Career Pathways - How to get a job in engineering
Join us for an insightful event that dives into the different types of tech engineering careers that are available and hear firsthand accounts on different career pathways into the engineering industry.
Webinar
CPD Hours: 1
Skills Level: Knowledge -> Level 3
About this event
Starting a new career can be challenging, especially when you are to choose a career pathways without fully understanding the different opportunities ahead. In this session we are going to explore a range of different tech engineering positions and hear first hand accounts of professionals in this space who are going to share insights into their career path, and share tips and tricks on how to succeed.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the speakers who have been in your position, found their career path, and achieved their ambitions.
By attending this event, you will learn:
Our panel is made up of speakers from varying types of engineering roles in tech, each with a unique career story.
If you are looking to launch your tech career, or if you’ve started out and are seeking to accelerate your career with new skills, connections and opportunities, then you should register now.
*If you are not a current ACS member, you will be asked to 'create an account'. Your details will be used for registration processes only. If you experience technical issues, please contact events@acs.org.au.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from the speakers who have been in your position, found their career path, and achieved their ambitions.
By attending this event, you will learn:
- A day in the life of a professional in a tech engineering role
- The current skills and tools to help you succeed in your career journey.
- The career pathways experienced by our speakers
- Tips for standing out in the crowd during the application and interview process
Our panel is made up of speakers from varying types of engineering roles in tech, each with a unique career story.
If you are looking to launch your tech career, or if you’ve started out and are seeking to accelerate your career with new skills, connections and opportunities, then you should register now.
*If you are not a current ACS member, you will be asked to 'create an account'. Your details will be used for registration processes only. If you experience technical issues, please contact events@acs.org.au.
Speakers
Speaker
Qirat Khan
Manager - Data & AI, PwC
I'm a data and AI professional currently working as Manager – Data and AI at PwC Australia in Melbourne. Over the past decade, I’ve built a strong foundation in data engineering, cloud technologies, and advanced analytics, combining technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver scalable, impactful solutions to complex business challenges.
Before joining PwC in January 2025, I spent several years at Mantel Group, where I progressed from Associate Data Engineer to Senior Data Engineer. During this time, I deepened my experience across cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Snowflake, contributing to a range of data transformation projects. Earlier in my career, I worked with organizations such as Afiniti, qordata, and Cloud9 Networks, where I focused on data warehousing, ETL development, and cloud engineering initiatives.
Academically, I hold a Master’s degree in Information Technology (specializing in Data Analytics) from Swinburne University of Technology, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.91 (High Distinction), placing me in the top 2% of students nationally. I also completed my Bachelor’s in Computer Science at FAST-NUCES, Pakistan.
I’m committed to continuous learning and growth, holding certifications such as the Snowflake Sales Professional Accreditation, SnowPro Core Certification, and Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals. These reflect my focus on leading modern data stack transformations and staying at the forefront of evolving technologies.
Beyond the technical work, I’m passionate about data innovation, mentoring others, and building inclusive and high-performing technology teams. I take pride in driving data-driven decision-making at scale and contributing meaningfully to the broader data community.
Before joining PwC in January 2025, I spent several years at Mantel Group, where I progressed from Associate Data Engineer to Senior Data Engineer. During this time, I deepened my experience across cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Snowflake, contributing to a range of data transformation projects. Earlier in my career, I worked with organizations such as Afiniti, qordata, and Cloud9 Networks, where I focused on data warehousing, ETL development, and cloud engineering initiatives.
Academically, I hold a Master’s degree in Information Technology (specializing in Data Analytics) from Swinburne University of Technology, where I graduated with a CGPA of 3.91 (High Distinction), placing me in the top 2% of students nationally. I also completed my Bachelor’s in Computer Science at FAST-NUCES, Pakistan.
I’m committed to continuous learning and growth, holding certifications such as the Snowflake Sales Professional Accreditation, SnowPro Core Certification, and Databricks Lakehouse Fundamentals. These reflect my focus on leading modern data stack transformations and staying at the forefront of evolving technologies.
Beyond the technical work, I’m passionate about data innovation, mentoring others, and building inclusive and high-performing technology teams. I take pride in driving data-driven decision-making at scale and contributing meaningfully to the broader data community.
Facilitator
Purvang Dave
Student Ambassador, Study Melbourne
Purvang Dave is a Melbourne-based Master’s student in Business Information Technology, with a focus on product, strategy, and people-centered systems.
His diverse experience spans project management, business analysis, and leadership in startup environments and volunteering at multiple global youth organizations.
He currently serves as VP of Business Development at AIESEC, and holds intern roles with Pelikin and Worthy AU.
As a Study Melbourne Student Ambassador and active voice on LinkedIn, Purvang also leads Career Cafeteria, a career storytelling campaign designed to foster real, honest conversations about growth, purpose, and navigating modern careers.
