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Lauren Mua

from Engineering Graduate to Senior Project Engineer
I build bridges and roads, making sure they are built correctly, safely and on budget.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
BMD
Job Level
Senior
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Ask me about

  • How I chose engineering at the last minute
  • Working on wind farms
  • How my job allows me to travel

About me

My role is as a Senior Project Engineer for BMD, I am passionate about encouraging diversity within the Construction industry. Especially empowering fellow women. 

In Year 12, I had no idea the career path I wanted to take. It was only at the last minute that I applied for my University Course. As I attended an all girls High School, construction was not on my radar. However, when a female Engineer spoke on Careers Day, a chain reaction was started and I ended up in such a rewarding industry. 

Ten years later, I have been travelling throughout QLD, NSW and VIC, collaborating on diverse projects with diverse teams. With a background in leading sporting teams and enjoying challenges, I have had a versatile career applying those skills to lead teams in delivering successful construction projects as well as mentoring other women.

About my role

  • Calm
  • Focused
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Understanding

The role of a Senior Project Engineer is essentially construction project management. It is the responsibility of this role to manage the structural components of projects, including the construction of bridges, underpasses, gantries, and retaining walls.

The Senior Project Engineer oversees a team of engineers who assist with planning; so we look after the people who build the bridge, order all the materials they need to build it, make sure they build it to the drawings and specifications, make sure they build it safely so no one gets hurt and that we build it for the price we have said we would build it for. This role works between site and the office to make sure this happens.

The key tasks of a Senior Project Engineer are team management, program planning, financial controls, design interface and client liaison. However, coming up through the ranks, this role is mostly site based, focusing on controlling quality and formulating efficient construction methodologies with the Site Foreman.

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Education

  • High School Certificate
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Finance)

Subjects

  • Building and Construction Skills
  • Engineering/Engineering Skills

Awards

  • High School Principal’s Award
  • UQ Basketball Northern Champions
  • BMD Qld Empowering Award Finalist

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Reading
  • Seeing family and friends

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“You are capable and you don’t need to conform to the ‘norm’. You’ll comfortably grow into your own skin, learning from your travels and the diverse people you meet!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Foot in the door with BMD
  2. After 1 year, moved onto site
  3. Knee reconstructed and retired from basketball
  4. Worked FIFO for regional Wind Farm projects (NSW & Vic)
  5. Returned to BMD after FIFO rail (Qld)

My typical day

My employer

BMD is a national group of companies engaged in engineering design, construction and land development for clients and partners in the urban development, transport infrastructure and resources and energy sectors. Since 1979, BMD has employed a relationship based business model founded on certainty, collaboration and performance. With approximately 1700 staff throughout Australia, BMD has the resources and experience to deliver projects ranging in size from $1 million to over $1 billion.