Skip to content

Katie O’Donoghue

from Site Engineer to Project Manager
I manage teams working together on construction projects, making sure they are built correctly, safely, on time and to budget
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
BMD
Job Level
Mid
Book a call

Ask me about

  • The variety of projects I have worked on - dams, train, road, airport
  • How my job enables me to travel

About me

  • International Experience
  • Regional Background

I am a Senior Project Engineer currently working on the construction of Bridges throughout Brisbane with BMD. Originally I am from Ireland and have enjoyed a career that has allowed me to travel to the other side of the globe, here in Australia. 

My career has enabled me to experience a variety of projects, from train station upgrades, road infrastructure and airports (something I always strived for). It is rewarding to be able to physically see the work you are doing and the changes you are making. It makes for interesting work. Pair that with a career that allows you to travel the world and I needed to look no further. 

I am now committed to ensuring that the next generation knows the endless possibilities the construction industry offers and as well as empowering women and girls to enter the industry.    

About my role

  • Calm
  • Focused
  • Practical
  • Reliable
  • Understanding

I have over a decade of experience delivering major and complex projects in the civil construction sector for clients including the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Brisbane Airport Corporation, and the Department of Defence.

I’ve worked across Australia as a Civil Engineer on projects such as airports, water treatment plants, wind farms, railways, bridges, and urban developments. Through this experience, I’ve developed extensive project management skills, leading teams of engineers, supervisors, subcontractors, and plant hire. I’m passionate about advocating for women in the workforce at all levels—from boots on the ground to operators and office staff.

In my current role, I proactively oversee construction requirements, manage program development and maintenance, cost control and forecasting, people development, logistics, and commercial management, working across both site and office to ensure successful delivery.

Students Book Here

Education

  • High School Certificate
  • Bachelor of Civil Engineering
  • Currently working towards RPEQ which is a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland

Subjects

  • Building and Construction Skills
  • Engineering/Engineering Skills
  • Geography
  • Industrial Graphics
  • Languages
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics

Awards

  • Nominated and Shortlisted for National Collaborative Award in BMD National Annual Awards
  • Nominated and Shortlisted for the NAWIC Achievements in Civil Construction

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Reading
  • Soccer

15 year old me!!

“You might not know what you want to do now, but it will all work out, there’s no rush to make a decision on your future, just make sure you are enjoying what you are doing.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Landed my first job in construction
  2. Moved to Australia
  3. Got my first job in Australia in Gladstone
  4. Moved to Brisbane for bigger opportunities
  5. Started to work on bridge construction

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.