What attracted you to Northrop?
I’d started my career at Arup and was working at ADG when the opportunity at Northrop came up in 2016. What caught my eye was the growth potential. The Brisbane team was small, and I liked the idea of being part of something that wasn’t fully established yet.

I could see an opportunity to help make it our own and have some input into what it could become. Northrop also had a strong presence nationally, so there was a bigger business behind us. That combination of support and room to grow was appealing.

Did you have any reservations about making the move?
There was a bit of an unknown. If the growth didn’t happen, what would that mean? But I also knew I needed a change, and even if it didn’t turn out exactly as expected, it would be a different experience.

The conversations I had with leaders across Northrop helped get me over the line. Brisbane was a small team, but I felt there was support and a bigger picture we were part of. That gave me the confidence to get involved.

What has been particularly valuable about your experience here?
I’ve enjoyed being able to carve out my career on my own terms and do it in my own style. I’m not someone who wants to go to the pub and have beers to build business relationships. That’s not how I operate, and I didn’t want to feel I had to become someone else to progress.

At Northrop, I’ve been able to find my own way, and that’s been supported. There’s an understanding that everyone is different and that diversity is a strength. I’m really appreciative of being able to grow my career in a way that feels right for me.

You just celebrated ten years with Northrop, what keeps you interested in the future?
The Brisbane team is much bigger than when I joined, but that feeling of having the backing of the wider business and the opportunity to keep growing is still there. It’s interesting to reflect on how much has changed while that part has stayed the same.

For me, the focus now is on continuing to build our core work and relationships across schools, health, commercial and community projects. There’s a lot of attention on Brisbane 2032, but I’m also thinking about what comes afterwards. I want to keep building on Northrop’s strengths so we’re in a good position beyond the Games.

What would you say to an experienced engineer considering Northrop?
If there’s something you want to do, be prepared to go after it. Bring your ideas and take an active role in making them happen. When those ideas align with where the business is heading, there are people here who will support you along the way.

That’s been my experience. I’ve had the opportunity to help shape the business and progress my career in my own way. If that appeals to you, it’s worth having a conversation.

Interested in a career at Northrop? Explore our current opportunities.