<![CDATA[Engineering in the Hunter with Mel Sietsma]]>bb74acd1-cd4e-5376-b6c1-dd2a27e24902Fri, 24 Jul 2026 02:27:24 +0000Captivate.fmNTP Talenthttps://artwork.captivate.fm/0dc6a685-8351-4ab1-bb94-8108c6d425fb/EitH-Melinda-James-NTP.jpgEngineering in the Hunter with Mel SietsmaNTP TalentNTP TalentThe people building, powering and reshaping the Hunter. The Hunter is being rebuilt. A grid expanding beyond coal, foundries retooling for the energy transition, and extended defence manufacturing. Engineering in the Hunter is a monthly conversation that goes inside those projects with the people actually delivering them. Hosted by Melinda Sietsma, with James MacDonald who have been involved in the local recruitment market, building teams for more than a decade. Every episode: what's being built, what it takes, and who builds it. New episodes monthly. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Engineering in the Hunter is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the team that helped build Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts. Sister shows include First Cheque, Oversubscribed and In The Blink of AI. Episodes are cross-promoted across the network.https://ntptalent.com.au/falseepisodichttps://feeds.captivate.fm/engineering-success-ntp/39c5b5b0-7e83-11f1-805a-9b68e3e5cc57nopodcastJohn Fry: building Australia's first missile factory in the HunterJohn Fry: building Australia's first missile factory in the HunterAustralia is about to build guided missiles for the first time — and Kongsberg is doing it at Williamtown, in the Hunter. John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, joins James MacDonald for the first episode of Engineering in the Hunter to explain what's being built, why a 210-year-old Norwegian company chose Newcastle over 40 other sites, and what it means for the region: roughly 100 factory jobs, a supply chain that reaches far wider, and a genuine pathway from the University of Newcastle and TAFE into work being done on a world stage.

In this episode:

  • What Kongsberg is building at Williamtown: the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile — two 5th-generation cruise missiles — in the company's first missile factory outside Norway, ever.
  • The $850m the Commonwealth committed in August 2024 to manufacture and maintain those missiles in Australia, and why sovereign weapons production suddenly mattered after COVID and Ukraine.
  • Why the Hunter beat 40 other sites — proximity to Orchard Hills, a port and an airbase, livability, and a good university and TAFE next door.
  • How you stand up a missile factory on the other side of the world through a pandemic — a P&L from day one, defence-security accreditation, and building a supply chain from scratch.
  • What NSM and JSM actually do — a stealthy imaging-infrared seeker, deck- or truck-launched, and a missile small enough to fit inside an F-35's internal weapons bay.
  • The jobs: not just engineers — planning, supply chain, quality, IT, security, technicians — "the whole gamut," about 100 at the factory, with ~85% of the build spend flowing to Hunter businesses.
  • Growing local talent: a first Newcastle-uni intern converting to a grad role, sponsoring the university's rocketry team, and how TAFE fits as technician demand ramps.
  • Partnerships as the way into the Hunter — HunterNet, Multiplex, and the Thales tie-up behind StrikeMaster.
  • What's next: Army's Long Range Fires down-select, counter-UAS and air-and-missile defence.

John Fry is Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia. A former Australian Army air-defence officer with a chemistry background and a Master of Science in Guided Weapon Systems, he spent nine years at Raytheon — where he was capture lead on the NASAMS program — before joining Kongsberg in 2019 as its inaugural general manager in Australia.

Register your interest via the Kongsberg careers page (kongsberg.com).

Chapters

0:00 "A company since 1814" — the cold open

1:00 Welcome to Engineering in the Hunter — and why Kongsberg

1:58 From Army air-defence officer to missile-maker

6:05 Kongsberg since 1814

7:11 Why Australia — the NASAMS win

8:47 Standing up in-country through COVID

10:55 Running a P&L from day one

12:25 What we're building: the NSM and JSM

15:31 The $850m sovereign-manufacturing commitment

18:20 The JSM — a strike missile that fits inside the F-35

20:20 Why the Hunter: 40 sites, Orchard Hills, Williamtown

23:23 The factory: Norway's blueprint, self-contained

26:38 The jobs — "the whole gamut," about 100 roles

28:31 Finding talent locally

30:05 Pathways: the Newcastle-uni intern and TAFE

32:15 Partnerships — HunterNet, Multiplex, StrikeMaster

35:24 What's next: Long Range Fires, counter-UAS

37:43 How to get in — Kongsberg careers and the grad program

Engineering in the Hunter is hosted by Melinda Sietsma with NTP Talent founder James MacDonald. James hosts this episode. Learn more at ntptalent.com.au.

Engineering in the Hunter is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the team that helped build Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts. Sister shows include First Cheque, Oversubscribed and In The Blink of AI. Episodes are cross-promoted across the network.

