelerate renewable and cleaner energy; and deliver reliable energy through the transition.