Engineering Competency Report

This Engineering Competency Report provides an in-depth understanding of the knowledge and skills required in the technology domain. It covers topics such as the underpinning natural and physical sciences, mathematics, numerical analysis, and contextual factors impacting the technology domain. The report also discusses the application of engineering methods, techniques, and tools in problem-solving within the technology domain. It is a valuable resource for engineering students and professionals.

Engineering Competency Report 1
Engineering Competency Report
Name
Course
Professor
University
City/state
Date

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Table of Contents
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................3
1. Element 1: Knowledge and Skill Base..............................................................................................3
1.1. Systematic, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical
sciences and engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain..................................3
1.2. Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and
computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain...................................4
1.3. In depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain...5
1.4. Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain...............................6
1.5. Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the technology domain......................................6
1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of
contemporary engineering practice in the technology domain..........................................................7
2. Engineering Application Ability.......................................................................................................8
2.1. Application of established engineering methods to broadly defined problem solving within
the technology domain...........................................................................................................................8
2.2. Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain.9
2.3. Application of systematic synthesis and design processes within the technology domain. .10
2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of projects within
the technology domain.........................................................................................................................11
3. Professional and Personal Attributes.............................................................................................11
3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability...................................................................11
3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.......................12
3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour....................................................................13
3.4. Professional use and management of information.................................................................13
3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct........................................................13
3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership..................................................................14
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................14

Engineering Competency Report 3
Introduction
I have been working full time during my entire time while studying at USQ. My current
position is a Project Engineer on a Wastewater Treatment Plant in Canberra ACT. I’m employed
by Downer and work in an alliance with Icon Water to deliver water infrastructure projects to
Canberra.
Over the last 6 months, I have worked on the following projects: CX10677-2 Centrifuge
Replacement. Demolition of existing Centrifuge and installation of a new larger one. Demolition
of existing Polymer system and installation of a new one. Installation of new foul air scrubber
unit. Installation of the interconnecting stainless steel pipework and foul air ducting.
Refurbishment of 2x cake conveyors.
1. Element 1: Knowledge and Skill Base
1.1. Systematic, theory-based understanding of the underpinning natural and
physical sciences and engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology
domain
After looking at the scrubber skid and 2x fans delivered on site, I realized that the ductwork,
pumping system and fan system were not as per the design specifications and therefore the
scrubber could not effectively remove pollutants from the wastewater treatment plant exhaust
streams as it has been envisioned. I had to send RFI emails to designers to clarify the issue and
also shared the same with my supervisors. I was also tasked with performing pressure testing of
the centrifuge 3 stainless steel pipework to ensure that the pressure attained by the pipework was
within the permissible limits. I conducted the pressure tests successfully and they confirmed that
the pipework was able to operate effectively, efficiently and safely. I also demonstrated my
understanding of welding procedures by overseeing the installation of the centrifuge ventilation

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pipework to the scrubber. Welding had a significant impact on the final strength of the centrifuge
ventilation pipework and I had to ensure that it was performed accurately to achieve the highest
level of strength and stability. My understanding of how the scrubber, polymer system and
centrifuge works enabled me to analyze each individual system, envision how they would
perform after being connected together, and identify areas that needed to be improved so as to
increase the efficiency, safety, reliability and sustainability of the wastewater treatment plant.
1.2. Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics,
and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain
After demolition of the centrifuge and during concrete cutting, I noticed that the opening in
the concrete for the discharge chute was not wide enough. It was my responsibility to site
measure and model the existing and proposed widening of the concrete void to suit the new
discharge chute. Once this was confirmed I had to detail the design in a ‘request for information’
and send it to the senior designer who is based off site. Once approved I informed the supervisor
and contractors of the new requirements and construction was able to continue. I liaised with the
designers to create computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the scrubber skid to confirm
and improve its performance. After using simulation to analyze and predict performance of the
scrubber, I noticed that the scrubber could not perform efficiently when influent discharge
exceeded a certain limit within the permissible range. I had to make design changes
recommendations and sent them to the senior designer who made proposals that were
incorporated in the installation of the scrubber. I also always shared information with designers,
fabricators/manufacturers, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and my supervisors to ensure
that all stakeholders involved in the project performed their duties with speed and efficiency. I

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gained a lot of knowledge and skills on the essential design parameters for improving
performance of a scrubber used in wastewater treatment plants.
1.3. In depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology
domain
When assessing, testing and installing the scrubber and centrifuge, I had to apply knowledge
about structural analysis, design and drafting, computational fluid dynamics, vibrations, fluid
mechanics, mechanics of materials, dynamics and statics to ensure that each component and the
system was designed as per the design specifications and that they were working efficiently. I
used computer-aided design (CAD) tools when making appropriate detailing in the design.
During the connection of the centrate pipework to the existing plant drainage, which took 6
hours, I discovered that the internal diameter of the existing pipe reduced significantly and this
could impact the performance and safety of the system because the pipework is likely to block. I
informed the client about the same and there are arrangements to replace the pipework with one
with a bigger diameter. During construction of the cake conveyor, I discovered some minor
design errors which I had to model the system using AutoCAD to find the best solution. I
collaborated with the supervisor and contractors to measure the performance of various
components of the centrifuge so as to establish their behavior when subjected to different
pressure and temperatures. This was to ensure that the components remain functional, stable,
efficient and safe when subjected to varying operating conditions. During commissioning of the
centrifuge, I was tasked to monitor and measure the performance of the centrifuge. I did this by
determining the separation efficiency of the centrifuge, and also measuring the quality of the
water content so as to determine contaminants present for consideration in subsequent
wastewater treatment processes. It was important that I learnt about several factors affecting