]]>Australia is about to build guided missiles for the first time — and Kongsberg is doing it at Williamtown, in the Hunter. John Fry, Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia, joins James MacDonald for the first episode of Engineering in the Hunter to explain what's being built, why a 210-year-old Norwegian company chose Newcastle over 40 other sites, and what it means for the region: roughly 100 factory jobs, a supply chain that reaches far wider, and a genuine pathway from the University of Newcastle and TAFE into work being done on a world stage.

In this episode:

  • What Kongsberg is building at Williamtown: the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile — two 5th-generation cruise missiles — in the company's first missile factory outside Norway, ever.
  • The $850m the Commonwealth committed in August 2024 to manufacture and maintain those missiles in Australia, and why sovereign weapons production suddenly mattered after COVID and Ukraine.
  • Why the Hunter beat 40 other sites — proximity to Orchard Hills, a port and an airbase, livability, and a good university and TAFE next door.
  • How you stand up a missile factory on the other side of the world through a pandemic — a P&L from day one, defence-security accreditation, and building a supply chain from scratch.
  • What NSM and JSM actually do — a stealthy imaging-infrared seeker, deck- or truck-launched, and a missile small enough to fit inside an F-35's internal weapons bay.
  • The jobs: not just engineers — planning, supply chain, quality, IT, security, technicians — "the whole gamut," about 100 at the factory, with ~85% of the build spend flowing to Hunter businesses.
  • Growing local talent: a first Newcastle-uni intern converting to a grad role, sponsoring the university's rocketry team, and how TAFE fits as technician demand ramps.
  • Partnerships as the way into the Hunter — HunterNet, Multiplex, and the Thales tie-up behind StrikeMaster.
  • What's next: Army's Long Range Fires down-select, counter-UAS and air-and-missile defence.

John Fry is Managing Director of Kongsberg Defence Australia. A former Australian Army air-defence officer with a chemistry background and a Master of Science in Guided Weapon Systems, he spent nine years at Raytheon — where he was capture lead on the NASAMS program — before joining Kongsberg in 2019 as its inaugural general manager in Australia.

Register your interest via the Kongsberg careers page (kongsberg.com).

Chapters

0:00 "A company since 1814" — the cold open

1:00 Welcome to Engineering in the Hunter — and why Kongsberg

1:58 From Army air-defence officer to missile-maker

6:05 Kongsberg since 1814

7:11 Why Australia — the NASAMS win

8:47 Standing up in-country through COVID

10:55 Running a P&L from day one

12:25 What we're building: the NSM and JSM

15:31 The $850m sovereign-manufacturing commitment

18:20 The JSM — a strike missile that fits inside the F-35

20:20 Why the Hunter: 40 sites, Orchard Hills, Williamtown

23:23 The factory: Norway's blueprint, self-contained

26:38 The jobs — "the whole gamut," about 100 roles

28:31 Finding talent locally

30:05 Pathways: the Newcastle-uni intern and TAFE

32:15 Partnerships — HunterNet, Multiplex, StrikeMaster

35:24 What's next: Long Range Fires, counter-UAS

37:43 How to get in — Kongsberg careers and the grad program

Engineering in the Hunter is hosted by Melinda Sietsma with NTP Talent founder James MacDonald. James hosts this episode. Learn more at ntptalent.com.au.

Engineering in the Hunter is produced by Day One®, trusted partners in the technology space and the team that helped build Blackbird Ventures' Wild Hearts. Sister shows include First Cheque, Oversubscribed and In The Blink of AI. Episodes are cross-promoted across the network.

]]>9bc434fe-dd93-4ee6-b0fc-d72636ca1b0eThu, 16 Jul 2026 06:00:00 +100039:50falsefull2112Lex Forsyth: Founder & COO at Janus ElectricLex Forsyth: Founder & COO at Janus ElectricIn this episode of Engineering Success, NTP Talent's Melinda Sietsma sits down with Lex Forsyth, founder and COO of Janus Electric, to discuss the real-world transformation of Australia’s heavy transport sector. Lex explains how Janus is converting existing diesel trucks into zero-emission vehicles using innovative, swappable battery technology. He breaks down the hard math, proving that the shift to electric isn't just an environmental pitch, it's a high-stakes economics game that slashes operating costs, improves driver well-being, and ultimately secures Australia’s energy sovereignty.


You’ll get a refreshingly candid look at the grueling realities of scaling a hardware startup in Australia, from listing on the ASX to surviving hundreds of investor rejections. Lex dives into the massive hurdles of grid infrastructure, why megawatt fast-charging isn't a silver bullet, and the critical importance of keeping manufacturing and engineering talent local. Whether you're an ambitious engineer, a resilient entrepreneur, or a logistics professional, Lex's unfiltered insights on leadership, embracing failure, and building a sustainable legacy make this an unmissable episode.