His diverse experience spans project management, business analysis, and leadership in startup environments and volunteering at multiple global youth organizations.
He currently serves as VP of Business Development at AIESEC, and holds intern roles with Pelikin and Worthy AU.
As a Study Melbourne Student Ambassador and active voice on LinkedIn, Purvang also leads Career Cafeteria, a career storytelling campaign designed to foster real, honest conversations about growth, purpose, and navigating modern careers.
Speaker
Melissa Bates
Technical Competency Development Lead, Northrop Grumman
The Technical Competency Development Lead for Northrop Grumman, leading the growth of technical competencies within NGA, including enablement and support to the professional development of all technical personnel.
Through my journey I have found that people are the most important asset to a business and guiding individuals using empathy and knowledge gained.
How many years have you been at NGA and what roles have you done during that time?
I joined NGA in August 2013, so coming up on 12 years with the organisation. During that time I have spent 11 years on the KC-30A program in various roles within Logistics and Engineering including Procurement, Planning and Management.
Highlights
In 2019 I received an Instant Recognition Reward and later that year I was awarded The Northrop Grumman Australia Lead and most importantly to be nominated by my team.
Before joining NGA what was your career background?
I started in the Defence Aviation industry 35 years ago joining the Airforce at 17 and almost 12 years later starting my career out of the RAAF with industry in differing roles and programs with Boeing Defence Australia, Sikorsky Helitech and now Northrop Grumman Australia.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to have the confidence to take on all opportunities that are presented, just because you don’t have it right now does not mean you cannot be productive and learn in the process.
Through my journey I have found that people are the most important asset to a business and guiding individuals using empathy and knowledge gained.
How many years have you been at NGA and what roles have you done during that time?
I joined NGA in August 2013, so coming up on 12 years with the organisation. During that time I have spent 11 years on the KC-30A program in various roles within Logistics and Engineering including Procurement, Planning and Management.
Highlights
In 2019 I received an Instant Recognition Reward and later that year I was awarded The Northrop Grumman Australia Lead and most importantly to be nominated by my team.
Before joining NGA what was your career background?
I started in the Defence Aviation industry 35 years ago joining the Airforce at 17 and almost 12 years later starting my career out of the RAAF with industry in differing roles and programs with Boeing Defence Australia, Sikorsky Helitech and now Northrop Grumman Australia.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to have the confidence to take on all opportunities that are presented, just because you don’t have it right now does not mean you cannot be productive and learn in the process.
Speaker
Regin Paul
Triton Software Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Regin Paul is a Triton Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman Australia, where he plays a key role in the development and sustainment of the Australian variant of the MQ-4C Triton system software. Regin works within the Continuous Airworthiness Management framework, ensuring that mission-critical software components meet the rigorous standards of aerospace engineering and national defence.
With over 20 years of cross-industry engineering experience, Regin has held pivotal roles — from Engineer to Lead Engineer — across Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, Rail, Medical, and Safety-Critical Systems. His professional journey includes contributions at globally recognized organisations like Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Elbit Systems, Wilson Transformer Company, and Mindtree.
His hands-on expertise includes the design and development of real-time embedded systems and safety-critical software using languages such as ADA, Python, C/C++, C#, LaBView and MATLAB. Notably, Regin has worked on advanced platforms like the ARH Tiger and Airbus A380, contributing to complex avionics and control systems.
Beyond industry experience, Regin is also a published author with three international research publications, including work featured by IEEE, covering topics such as cloud computing, real-time transport systems, and technology adoption frameworks.
A passionate advocate for lifelong learning,
Regin is currently pursuing a Master of Cyber Security at Griffith University and holds multiple professional registrations and affiliations, including being an RPEQ, NER-registered Engineer, Certified Technologist with ACS, and an active member of Engineers Australia and IEEE. He also serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP) in Queensland, reflecting his commitment to both professional and civic responsibility.
Regin believes that mastering engineering fundamentals, staying humble, and continuously evolving are the keys to long-term success in a dynamic industry.
With over 20 years of cross-industry engineering experience, Regin has held pivotal roles — from Engineer to Lead Engineer — across Aerospace, Defence, Automotive, Rail, Medical, and Safety-Critical Systems. His professional journey includes contributions at globally recognized organisations like Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Elbit Systems, Wilson Transformer Company, and Mindtree.
His hands-on expertise includes the design and development of real-time embedded systems and safety-critical software using languages such as ADA, Python, C/C++, C#, LaBView and MATLAB. Notably, Regin has worked on advanced platforms like the ARH Tiger and Airbus A380, contributing to complex avionics and control systems.
Beyond industry experience, Regin is also a published author with three international research publications, including work featured by IEEE, covering topics such as cloud computing, real-time transport systems, and technology adoption frameworks.
