Senior Project Engineer
Name: Fay Crawford
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: On site, Office
High School Subjects: A-Levels (England) - Maths, Geography, German and Physics
Favourite: Maths- I like numbers and solving problems
Further study: University
where and what: Masters of Civil Engineering - Loughborough University (UK)
"What's the best thing about working in construction? Besides the dodgy tan lines - The people, the variety of work, the knowledge, and knowing one day if I wanted to, I could build my own house."
the inside scoop…
What does a Senior Project Engineer actually do? As a Senior Project Engineer I am usually based on a ‘live’ construction site (e.g a building in the process of being built). I am responsible for managing the construction of the project, be it an element (such as basement or structure) or a package (internal fitout/structure). I spend my day split onsite (hard hat and hi-vis etc) or in the office. When I am on site I am talking to subcontractors and trades people to solve problems, determine solutions, do inspections be it quality, safety or environmental. When I am in the office I am formulating plans and methodologies, for example figuring out how to erect a tower crane in the middle of Sydney CBD or working out how to keep ferries operational in Sydney Harbour whilst demolishing the wharves at which they berth. I review the design to make sure it is buildable whilst also producing programmes to determine how long a project will take, budgeting and forecasting works to determine how much it will cost. Construction involves a lot of moving parts with engineers being the link that pulls together safety, environmental, quality, programme and cost considerations.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Typical day involves a split between being on site and in the office, typically 70% in the office and 30% onsite. I usually get to work early (say 7am), check emails, then head onto site to review progress from the day before but also to talk to the teams (trades people, foreman, supervisors) to see if there are any problems needing to be addressed (design clashes, logistical issues, safety concerns etc). Then it’s back to the office to attend meetings and undertake paperwork- I could be reviewing safety documentation, talking to the design team, planning upcoming works, writing reports, researching new construction techniques or negotiating commercial terms with a subcontractor. Typically in the afternoon I go back onto site to review the days activities and plan for upcoming works. I have a coffee with each of my engineers once a week to brainstorm, solve problems or chat about what’s happening in the world.
What's the best part of your job? I enjoy having the ability to plan my day how I want depending on what I need to achieve, some days I could be onsite for 7 hours and do 20000 steps whilst other days I might not go onto site at all. I enjoy being outside, talking to people and learning from their experience. I also love the variety of work, be it an inspection of a tower crane, testing the seats in an Olympic Stadium, undertaking microbat surveys or doing the budgets. As an engineer I can work anywhere in the world which is a massive bonus.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I grew up on a farm and was always interested in driving tractors, playing with concrete, building walls out of straw bales and generally just being outside and finding things to fix or play with. I wanted a career that combined my love of being practical, fixing things and being outside, oh and working with big plant and equipment (that I can drive- when I’m allowed to)!
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family. Balancing family and other interests otherwise work can be hard however it certainly is achievable. It’s about knowing when to prioritise yourself, your family and your work. Each day is different but for me I have been able to set boundaries whenever I start a new project or at a new company. I go to the gym in the morning before work so it is out of the way and I feel refreshed when I get to the office, some days I will combine my exercise with my commute and either walk or run home from the office. I purposely do activities outside of work to ensure I leave work on time such as going to dinner with a friend, gym or learning AUSLAN. For me it’s ensuring I am able to have ‘my’ time knowing that when I do, I perform better at work, because I am rested and refreshed.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Don't doubt yourself, don’t be afraid to try, make mistakes and remember women are the future of the construction industry.
What's the best thing about working in construction? Besides the dodgy tan lines? The people, the variety of work, the knowledge, and knowing one day if I wanted to, I could build my own house.
Fay is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student
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