]]>In this episode of Engineering Success, NTP Talent's Melinda Sietsma sits down with Lex Forsyth, founder and COO of Janus Electric, to discuss the real-world transformation of Australia’s heavy transport sector. Lex explains how Janus is converting existing diesel trucks into zero-emission vehicles using innovative, swappable battery technology. He breaks down the hard math, proving that the shift to electric isn't just an environmental pitch, it's a high-stakes economics game that slashes operating costs, improves driver well-being, and ultimately secures Australia’s energy sovereignty.


You’ll get a refreshingly candid look at the grueling realities of scaling a hardware startup in Australia, from listing on the ASX to surviving hundreds of investor rejections. Lex dives into the massive hurdles of grid infrastructure, why megawatt fast-charging isn't a silver bullet, and the critical importance of keeping manufacturing and engineering talent local. Whether you're an ambitious engineer, a resilient entrepreneur, or a logistics professional, Lex's unfiltered insights on leadership, embracing failure, and building a sustainable legacy make this an unmissable episode.

]]>5c9d0e80-89d7-4c8d-8b94-430209dcb4e8Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:30:00 +100051:03falsefull1515Bret Barton: HunterNet Senior Business AdvisorBret Barton: HunterNet Senior Business AdvisorIn this episode of Engineering Success, NTP Talent's Melinda Sietsma sits down with Bret Barton, HunterNet Senior Business Advisor and UoN Defence & Aerospace BD Lead, to pull back the curtain on the booming industrial landscape of Newcastle. A seasoned aeronautical engineer, Bret shares his fascinating journey from the Canadian military, to the frontline of flight testing in Florida, before eventually settling in Australia and working with major firms like Nova Systems.


If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into the high-stakes worlds of defense contracting, Bret provides a reality check on the patience required, and the big payoff that awaits those who survive the long game. In this episode, Bret and Mel discuss the vital ecosystem driving the region’s future, from the AUKUS submarine program and hypersonics, to the transition into new energy. Whether you're an engineer looking to upskill or an entrepreneur trying to navigate equity and mentorship, this episode is a masterclass in how local collaboration and a "dual-use" technology strategy can turn regional challenges into a global competitive advantage.

]]>In this episode of Engineering Success, NTP Talent's Melinda Sietsma sits down with Bret Barton, HunterNet Senior Business Advisor and UoN Defence & Aerospace BD Lead, to pull back the curtain on the booming industrial landscape of Newcastle. A seasoned aeronautical engineer, Bret shares his fascinating journey from the Canadian military, to the frontline of flight testing in Florida, before eventually settling in Australia and working with major firms like Nova Systems.


If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into the high-stakes worlds of defense contracting, Bret provides a reality check on the patience required, and the big payoff that awaits those who survive the long game. In this episode, Bret and Mel discuss the vital ecosystem driving the region’s future, from the AUKUS submarine program and hypersonics, to the transition into new energy. Whether you're an engineer looking to upskill or an entrepreneur trying to navigate equity and mentorship, this episode is a masterclass in how local collaboration and a "dual-use" technology strategy can turn regional challenges into a global competitive advantage.

]]>278d3008-a9eb-4d48-b250-9579faaeec13Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:00:00 +100001:12:39falsefull1414Neil Hunt: Managing Director Mineral Systems at McLanahanNeil Hunt: Managing Director Mineral Systems at McLanahanIn this episode of Engineering Success, Melinda Sietsma interviews Neil Hunt, Managing Director of McLanahan Group, for a conversation that blends personal resilience, engineering leadership, and an extraordinary company legacy spanning 190 years. Neil shares his unconventional career journey, immigrating to Australia and navigating multiple industry pivots, to ultimately leading one of the world’s oldest family-owned engineering businesses. His story looks at how perseverance, curiosity, and the right mentors can shape a remarkable career.


Neil also dives into McLanahan’s fascinating 1835 origins and its evolution from a Civil War-era foundry to a global leader in mineral processing and Australian manufacturing. He offers candid insights into building the brand locally, the strength of the Hunter region’s engineering ecosystem, and the strategic shifts redefining modern mining. Packed with history, leadership lessons, and industry knowledge, this episode is a must-listen for engineers, leaders, and anyone who loves a great story.

]]>In this episode of Engineering Success, Melinda Sietsma interviews Neil Hunt, Managing Director of McLanahan Group, for a conversation that blends personal resilience, engineering leadership, and an extraordinary company legacy spanning 190 years. Neil shares his unconventional career journey, immigrating to Australia and navigating multiple industry pivots, to ultimately leading one of the world’s oldest family-owned engineering businesses. His story looks at how perseverance, curiosity, and the right mentors can shape a remarkable career.


Neil also dives into McLanahan’s fascinating 1835 origins and its evolution from a Civil War-era foundry to a global leader in mineral processing and Australian manufacturing. He offers candid insights into building the brand locally, the strength of the Hunter region’s engineering ecosystem, and the strategic shifts redefining modern mining. Packed with history, leadership lessons, and industry knowledge, this episode is a must-listen for engineers, leaders, and anyone who loves a great story.

