Liam McLaren

Results-driven Graduate Mechatronics Engineer with Aurizon, skilled in mechanical and electrical fault-finding. Proven ability to enhance reliability through preventive maintenance and technical reporting. Adept at coordinating high-risk operations and developing comprehensive work instructions, ensuring compliance and safety in complex environments. Proficient in SolidWorks and effective in cross-department collaboration.

• First Aid
• Oxygen and defibrillation
• White Card
• Elements of Shipboard Safety (ESS)
• Marine Mammal Observer (MMO)

I am an extremely ambitious, genuine and self-motivated person. I completed my final year of school while living by myself. After working for Cruise Whitsundays for three years—progressing from porter to cruise attendant and finally to skilled deckhand—I decided I needed formal education to advance my career.

I moved to Townsville to begin an engineering degree after developing a strong interest in the mechanical and maintenance aspects of marine vessels. Because of my low academic performance in the final years of high school, I first completed a Diploma of Higher Education to gain admission. While studying full-time, I also worked up to thirty hours a week at Sealink to support myself financially. I later reduced my study load from four to three subjects per semester so I could upskill at Sealink. During this period I also completed my MED 2 qualification over twelve months.

I secured a role as vessel engineer and took great pride in my work and development. I continue to work in this role on weekends to maintain the skills I have developed. I completed my work placement at SMC Marine, which specialises in marine-infrastructure construction. Although I enjoyed the work, the relocation, lower pay, and the approaching university semester led me to return to Townsville and continue my role at Sealink. After returning, I applied to Aurizon’s graduate program as a mechatronics engineer and was accepted. When asked for a start date, I chose to begin the week after my final university exam.

After working at Aurizon for a few months, I was offered the opportunity to complete my MT2 training, which I readily accepted. Unfortunately, my mentor and senior engineer left the company, leaving me as the sole engineer at Aurizon’s Townsville location. Although I am succeeding in this role, the mentoring program originally attracted me to the position. I am therefore seeking an entry- to mid-level role that will allow me to develop as a professional engineer in the marine industry. This is the field toward which my work and education over the last ten years have been directed, and it is where I intend to succeed and thrive.