Quick Chat with Kimberley Robertson MIEAust CPEng NER
Kimberley Robertson MIEAust CPEng NER has been a mechanical engineer for eight years. She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2009, and has worked on facilities in Queensland, Egypt, Trinidad and the Northern Territory.
What is your current job title and function?
My current title is Commissioning Rotating Equipment Engineer for Ichthys LNG at Bladin Point. My team is responsible for the commissioning and testing of the process equipment portion of Ichthys LNG.
Why did you choose engineering as a profession?
When enrolling at university, engineering was a good fit with the subjects I took at school. I have always had a curiosity for how things work, a knack for maths and science and I enjoy solving real-world problems.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on the initial commissioning activities for Ichthys LNG, and preparing for the subsequent commissioning and operations phase of the facility. In my role, I am jointly responsible for the gas turbine and centrifugal compressor packages, which vary from 2.5MW to 95MW in size throughout the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trains and Condensate Stabilisation trains.
What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession?
Experience. If I consider my peers both from university and my initial years as a graduate, there are quite a few who have moved out of engineering, or who will transition into a business management role soon. In the future, I wonder if there will be many practising engineers with more than 15 years of experience.
Why did you decide to become Chartered with Engineers Australia?
I have a desire to maximise my employability both within Australia and abroad, and I see Chartered as an essential qualification in order to do that. Chartered demonstrates a level of competency, and also an understanding of an engineer’s responsibility to operate within the boundaries of their competency. This will be an important quality to demonstrate as I take on an increasing level of engineering responsibility throughout my career.
What’s the most recent present you bought yourself?
I recently bought myself a 4WD. I’m very excited to get out and explore the Northern Territory in the upcoming dry season, especially after all of our recent rain.
What was the last movie you went to see?
I took my nieces to see Sing. They loved it.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Laid-back, adventurous, conscientious.
What is your ideal holiday destination?
Somewhere new. I have a sense of adventure and a love of travel, so I like holidays that involve exploring new places and trying new things. From scuba diving in Egypt, to canyoning in Dominica or snowboarding in Japan, I’m always up for some fun. But, I draw the line at jumping out of a plane!
What is your motto?
“Why not?”
How do you achieve work/life balance?
I try to keep fit and eat healthy, so that I have the fitness and energy to get out and be active as much as I can. There’s nothing worse than getting to the end of a big week at work and not having the energy to make the most of your weekend.
For more information on Chartered Status, please email or phone Angela Crossland 0447 561 158.
Image: Kimberley next to the Train 2 Propane Compressor at Ichthys LNG, Bladin Point.