]]>a82ac40d-3eba-4a28-8117-45c19d8b85afWed, 03 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +100001:05:00falsefull1313Steve Heaton: Founder at Xetla ConsultingSteve Heaton: Founder at Xetla ConsultingSteve Heaton, founder of Xetla Consulting and co‑inventor at STAR Scientific, is demystifying the messy, exhilarating reality of R&D. In conversation with Melinda, Steve traces his winding path from Unix systems and project management to astronomy, particle physics, and muon‑catalyzed fusion, showing how curiosity compounds into career-defining opportunities.


He makes the case for incremental progress when parameter space is uncertain, and why diverse teams outperform look‑alike groups. In the episode, Steve shares practical tools for getting unstuck, designing smarter pilots, and knowing when you’ve squeezed the science enough to start engineering. Tune in to hear from Steve around how to prep for patents, avoid public disclosure traps, and make your expensive time with lawyers count. He also offers a grounded take on energy—plus what the future of energy means for the Hunter’s logistics, workforce transition, and supply chain opportunities.

Books mentioned in the episode:

The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

The Particle Garden by Gordon Kane

How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors Behind Every Successful Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner


]]>Steve Heaton, founder of Xetla Consulting and co‑inventor at STAR Scientific, is demystifying the messy, exhilarating reality of R&D. In conversation with Melinda, Steve traces his winding path from Unix systems and project management to astronomy, particle physics, and muon‑catalyzed fusion, showing how curiosity compounds into career-defining opportunities.


He makes the case for incremental progress when parameter space is uncertain, and why diverse teams outperform look‑alike groups. In the episode, Steve shares practical tools for getting unstuck, designing smarter pilots, and knowing when you’ve squeezed the science enough to start engineering. Tune in to hear from Steve around how to prep for patents, avoid public disclosure traps, and make your expensive time with lawyers count. He also offers a grounded take on energy—plus what the future of energy means for the Hunter’s logistics, workforce transition, and supply chain opportunities.

Books mentioned in the episode:

The Soul of a New Machine by Tracy Kidder

The Particle Garden by Gordon Kane

How Big Things Get Done: The Surprising Factors Behind Every Successful Project, from Home Renovations to Space Exploration by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner


]]>9749581a-829d-4335-ade9-9b5341dd1855Tue, 21 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +100041:16falsefull1212Annie Lacombe: Head of Engineering at MGA ThermalAnnie Lacombe: Head of Engineering at MGA ThermalAnnie Lacombe, Head of Engineering at MGA Thermal, shares her path from a modest background to working in oil and gas, food manufacturing, and defense industries across multiple continents. Annie opens up about the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated industries, and how a mentor made a difference. 


In this episode, Annie dives into MGA Thermal’s groundbreaking technology that uses aluminium phase-change to store thermal energy, addressing a critical gap in industrial decarbonisation. As both a migrant engineer and working mother, Annie offers valuable insights on building networks in a new country, negotiating fair compensation, and achieving work-life balance through hybrid work arrangements. You won’t want to miss her advice for young engineers, including her two guiding principles: know your engineering rules of thumb, and only say what it is kind and necessary. A must listen for engineers of all career stages.

]]>Annie Lacombe, Head of Engineering at MGA Thermal, shares her path from a modest background to working in oil and gas, food manufacturing, and defense industries across multiple continents. Annie opens up about the challenges of being a woman in male-dominated industries, and how a mentor made a difference. 


In this episode, Annie dives into MGA Thermal’s groundbreaking technology that uses aluminium phase-change to store thermal energy, addressing a critical gap in industrial decarbonisation. As both a migrant engineer and working mother, Annie offers valuable insights on building networks in a new country, negotiating fair compensation, and achieving work-life balance through hybrid work arrangements. You won’t want to miss her advice for young engineers, including her two guiding principles: know your engineering rules of thumb, and only say what it is kind and necessary. A must listen for engineers of all career stages.

]]>7d4d8ed0-77d8-4446-bb01-527685b8a9d9Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +100037:06falsefull1111John Klinkenberg: Principal Industrial Designer at The MeltJohn Klinkenberg: Principal Industrial Designer at The MeltJohn Klinkenberg, Principal Industrial Designer at The Melt, fell into industrial design after his mum applied for him to study it at the University of Newcastle. John shares his career path working across various companies and industries, eventually leading him to his current role at the Melt, where he collaborates with startups to solve hardware challenges. John discusses the unique embedded model of the Melt, which allows for closer collaboration with businesses during the design process, resulting in quicker decision-making and better outcomes. 