A passionate advocate for lifelong learning,
Regin is currently pursuing a Master of Cyber Security at Griffith University and holds multiple professional registrations and affiliations, including being an RPEQ, NER-registered Engineer, Certified Technologist with ACS, and an active member of Engineers Australia and IEEE. He also serves as a Justice of the Peace (JP) in Queensland, reflecting his commitment to both professional and civic responsibility.
Regin believes that mastering engineering fundamentals, staying humble, and continuously evolving are the keys to long-term success in a dynamic industry.
Speaker
Chris Braddon
Talent Acquisition Manager, Manpower Group Talent Solutions
Chris is a quality-focused, accomplished senior leader with extensive experience within the recruitment sector, managing a diverse range of projects with numerous clients, often in complex and challenging environments.
A specialist in MSP and RPO Operations Management at National and International levels, he has extensive experience across all aspects of Workforce Management, Business Operations and Leadership, including but not limited to: Contingent Workforce Management, Managed Service Programs, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Perm, Temp, Labour Hire and Volume Recruitment, Performance Management, HR and IR, Learning and Development, Customer Relations, Internal and External Stakeholder Management, Leadership and Team Development.
Chris is passionate about the evolving world of work and about what the future holds for people embarking on new or changing careers.
A specialist in MSP and RPO Operations Management at National and International levels, he has extensive experience across all aspects of Workforce Management, Business Operations and Leadership, including but not limited to: Contingent Workforce Management, Managed Service Programs, Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Perm, Temp, Labour Hire and Volume Recruitment, Performance Management, HR and IR, Learning and Development, Customer Relations, Internal and External Stakeholder Management, Leadership and Team Development.
Chris is passionate about the evolving world of work and about what the future holds for people embarking on new or changing careers.
Read
Event Terms & Conditions
Registration
- Payment in full is required the time of booking in order for the registration to be valid.
- To avoid disappointment, ensure you pay for your booking(s) before the registration closing date. Anyone that has not received a confirmation email will not be on the event attendance list and therefore will not be admitted to the event.
- Online registration ends at the time stated on the event details page.
Cancellation and Refund
All cancellations must be processed through the website, a refund will only be considered if it is at least 3 working days prior to the event.
Disclaimer
- ACS reserves the right to change the program at any time. Every effort will be made to ensure a program of equivalent standard and members are updated with changes.
- All dietary requirements are considered, however we cannot guarantee a 100% allergen free environment.
- ACS reserves the right to prohibit entry or eject any person from an ACS event based on behaviour deemed inappropriate by ACS staff, its agents and/or others working under its authority.
- Filming or streaming by attendees is not permitted. If an attendee is found to be doing so they will be asked to leave the event immediately and further action may be taken.
- Photography and/or filming may take place during this event, by accepting these terms you consent to this. Please let a member of ACS know if you do not want your picture taken.
COVID-19 Event Attendance Compliance
By registering to attend an ACS in person event you are agreeing to the below terms and conditions
- If an attendee is displaying flu or cold like symptoms in the days leading up to the event and therefore is not able to attend, ACS will refund the registration fee.
- If an attendee comes to an event and is displaying flu or cold like symptoms they will be asked to leave
- We ask all ACS members to respect the social distancing guidelines, if an attendee repeatedly disregards these guidelines, they may be asked to leave
- ACS reserves the right to cancel the event within 24 hours' notice if either the speaker or the event host has advised us that they are exhibiting flu or cold like symptoms
- All attendees must provide a valid phone number and email address to be contacted on if there is reason to notify about a possible COVID-19 exposure
Personal information collection notice
By registering for this event, you are providing personal information to the Australian Computer Society. In accordance with the ACS Privacy Policy, ACS collects personal information through registrations and attendances at its events for the purposes of:
- organising and providing the various professional development events held by the ACS (including for example, courses, conferences, seminars, workshops, launches);
- processing and managing event registrations (including catering for dietary requirements);
- maintaining event attendance records;
- contacting registered event guests with information in regard to the event and seeking post-event feedback;
- communicating with you to in relation to future events or ACS products, courses, services, promotions or other products or services that ACS reasonably thinks may be of interest to attendees;
- processing and responding to attendee inquiries; and
- conducting research to improve its events and better understanding needs.
If the required information is not provided, we or any involved third parties, may not be able to respond to you, update you, or provide appropriate services or events to you.
We may obtain personal information directly from you or from someone who registers for the event on your behalf. If you provide us with personal information about another person, you must do so only with their consent and agree to make them aware of this privacy notice.
ACS may share your personal information with third parties for the collection purposes noted above or as set out in our Privacy Policy, where it is reasonably necessary for, or directly related to, one or more of our activities, or required by law.
When you register to participate in an overseas event, we may send personal information we collect overseas.
See our Privacy Policy at https://www.acs.org.au/privacy-policy.html for more information about our privacy practices.