Member Profile, Matthew Yin

Matthew Yin Principal Engineer (construction and maintenance) Toowoomba Regional Council

Matthew was born and raised in Zimbabwe before moving to Australia mid2000s and started his career as a soil technician. He graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) from USQ in 2012 and has spent most of his career delivering road infrastructure projects in various capacities from site engineer to construction manager then in a senior engineering role in road maintenance to his current position.

How did you begin your career and what inspired you to become an engineer?

I didn’t have a clear idea of what career I wanted to pursue coming out of high school. I applied for a few traineeships and apprenticeships in search of some direction. I landed a traineeship in soil testing and spent the next 18 months or so completing a certificate in materials testing. It was this traineeship that exposed me to the world of civil engineering. The technical nature of the work and the idea of having a hand in the construction of the built environment appealed to me. I took the plunge and haven’t looked back since.

What skills – technical and/ or soft skills – have enabled your contributions in your role, to team members and to projects?

I think an ability to combine my technical knowledge and

Griffiths St Upgrade 2018/2019 (The infamous roundabout)

Pierces Creek Road Realignment 2016/2017

experience in road construction with a collaborative approach to problem solving has enabled teams that I have been apart of to successfully deliver several road infrastructure projects over the course of my career.

Which mistake, if any, provided you with the most valuable learnings?

The words “measure twice, cut once” hadn’t really sunk in until a roundabout my team was constructing had to be redesigned halfway through when we realised we’d misinterpreted the levels for the concrete apron. Fortunately for me, some very understanding civil designers were able to work their magic to save what could have been a very expensive mistake.

What are the challenges, if any of working in regional Queensland?

The challenges I face are certainly not unique. Maintaining a road network several thousand kilometres in length while balancing community expectations, defect management and limited resources is no mean feat. I take my hat off to all those who work or have worked in the road maintenance space.

What do you enjoy most about your job and your location?

I enjoy the challenge of coming into work and not knowing what the day has to offer and working in a role and location that involves a good mix of urban and rural environments. I find it very rewarding to know that my work serves the local community.

What role do you hope to attain ie what would be the pinnacle of your career and where would it be located?

Just 18 months in, I’m quite happy with the role I’m in now. I don’t have any immediate or even medium term plans. I have plenty of work to do and personal development to focus on at the moment, but who knows what the future holds

Do you have plans to become an RPEQ, and why or why not?

I became an RPEQ in July 2020 through IPWEAQ’s assessment process. Beyond the Professional Engineers Act requiring supervising engineers to be registered, it is a rewarding experience to successfully prove to a panel of your peers that you have the requisite knowledge and experience in your areas of expertise.

Who inspires you in your life and career?

My parents have always been my greatest supporters. Their work ethic, sacrifice and encouragement drives me to be the best I can be.

Highfields Sports and Recreation Park Stage 2 (2016/2017)

Colby Dam Access Road Bridge (2016/2017)

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CQ BRANCH CONFERENCE

GLADSTONE 16-17 March 2022

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