In this episode, you’ll hear John discuss the value of design awards, such as Good Design Australia, and the significance of understanding customer needs and maintaining clarity in problem-solving for successful product development. He shares insights on the challenges startups face, particularly regarding funding and staffing, and emphasises the importance of building a solid team with complementary skills. Tune in to hear why John thinks sketching and effective communication skills are essential for young designers.

]]>John Klinkenberg, Principal Industrial Designer at The Melt, fell into industrial design after his mum applied for him to study it at the University of Newcastle. John shares his career path working across various companies and industries, eventually leading him to his current role at the Melt, where he collaborates with startups to solve hardware challenges. John discusses the unique embedded model of the Melt, which allows for closer collaboration with businesses during the design process, resulting in quicker decision-making and better outcomes. 

In this episode, you’ll hear John discuss the value of design awards, such as Good Design Australia, and the significance of understanding customer needs and maintaining clarity in problem-solving for successful product development. He shares insights on the challenges startups face, particularly regarding funding and staffing, and emphasises the importance of building a solid team with complementary skills. Tune in to hear why John thinks sketching and effective communication skills are essential for young designers.

]]>d78bcdfe-46b9-403f-af9b-c5ff0e900df1Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +100050:58falsefull1010Christie Hayward: Boilermaker At WesTracChristie Hayward: Boilermaker At WesTracChristie Hayward, an apprentice Boilermaker at WesTrac, who bravely moved from Sydney to the Hunter Valley to pursue her passion for metalwork. You'll hear how her mechanical engineer parents fostered her love for hands-on learning, leading her to a career she truly loves. Christie pulls back the curtain on the daily life of a Boilermaker, from welding and fabricating to working on massive Caterpillar mining equipment.

Highlighting WesTrac's strong commitment to women in trades. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about a trade career or navigating a male-dominated field. Christie offers incredible insights into her positive experience as a female Boilermaker, stressing the importance of respect and being true to yourself. Plus, you won't want to miss hearing about her unique hobby as an alpaca breeder and how she channels her trade skills into creative projects at home. Tune in to hear Christie's empowering story of passion, perseverance, and why "having a go" can truly open up endless possibilities!

]]>Christie Hayward, an apprentice Boilermaker at WesTrac, who bravely moved from Sydney to the Hunter Valley to pursue her passion for metalwork. You'll hear how her mechanical engineer parents fostered her love for hands-on learning, leading her to a career she truly loves. Christie pulls back the curtain on the daily life of a Boilermaker, from welding and fabricating to working on massive Caterpillar mining equipment.

Highlighting WesTrac's strong commitment to women in trades. This is a must-listen for anyone curious about a trade career or navigating a male-dominated field. Christie offers incredible insights into her positive experience as a female Boilermaker, stressing the importance of respect and being true to yourself. Plus, you won't want to miss hearing about her unique hobby as an alpaca breeder and how she channels her trade skills into creative projects at home. Tune in to hear Christie's empowering story of passion, perseverance, and why "having a go" can truly open up endless possibilities!

]]>8d5a7580-1681-40b4-8bf2-911b0d9998d6Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +100024:26falsefull99Peter McKinnon: Managing Director At Omnia WheelPeter McKinnon: Managing Director At Omnia WheelIn this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, Melinda Sietsma sits down with Peter McKinnon, the managing director of Omnia Wheel. Peter shares his fascinating career path, from co-founding a successful construction company, Mainbrace, to his current role leading Omnia Wheel. He introduces us to the Omni Wheel, an incredible invention that combines the best parts of a fixed wheel and a swivel caster. This means it offers the directional stability of a fixed wheel but can move in any direction, just like a swivel caster—without the typical swivel offset. This innovative design opens up a world of new design possibilities for products and makes things much easier to use, giving you superior directional control and load stability. Peter explains how Omnia Wheel's unique polymer design and manufacturing process truly set it apart from anything else out there.

 

]]>In this episode of the Engineering Success Podcast, Melinda Sietsma sits down with Peter McKinnon, the managing director of Omnia Wheel. Peter shares his fascinating career path, from co-founding a successful construction company, Mainbrace, to his current role leading Omnia Wheel. He introduces us to the Omni Wheel, an incredible invention that combines the best parts of a fixed wheel and a swivel caster. This means it offers the directional stability of a fixed wheel but can move in any direction, just like a swivel caster—without the typical swivel offset. This innovative design opens up a world of new design possibilities for products and makes things much easier to use, giving you superior directional control and load stability. Peter explains how Omnia Wheel's unique polymer design and manufacturing process truly set it apart from anything else out there.

