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Marlene Alaiach

Senior Project Engineer
I build bridges, roads and marine structures safely, accurately and on budget.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
BMD
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • Different pathways I followed to reach the same end goal
  • How my job allows me to travel and work in great locations
  • How flexible the industry can be when you are wanting a change

About me

  • Regional Background

In high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I picked Applied Science from a uni course guide, hoping to become a doctor. After two years at Griffith University, I realised a Bachelor of Applied Science wasn’t for me. With my Grandad and Dad both builders, and my older brother studying Civil Engineering, I naturally followed the same path. I switched to an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering at Southbank TAFE, then continued to a Bachelor of Civil Engineering at QUT. Now, 10 years after graduating from QUT as a Civil Engineer, I’m a Senior Project Engineer at BMD – something I never imagined in high school. My job has taken me on projects throughout Gladstone, Chinchilla, Dalby, Toowoomba, Yamba, Gympie, Brisbane and now Darwin! I hope to inspire and empower more young women to join the industry and show them that there are so many ways to get to where you want to be.

About my role

  • Confident
  • Focused
  • Passionate
  • Practical
  • Trusting

Senior project engineers help oversee construction projects - like roads, bridges and marine structures - are done correctly, safely, on time, and within budget. They work closely with both the engineers who design the project, the engineers in the field and the team that builds it. They help solve technical problems, answer questions, and make sure the right materials are ordered. They interface with subcontractors, suppliers, administrators and stakeholders to achieve the same goal. They also check that everything follows the program and report on the financial cost and progress. Along the way, they help lead the team, giving advice, support, and training to help everyone do a great job. Although the role is challenging, the challenges are worth it when the project comes to life!

Education

  • Bachelor Degree of Civil Engineering
  • Associate Degree of Civil Engineering
  • Diploma of Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)

Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics

Awards

  • Nominee for Excellence Dare Award 2024
  • Nominee for Excellence Dare Award 2022
  • Nominee for Striving to Do Better Dare Award 2018

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Gym
  • Photography
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Don’t put a timeline on your career or life pathway, you will end up exactly where you need to be when you least expect it!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Started as a student in applied science
  2. Changed career path to civil engineering
  3. Became a graduate
  4. Became a site/project engineer
  5. Now a senior project engineer

My typical day

My employer

BMD is Australia’s leading integrated engineering, construction and urban development business, with foundations built on the family values that underpin our unique, collaborative approach. Driven by a purpose of powering futures and creating enduring legacies through a commitment to collaboration, BMD is delivering infrastructure solutions that connect and transform communities. With a proud history beginning in Australia in 1979, BMD now employs 2,300 people throughout Australia, the Philippines and United Kingdom.