Quick Chat with Timor-Leste based Defence member Friday, 02 December 2016

Quick Chat with Captain Simon Neilsen MIEAust, an Australian Defence Force member based in Timor-Leste.

What is your current job title and function?

Captain Engineer Advisor. The role consists of overseeing facility maintenance and management for all Defence Cooperation Program – Timor-Leste owned/occupied infrastructure. Additionally, I oversee the development and delivery of infrastructure projects aimed at building capacity within the Timorese Defence Force.

Why did you pursue a career in engineering?

I decided to study Civil Engineering because I liked the practical application of the degree.

What are you working on now?

I work within a two-person cell project managing approximately 30 tasks of varying complexity. The main tasks we oversee include building upgrades, facility maintenance, replacement of a sewage treatment plant, development of designs for two training facilities and delivery of an international multi-lateral exercise.

Most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

Previously, I was employed within a five-person cell during redeployment from Tarin Kowt, Uruzgan in Afghanistan. One particular task involved re-establishing a base for handover to the Afghan Police Force unfunded. This meant managing a number of small teams to reconstitute the buildings, services and force protection measures with minimal resources or logistics support in a remote location. The challenges of managing the small teams (some of which were not English speaking), as well as procuring materials, tested both my abilities and those assisting.

Any advice for young engineers just starting their career?

You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time. Initially, achieving the task will seem overwhelming; however, if you address it one piece at a time, things will fall into place.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you like to have with you?

A carton of cold beers (surely that counts as one), a fishing or crabbing pot and bait.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpower to be?

Mind Control.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Scuba diving, skiing and playing team sport.

Favourite quote?

“Hope is not a planning tool.”

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Funny, casual, reliable.

If you could have worked on any engineering project throughout history, what would you have chosen?

The Roman aqueducts: a great utilisation of a variety of very old engineering principles.

Best piece of advice your parents gave you?

Treat others how you would like to be treated.

Who is your hero?

My grandmother, a tough woman who never complained despite the adversity she experienced throughout her life.

Why are you an Engineers Australia member?

To build up rapport within the engineer community, continue to develop professionally and remain up to date with developments within the Australian engineering space.

What is your motto?

Never take anything for granted.

How do you achieve work life balance?

Routine is important, albeit difficult to adhere to at times.

Image: Swimming pool built by the Defence Cooperation Program – Timor Leste and RMS Construction and Engineering. The groundwater table was quite high, so the pool had to be built above ground.