 

]]>92f7e94b-a7d0-4161-b32c-dc0a2b2e7445Tue, 15 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +100053:57falsefull99David Leask: Project Consultant At NovecomDavid Leask: Project Consultant At NovecomJoin us on the Engineering Success podcast as we sit down with David Leask, a project consultant at Novacom. David shares his fascinating journey from electronics apprentice to agricultural technology expert, offering insights into the world of Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

Discover how David's passion for electronics, sparked by childhood curiosity and nurtured by mentors like Bob Cowan, led him to a diverse career spanning trade work, education, and innovative agricultural projects. Learn about Novacom's groundbreaking mesh network technology for water monitoring on farms and how it's revolutionising resource management.

David discusses the importance of passion, persistence, and adaptability in building a successful career in electronics. He shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals and emphasises the significance of hands-on experience and community engagement in regional projects.

From Sydney to Hobart yacht races to commercial beekeeping, David's varied interests showcase the multifaceted nature of engineering professionals. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the future of electronics, the role of AI in engineering, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry, education, and regional communities.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on innovation, career development, and the exciting possibilities in the world of electronics and agricultural technology.

]]>Join us on the Engineering Success podcast as we sit down with David Leask, a project consultant at Novacom. David shares his fascinating journey from electronics apprentice to agricultural technology expert, offering insights into the world of Internet of Things (IoT) in agriculture.

Discover how David's passion for electronics, sparked by childhood curiosity and nurtured by mentors like Bob Cowan, led him to a diverse career spanning trade work, education, and innovative agricultural projects. Learn about Novacom's groundbreaking mesh network technology for water monitoring on farms and how it's revolutionising resource management.

David discusses the importance of passion, persistence, and adaptability in building a successful career in electronics. He shares valuable advice for aspiring professionals and emphasises the significance of hands-on experience and community engagement in regional projects.

From Sydney to Hobart yacht races to commercial beekeeping, David's varied interests showcase the multifaceted nature of engineering professionals. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about the future of electronics, the role of AI in engineering, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry, education, and regional communities.

Tune in for an enlightening discussion on innovation, career development, and the exciting possibilities in the world of electronics and agricultural technology.

]]>188333d1-d653-4a6a-a25d-6801b51f8823Thu, 29 May 2025 09:31:38 +100001:19:01falsefull88Jess Hodge: Managing Director at Resourceful LivingJess Hodge: Managing Director at Resourceful LivingIn this episode of Engineering Success, we sit down with Jess Hodge, co-founder and managing director of Resourceful Living, a revolutionary company transforming plastic waste into beautiful, durable products. Jess shares her inspiring journey from marketing to sustainability, sparked by a eye-opening honeymoon experience. Learn how Resourceful Living is tackling plastic pollution in the Hunter region, their innovative manufacturing process, and the challenges they've overcome, including a devastating fire. Discover the power of community support, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and how education plays a crucial role in changing our relationship with plastic. Jess offers valuable insights for startups and discusses the future of recycled materials in manufacturing. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, circular economy, and the potential of up-cycled plastic.

---

We're a hub for technology and engineering talent. NTP showcases the community today and grows it for tomorrow. Created to build strong tech communities, we are a leading Australian technology and engineering recruitment agency. 

Looking to grow your team, secure your next role, or just keep in the loop about the tech and engineering community? Connect with us online!
-- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/newytechpeople/
-- Website: newytechpeople.com.au/
-- Instagram: www.instagram.com/newytechpeople/
-- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewyTechPeople/

]]>In this episode of Engineering Success, we sit down with Jess Hodge, co-founder and managing director of Resourceful Living, a revolutionary company transforming plastic waste into beautiful, durable products. Jess shares her inspiring journey from marketing to sustainability, sparked by a eye-opening honeymoon experience. Learn how Resourceful Living is tackling plastic pollution in the Hunter region, their innovative manufacturing process, and the challenges they've overcome, including a devastating fire. Discover the power of community support, the importance of resilience in entrepreneurship, and how education plays a crucial role in changing our relationship with plastic. Jess offers valuable insights for startups and discusses the future of recycled materials in manufacturing. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone interested in sustainability, circular economy, and the potential of up-cycled plastic.

---

We're a hub for technology and engineering talent. NTP showcases the community today and grows it for tomorrow. Created to build strong tech communities, we are a leading Australian technology and engineering recruitment agency. 

Looking to grow your team, secure your next role, or just keep in the loop about the tech and engineering community? Connect with us online!
-- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/newytechpeople/
-- Website: newytechpeople.com.au/
-- Instagram: www.instagram.com/newytechpeople/
-- Facebook: www.facebook.com/NewyTechPeople/

]]>16e8a0d1-8f3c-4bbf-80bd-450d4d9a808fThu, 08 May 2025 13:40:00 +100038:30falsefull77Sonia James: Process Engineer at InfraBuildSonia James: Process Engineer at InfraBuildJoin us on the NewTechPeople Engineering Podcast as we sit down with Sonia James, a process engineer at InfraBuilder. In this engaging conversation, Sonia shares her inspiring journey from India to Australia, discussing her educational background, career path, and the challenges she faced along the way. She offers valuable insights into the manufacturing industry, particularly in the steel sector, and provides advice for aspiring engineers, especially women in the field. Sonia also touches on her experience winning the Rising Star award and how it impacted her career. We explore the history and current projects at InfraBuilder, including their innovative SEN 600 product. Additionally, Sonia discusses the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace and shares her thoughts on the future of manufacturing. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, career advice, and industry insights that will inspire and inform listeners interested in engineering and manufacturing. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Sonia James!

