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Samantha Kerr

from Pharmacy Assistant to Technical Director
I lead and manage teams to deliver energy projects.
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
Aurecon
Job Level
Senior

Ask me about

  • What an electrical engineer / project manager does each day
  • How my job makes a difference to society
  • How I manage my career and a family of 3 teenagers

About me

I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I finished high school, but I enjoyed maths and science and wanted a career that made a difference. A family friend studying engineering, along with encouragement from teachers and parents, led me to choose electrical engineering—despite not fully understanding what engineers did day to day. I completed my degree and began my career in manufacturing as a filter design engineer, then moved into railway signalling with Queensland Rail, working in both maintenance and project roles. Later, I joined Energex, gaining broad experience across protection, reliability, standards, and project management, while raising three children with flexible support. I then worked on Cross River Rail before taking a break to build a house. Now, I lead teams at Aurecon delivering energy projects.

About my role

  • Calm
  • Idealistic
  • Personable
  • Trusting
  • Understanding

As an Electrical Engineering Project Manager, I lead and manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver energy infrastructure projects such as power lines and substations. I work closely with engineers, planners, designers, and other specialists to develop and execute project plans, ensuring successful delivery from concept through to completion. My role involves coordinating daily activities, setting clear priorities, resolving challenges, and keeping projects progressing efficiently. I am responsible for ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with client requirements and industry standards.

I regularly communicate project progress to clients, stakeholders, and team members, while proactively identifying and managing risks and making informed decisions to support project outcomes. By combining my engineering expertise with strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, I help transform complex energy concepts into reliable infrastructure that delivers electricity to communities.

Education

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
  • Graduate Certificate Railway Signalling

Subjects

  • Chemistry
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Music
  • Performing Arts
  • Physics
  • Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)

Awards

  • National Social Leader Award, Women In Industry

Hobbies

  • Art
  • Hiking
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Soccer
  • Travel

15 year old me!!

“Back yourself, stay curious, and try new things—you don’t need all the answers now. Surround yourself with people you enjoy working with and mentors who support you.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Chose electrical engineering at university
  2. Started in manufacturing, then railway signalling
  3. Built experience at Energex, had three children
  4. Enjoyed a career break to build a house with my brother
  5. Now leading energy projects at Aurecon

My typical day

My employer

Aurecon is an Asia Pacific engineering consultancy, delivering the infrastructure and assets communities depend on across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. An Australian company that calls Asia Pacific home, Aurecon delivers better outcomes across energy, water, environment, digital infrastructure, resources, transport, social infrastructure and defence through a single connected team. We are proud to champion female graduates and leaders who are making an impact in the engineering industry. In 2026, for the fifth consecutive year, Aurecon was named the Most Popular Engineering Employer in the AFR and SEEK Top 100 Graduate Employers. We were also named one of the AFR’s Best Places to Work in Australia and New Zealand for 2026, recognising our commitment to flexibility, autonomy and a culture where great people thrive together. Guided by The Aurecon Way, we bring ideas to life and make life better for people and the planet.