Engineering Manager
Name: Evelyn Viengkhou
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Extension 2 Maths, Advanced English, Extension Continuers Chinese, Japanese Beginners
Favourite: Extension Chinese and Maths. I really enjoyed how our teachers were engaging but as a cohort how we helped each other in these 2 particular subjects.
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW, Combined Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Bachelor of Commerce
"One of my favourite projects was Quay Quarter Tower in Circular Quay - to see and be a part of all the engineering involved in the project and learning/being mentored from some amazing people on the project."
the inside scoop…
What does a Engineering Manager actually do? As an Engineering Manager - I am the go between between design and site delivery on some of the larger projects at Multiplex. I work closely with the consultants and subcontractors and work with the internal Multiplex team in planning and methodology for the works on site. I have come up through the ranks at Multiplex starting as a Graduate- Site Engineer- Project Engineer- Senior Project Engineer and now Engineering Manager.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Typical day will be coordination meetings- with specific consultants, BIM coordination which will delve into buildability/sequencing of items including any clash detection. I try to get on site for a walk a few times a week to check in with the engineers and site progress.
What's the best part of your job? I think the best bit about being an Engineering Manager is working with the team and mentoring the up and coming engineers. Along with this, no day is the same and constantly problem solving and coming up with better/smarter and efficient ways to build. At the end of the day we get to see a tangible outcome of all the hard work in a finised form.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I don't think anyone in my grade really took engineering up as an option, but my maths tutor was doing the degree at the time and explained the different career pathways for the degree. I think getting my first stint doing work experience during 4th/5th year at university as an intern for a couple of smaller builders really ignited this as a real career option, to see the ability to do a site based role.
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? It's a very fast paced, dynamic industry where you are constantly learning and problem solving. No 1 day at work is the same and I think that is the best bit about the job, not to mention the relationships and comradery built with the team, subcontractors and consultants job to job.
Tell us about a favourite project you're working on. I can narrow it down to two projects. Central Park - Wonderland Block 11 in Chippendale because of my personal development from that project but also the team. It's one of the best Multiplex/Consultant/Subcontractor teams I've worked with where I think there was good cohesion and collaboration. Also Quay Quarter Tower in Circular Quay - to see and be a part of all the engineering involved in the project and learning/being mentored from some amazing people on the project.
Evelyn is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student, taking a student for work experience.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Evelyn Viengkhou" and we'll pass your message on.