]]>Join us on the NewTechPeople Engineering Podcast as we sit down with Sonia James, a process engineer at InfraBuilder. In this engaging conversation, Sonia shares her inspiring journey from India to Australia, discussing her educational background, career path, and the challenges she faced along the way. She offers valuable insights into the manufacturing industry, particularly in the steel sector, and provides advice for aspiring engineers, especially women in the field. Sonia also touches on her experience winning the Rising Star award and how it impacted her career. We explore the history and current projects at InfraBuilder, including their innovative SEN 600 product. Additionally, Sonia discusses the importance of mental health initiatives in the workplace and shares her thoughts on the future of manufacturing. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, career advice, and industry insights that will inspire and inform listeners interested in engineering and manufacturing. Don't miss this enlightening conversation with Sonia James!

]]>14b02c51-3c82-418f-82dc-ef8d8bb6c4e9Thu, 23 Jan 2025 11:00:00 +100029:11falsefull66James Coventry: Site manager at AGL's Liddell Power StationJames Coventry: Site manager at AGL's Liddell Power StationIn this episode of the NTP's Engineering Success podcast, we sit down with James Coventry, the site manager at AGL's Liddell Power Station. James shares his journey from a boilermaker to his current role overseeing the closure and demolition of one of Australia's largest coal-fired power stations. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning the energy industry, the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility, and AGL's commitment to renewable energy. James provides insights into the complex process of decommissioning a power station, the skills required for the future energy sector, and the exciting developments in the Hunter region. He also touches on his personal experiences moving to Australia and his passion for exploring the country. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the changing landscape of the energy industry and the role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future.

]]>In this episode of the NTP's Engineering Success podcast, we sit down with James Coventry, the site manager at AGL's Liddell Power Station. James shares his journey from a boilermaker to his current role overseeing the closure and demolition of one of Australia's largest coal-fired power stations. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in transitioning the energy industry, the importance of recycling and environmental responsibility, and AGL's commitment to renewable energy. James provides insights into the complex process of decommissioning a power station, the skills required for the future energy sector, and the exciting developments in the Hunter region. He also touches on his personal experiences moving to Australia and his passion for exploring the country. This conversation offers a fascinating look at the changing landscape of the energy industry and the role of innovation in shaping a sustainable future.

]]>85eb26ab-4d37-4fe0-8edd-4a61d5a17c94Wed, 04 Dec 2024 11:00:00 +100042:07falsefull55Kari Armitage: Managing Director at Quarry MiningKari Armitage: Managing Director at Quarry MiningKari Armitage, Managing Director of Quarry Mining, shares her remarkable journey from civil engineering to leading a thriving manufacturing business in the mining industry. She discusses taking over the family business, growing it from just a few employees to over 100, and expanding into international markets. Kari provides a glimpse into Quarry Mining's innovative technologies, including 3D metal printing and lights-out machining. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and offers advice for those looking to enter the field. Kari also touches on work-life balance, sharing her passion for long-distance triathlons. This conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of manufacturing and mining in the Newcastle region.

]]>Kari Armitage, Managing Director of Quarry Mining, shares her remarkable journey from civil engineering to leading a thriving manufacturing business in the mining industry. She discusses taking over the family business, growing it from just a few employees to over 100, and expanding into international markets. Kari provides a glimpse into Quarry Mining's innovative technologies, including 3D metal printing and lights-out machining. She reflects on the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry and offers advice for those looking to enter the field. Kari also touches on work-life balance, sharing her passion for long-distance triathlons. This conversation offers valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of manufacturing and mining in the Newcastle region.

]]>fea668ec-3317-4e5e-a718-facd423edec0Wed, 30 Oct 2024 11:00:00 +100037:23falsefull44James Thorning: General Manager at Nepean PowerJames Thorning: General Manager at Nepean PowerJoin us for an insightful conversation with James Thorning, General Manager of Nepean Power, as he shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to leading a major engineering company. James discusses his career path, the challenges of rapid business growth, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and leaders, emphasizing the significance of being useful in one's role and continuously improving. James also provides an inside look at Nepean Power's operations, their innovative approach to manufacturing, and their vision for the future of the power industry in the Hunter region. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, career development, and the exciting opportunities in the engineering and renewable energy sectors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you'll find inspiration and practical insights in this engaging discussion.

