Quick Chat with Jabiru-based chartered engineer Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Quick Chat with Tom Gooding MIEAust CPEng NER

Tom Gooding MIEAust CPEng NER has been an engineer for 12 years. He is currently contributing his skills and experience in leading the formation of Engineers Australia's Regional Group in Jabiru, where he has worked since 2010.

What is your current job title and function?

My current title is Superintendent of Asset Management at Energy Resources of Australia, Ranger Uranium Mine in Jabiru. My team is responsible for ensuring the integrity of the plant and optimising its availability.

Why are you an engineer?

I have always been interested in knowing how and why things work and like to think creatively to solve problems. I also like that we are able to make a real difference in the world and effect change.

What are you working on now?

We currently have a portfolio of 12 brownfield plant projects that are in various stages of the project lifecycle. Some of these include replacing sections of the fire piping ring main, replacing a pyro hopper, refurbishing processing tanks, and installing a hydrocarbon incinerator and a small waste water treatment plant. We are also reviewing a lot of our maintenance tactics and implementing a risk-based inspection methodology as well as an online system for managing our engineering functions.

What is the most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

The most interesting project was a few years ago while working in a team to develop a mine that could be operated autonomously. My role was to develop autonomous surveying, which included integrating surveying equipment, such as laser scanning with UAVs.

Any advice for young engineers just starting their career?

Take any opportunity to learn by taking on challenges outside of your comfort zone and by learning from the people around you. Do not hesitate to ask lots of questions and be sure to learn from your mistakes.

Engineers can save the world. Who would you want on your project team with you?

Doc Brown from Back to the Future – so we can learn from our mistakes!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I work onsite during the week, so on weekends I spend as much time as possible with my wife and two boys – going to the markets, the beach and camping; having BBQs with friends; seeing the sites around Darwin; and, generally enjoying the great lifestyle we all have in the Top End!

What makes the Northern Territory such a great place to be an engineer?

The NT is expanding and there are a diverse range of industries here. Being remote with a relatively small population, there are many challenges and opportunities here for engineers to take on that you would not necessarily get elsewhere.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are slightly unique for an engineer, as I enjoy drawing and have recently been drawing a lot of portraits. I also play the clarinet and shoot in the Darwin Clay Target Club competitions when I can.

What is your motto?

With a team of engineers onsite, a motto I keep in mind is that you succeed as a leader only when everyone within your team succeeds. But my favourite motto would have to be that you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette!

 

Image: Aerial view of Ranger Uranium Mine showing the processing facilities in the foreground and the stockpiles in the background. Courtesy of Energy Resources of Australia.