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Tanja Albairmanni

from supermarket Christmas casual to Project Engineer
I help deliver projects safely, on time, and on budget.
Industry
Energy, gas and oil
Company
Shell QGC
Job Level
Entry

Ask me about

  • The variety of industries I tried during university
  • The subjects I find most useful now
  • My day-to-day tasks as a project engineer

About me

I enjoy being known as a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. I was raised as a kid to be a future medical student, and I loved math and science. It was only after my high school chemistry teacher recommended I attend a UQ Women in Engineering event, did I first learn what engineering actually was. After switching university preferences last minute, I started my degree at UQ. I tried 3 different engineering majors and 6 different industry internships before finally deciding to be a Project Engineer. I’ve since worked in many different teams, in many different locations on countless multi-disciplinary projects. If you can’t already tell – I like a little of everything! Life is more exciting that way.

About my role

  • Confident
  • Curious
  • Optimistic
  • Perfectionist
  • Sociable

A Project Engineer helps oversee engineering projects from conception to completion. It can start with simply an idea, which once identified as useful, is further researched and defined. Prototypes, drawings and models are made, which then help construct the final product. This product can be anything from technology, machinery, software, new contracts, and more!

Project Engineers are responsible for coordinating with various teams and managing resources to ensure projects meet their technical specifications, timelines and budgets. This can involve working with other engineers, site personnel, clients and contractors, but also commercial and community representatives. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial. Most importantly – we have to make sure the people on site are able to build the product safely.

Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours)
  • Master of Engineering (majoring in Chemical Engineering)

Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • English
  • Languages
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Performing Arts
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • UQ Dean's Commendation of Academic Excellence
  • UQ Future Leader

Hobbies

  • Cooking
  • Gaming
  • Reading
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Don’t worry about always making the correct decision immediately – you don’t even know your future job exists yet. Be brave and try everything you can!”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Raised to be a future doctor
  2. Teacher recommended studying engineering instead
  3. Tried a bit of everything!
  4. Graduated and started role in industry
  5. I now get paid to trying different things!

My typical day

My employer

Shell has operated in Australia since 1901. From operating Australia’s first oil refinery, which was central to meeting Australia’s fuel needs, to fuelling the first Qantas commercial flight in the 1920s, to playing a foundation role in building some of Australia’s largest and most innovative natural resource developments. Throughout this 122-year relationship the needs of their customers and the nation have changed and they have continued transforming their portfolio to meet these needs. Today, Shell is a leading natural gas production and is playing its part in the transition to a low-carbon future.