Skip to content

Toni Coughlin

from Hospitality Worker to Facilities Site Engineer
Support water and gas facilities to meet and exceed expectations.
Industry
Energy, gas and oil
Company
Origin Energy
Job Level
Mid
Book a call

Ask me about

  • Changing uni courses from political science to engineering
  • What it is like working on site
  • How no two work days are ever the same

About me

  • Regional Background

I am currently a site engineer for water and gas facilities located out in regional Queensland. 

I didn’t think this was where I would be when I finished year 12 at Bundaberg State High School in 2011. I started university studying a Bachelor of Arts degree, completing political science and communication courses. Somewhere along the way, I realised that my time and skills were better suited to engineering. I had a lot of catching up to do when I changed focus and my degree selection to engineering, but it was well worth it as I knew this was where my passion lies.

About my role

  • Curious
  • Flexible
  • Forthright
  • Observant
  • Understanding

The Facilities Site Engineer provides engineering support to the operation and maintenance team of our water and gas facilities. This role works one week in the Brisbane office and one week on site. The roster provides the Engineer with the opportunity to communicate with various personnel, inspect the equipment when required, and complete investigations on hand.

No two days are ever the same. Issues arise and solutions are developed. These issues can range from equipment optimisation, breakdown, or repair which could lead to procedural updates, new projects, risk management, and lengthy discussions with different stakeholders to problem solve.

Students Book Here Educators Book Here

Education

  • QLD High School Certificate
  • Cert III in Hospitality
  • Masters and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical/Materials)

Subjects

  • Engineering/Engineering Skills
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics

Awards

  • Deans Commendation for Academic Excellence
  • Bernard and Daphne Cornish Engineering Scholarship
  • Bundaberg State High School 2011 Top of Modern History and Tourism

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Hiking
  • Reading

15 year old me!!

“You’ll find your way soon. The first step is to take the first step and start trying. ”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Finished high school!
  2. Changed degree from Arts/ Communication to Engineering
  3. Travelling (including student exchange)
  4. Masters thesis and work experience
  5. Starting the Origin graduate program

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.