Engineering Success | A NTP Podcast

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.

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

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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.