Diversity, equity & inclusion
At Aurecon, people at the heart of all we do. Learn more about how we are building a workplace where everyone is heard, and feels valued and connected.
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For Joshua Paul, the path to engineering wasn’t always straightforward. Initially drawn to biotechnology and genetic engineering, he envisioned a future in the medical field. But as he explored the ethical complexities of genetic engineering, he began to question if it was the right fit.
This search for a career that aligned with his values led him to electrical engineering – a field where he could make a meaningful impact while staying true to what matters most.
Since joining Aurecon’s Building Services team in Melbourne in 2022, Joshua has been applying his Master’s in Electrical and Electronic Engineering to help design smarter, more sustainable buildings for the future.
Almost three years ago, I made the leap to Aurecon after hearing about it from a friend in the rail team. What really drew me in was how different Aurecon felt compared to other consultancies, there’s a strong emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and doing things that make a real impact. Initially, I had my sights set on another area within the company, but I ended up in the Buildings team. Looking back, it was the best thing that could’ve happened. The projects here are truly next level, and I’ve been able to grow in ways I never imagined.
The shift toward alternative energy sources is what truly drives me. Melbourne still relies heavily on coal, but Aurecon is pushing boundaries with solar battery systems and hydrogen fuel. Watching these innovations take shape, especially in data centres, is incredibly exciting and exactly where I want to focus my career.
Plus, there’s something deeply fulfilling about seeing your projects come to life. Walking through the city, pointing out buildings I’ve worked on, and knowing they impact people’s daily lives makes my job that much more rewarding.
Absolutely, 100%. The learning curve has been incredible, in the best possible way. Especially when it comes to data centres, the design is something you can’t learn in university; you have to be immersed in it. In just three years at Aurecon, I’ve gained more knowledge here than in six years of study. Everyone contributes to a strong culture of collaboration and collective growth, which makes working here an amazing experience.
"When I sort of dove into that world, I realised there's a lot I can do creatively in this area, especially with how the world just needs more sustainable infrastructure in terms of electricity."
If you have a question, you're never left to figure it out on your own. Every day is different, and I love seeing how different personalities and ideas come together to find the best solution to a problem. My team has great leaders who genuinely care about your well-being and growth, which fosters a powerful sense of belonging and appreciation in the workplace. So if you’re looking for a place where people are constantly encouraging you to grow and push boundaries using cutting edge tools but are also keen to be there with you on the journey, this would be the place.
It would have to be Limelight. Limelight is Aurecon’s Early Careers Professional Network, run by and for Early Career Professionals (ECPs), creating opportunities for career growth, global networking, and meaningful engagement with Aurecon’s future. Connecting with like-minded colleagues, many of whom became friends, inspired, and empowered me to take on new challenges and give back to the community.
For example, last year I had the privilege to volunteer with Empower Australia, contributing to food relief and community outreach. That turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences that not only made a real impact but also helped me to develop valuable teamwork skills.
One of the most exciting projects I’ve worked on was designing an mRNA facility for a client leading the way in cutting-edge medical advancements, transforming how we approach vaccines and personalised medicine.
From an engineering perspective, it was a complex challenge, we had to design according to different standards and integrate proprietary technology into the grid without fully knowing its potential impact. But beyond the technical hurdles, this facility is making a real difference, helping save millions of lives in Australia by driving innovations that advance cancer treatment and prepare us for future pandemics. It was a full-circle moment for me, getting to work on something I once aspired to be part of, pretty surreal!
The most unexpected skill I’ve developed in my role is adaptability. Every project brings its own unique challenges, and I’ve learned to adjust to changing requirements, tight deadlines, and shifting priorities. Being able to pivot, whether it's adjusting designs based on client feedback or finding quick solutions when unexpected issues arise, has been crucial. It’s taught me to stay calm under pressure and think on my feet, which is something I hadn’t fully anticipated.
Aurecon really supports work-life balance through flexibility. If you meet deadlines and collaborate effectively by attending meetings and site visits, you have the freedom to manage your work in a way that suits your lifestyle.
I work from home two to three days a week, which gives me more time to do the things I love, like hiking, bouldering, and, let’s be honest, catching up on that much-needed sleep. It’s a great balance that allows me to stay productive while still being available for what matters outside of work.
In five years, I see myself having grown significantly in my career, taking on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to larger, more complex projects. I want to be in a position where I can mentor others and share the knowledge and skills I've developed over the years.
I also hope to have further specialised in areas that interest me and to be part of innovations that make a real impact on sustainable energy solutions and the future of infrastructure. Additionally, I plan to achieve my chartered engineer status, which will further validate my expertise and open up more opportunities. Ultimately, I see myself continuing to challenge myself while helping others do the same.
My advice for new grads is to stay open to learning and embrace the journey. No one expects you to have all the answers from day one, so come in with curiosity and a mindset of growth. Don’t be afraid to say yes to opportunities, even the ones you didn’t see coming. I never planned to end up in the Buildings team, but taking that chance ended up being one of the best decisions I made.
You never know where those unexpected opportunities might lead you! Also, joining Limelight was a great move, it’s a fantastic way to connect, grow, and make the most of your early career.
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