]]>Join us for an insightful conversation with James Thorning, General Manager of Nepean Power, as he shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to leading a major engineering company. James discusses his career path, the challenges of rapid business growth, and the importance of fostering a strong company culture. He offers valuable advice for aspiring engineers and leaders, emphasizing the significance of being useful in one's role and continuously improving. James also provides an inside look at Nepean Power's operations, their innovative approach to manufacturing, and their vision for the future of the power industry in the Hunter region. This episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, career development, and the exciting opportunities in the engineering and renewable energy sectors. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, you'll find inspiration and practical insights in this engaging discussion.

]]>34610086-f3ce-42d3-b04f-acc584e3083aFri, 18 Oct 2024 08:00:00 +100045:22falsefull33Luke Dawson: Managing Director at Safe GaugeLuke Dawson: Managing Director at Safe GaugeIn this episode, Mel Sietsma sits down with Luke Dawson, Managing Director of  Safe Guage. Luke shares his journey from plant mechanic to successful entrepreneur, detailing how he founded Safeguage in 2019 to create innovative safety solutions for the mining industry. 

Luke discusses the company's rapid growth, expanding from Australia to the United States, and their mission to eliminate live work and improve technician safety. He offers insights into fostering a culture of innovation, the advantages of starting a business in Newcastle, and the exciting new projects Safeguage is working on, including imaging technology for remote inspections.

The conversation also touches on industry trends, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a business owner, and Luke's personal experiences of relocating to Arizona. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a fascinating look into the world of mining technology and safety innovations.

]]>In this episode, Mel Sietsma sits down with Luke Dawson, Managing Director of  Safe Guage. Luke shares his journey from plant mechanic to successful entrepreneur, detailing how he founded Safeguage in 2019 to create innovative safety solutions for the mining industry. 

Luke discusses the company's rapid growth, expanding from Australia to the United States, and their mission to eliminate live work and improve technician safety. He offers insights into fostering a culture of innovation, the advantages of starting a business in Newcastle, and the exciting new projects Safeguage is working on, including imaging technology for remote inspections.

The conversation also touches on industry trends, the challenges of maintaining work-life balance as a business owner, and Luke's personal experiences of relocating to Arizona. This episode provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and a fascinating look into the world of mining technology and safety innovations.

]]>44219d63-4f7b-4a89-af1b-c3d08f45f5d5Thu, 22 Aug 2024 13:31:44 +100025:08falsefullEngineering Success with James Mansell from DownerEngineering Success with James Mansell from DownerIn this episode, we chat with James Mansell, Engineering Manager for Downer's Rail and Transit Systems team in Cardiff, NSW. James shares his career journey from intern to manager at Downer, and provides insights into the rich history and current operations of Downer's Cardiff facility. He discusses recent innovations like their new Electronic Test and Repair Centre, as well as ongoing projects like the bogey overhaul program. James offers his perspective on the advantages of working in rail manufacturing in Newcastle, market changes in the industry, and advice for those looking to enter the field. He also shares his thoughts on the future of rail, including trends towards local manufacturing, decarbonization, and improved use of data. This episode provides a fascinating look into the rail industry in Australia and the opportunities it presents for engineers and manufacturers.

]]>In this episode, we chat with James Mansell, Engineering Manager for Downer's Rail and Transit Systems team in Cardiff, NSW. James shares his career journey from intern to manager at Downer, and provides insights into the rich history and current operations of Downer's Cardiff facility. He discusses recent innovations like their new Electronic Test and Repair Centre, as well as ongoing projects like the bogey overhaul program. James offers his perspective on the advantages of working in rail manufacturing in Newcastle, market changes in the industry, and advice for those looking to enter the field. He also shares his thoughts on the future of rail, including trends towards local manufacturing, decarbonization, and improved use of data. This episode provides a fascinating look into the rail industry in Australia and the opportunities it presents for engineers and manufacturers.

]]>1bc11990-fcdd-45b0-95e5-22af0d7fa1feThu, 08 Aug 2024 09:48:05 +100037:32falsefull22Welcome to Engineering Success, a NTP PodcastWelcome to Engineering Success, a NTP PodcastWe're excited to be launching Engineering Success, NTP's latest podcast series. Hosted by Melinda Sietsma, this podcast is a collaboration between NewyTechPeople and Hunter Manufacturing Awards. In this series, Mel will talk to key individuals across the Hunter region, sharing their career stories and the exciting projects and achievements of our local manufacturing businesses. 

]]>We're excited to be launching Engineering Success, NTP's latest podcast series. Hosted by Melinda Sietsma, this podcast is a collaboration between NewyTechPeople and Hunter Manufacturing Awards. In this series, Mel will talk to key individuals across the Hunter region, sharing their career stories and the exciting projects and achievements of our local manufacturing businesses. 

]]>27b5b75e-06d0-47da-9e34-123a5514c909Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:14:40 +100000:43falsetrailer11