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performance of a centrifuge including feed volume, rotational speed and design of weir plates. I
gained vast knowledge and skills on how to measure and improve performance of centrifuges
used in wastewater treatment.
1.4. Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain
I developed an in-depth understanding on the operation of the modern design of the polymer
system we installed in the project of demolishing the existing polymer system and installing a
new one. After demolishing the existing polymer system, I realized that its design was
completely different from the new one that replaced it. The cationic polymer system ensures
accurate dose locations, dose rate and high quality polymer solution that enhances effective
flocculation of the sludge. But for this system to perform effectively, it has to be installed by
following the manufacturer’s instructions. I was very keen during installation to ensure that the
contractor followed due process. I went further to learn about the design of the cationic polymer
system and discovered that it maximizes slurry processing. The design of the injection check
valve of the new polymer system allows easy disassembly and inspection during maintenance.
This is a major development in relation to polymer system design and operation because older
systems do not have such provisions, which make maintenance very difficult. Other very
important characteristics of the new polymer system are: it has a compact design hence occupies
less space, consumes less energy, and uses less polymer (almost half the amount used by the
older system). I will use the knowledge acquired to improve the design of polymer systems in
similar projects in the future.
1.5. Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the technology domain
The population in Canberra is increasing rapidly thus putting a lot of pressure on existing
wastewater treatment infrastructure. The centrifuge, scrubber, polymer system and cake

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conveyor of the wastewater treatment plant in this project were outdated and could not meet the
current treatment demand for wastewater from residential, commercial and industrial properties
in Canberra. This demand can only be achieved by use of modern wastewater treatment systems
and technologies. That is why I ensured that the designs of new components and systems were
able to meet current demand. Where necessary, I made request for information to the senior
designers so as to make design changes and modifications proposed by the client and contractors
to improve the performance, efficiency, safety and reliability of the centrifuge system and reduce
the cost and environmental impacts of this system. Through use of automated monitoring system,
I ensured that the quality of effluents from the centrifuge system and the entire wastewater
treatment plant were within limits accepted by the relevant environmental regulatory agencies.
To protect workers and the general public against air pollution and other environmental impacts,
I hired specialists who tested and removed asbestos from the pipework gaskets of existing
polymer system. The professionals ensured safe removal and disposal of the asbestos. I also
involved international suppliers when ordering for piping materials and consumables for the
centrifuge 3 stainless steel ventilation pipework project. This helped in getting products of the
right quality and technology at the lowest price possible.
1.6. Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of
contemporary engineering practice in the technology domain
I developed a comprehensive, clear and logical scope of works for tendering of the water
diversion task system installation work package. When the centrifuge was demolished, I
discovered that the discharge chute’s concrete opening was not wide enough. I took relevant
measurements of the existing widening and used it to model a new widening that was big enough
to accommodate the new discharge chute. I used AutoCAD to model a new cake conveyor

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design solution after discovering some design errors during construction of the conveyors. I used
request for information to communicate with the designers about design variations proposals by
the client and contractors. Safety during and after construction is very paramount and that is why
I prioritized it at all levels. I ensured that the contractors followed the appropriate welding
procedures when installing the centrifuge ventilation pipework, installation of every component
and system was done as per the design drawings, all workers on site were always in the right
personal protective equipment, and works were supervised closely. I used pre-start meetings to
instruct site supervisors and contactors on what had to be done every day. We worked together as
a team with all stakeholders to ensure that the systems constructed were of the highest quality,
achieved the highest performance efficiency, had minimal environmental impacts, and had low
installation, operation and maintenance costs. I also ensured that I built and maintained
professional relationship with all stakeholders involved in the project.
2. Engineering Application Ability
2.1. Application of established engineering methods to broadly defined problem
solving within the technology domain
I successfully conducted pressure tests on the centrifuge stainless steel pipework to ensure
that the system was able to operate safely and efficiently at prescribed pressure levels. Since I
did not have the necessary knowledge and skills of testing and removing asbestos, I involved
professionals to test and remove asbestos in the existing pipework gaskets so as to eliminate
potential negative impacts on workers, general public and the environment. I was able to
successfully manage design changes by the client and contractors by sending request for
information to designers for clarification or addressing them by myself on site using design tools
and making engineering decisions. I successfully led the safe shutdown process of the plant

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during connection of the centrate pipework to the existing plant drainage. When performing the
six-hour activity of connecting the centrate pipework to the existing plant drainage, I noticed that
the internal pipe diameter had reduced significantly. I informed the client about this reduction
and there are plans underway to replace the pipework that is likely to block any time. I ensured
that all works were completed as per the design drawings and acceptable engineering codes of
practice. I also developed a comprehensive tender and provided all necessary contract documents
during procurement of the waste diversion tank system installation work package.
All these activities demonstrated to me the significance of performing design analysis, testing
systems, ensuring total compliance to design drawings during fabrication and installation,
adherence to appropriate engineering standards, and being observant. All these factors contribute
to construction of systems that are able to perform their intended function effectively and
efficient, and in a safe way.
2.2. Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology
domain
The type of polymer system used has a huge impact on the conversion rate and overall
performance of a wastewater treatment plant centrifuge. I gathered information about the
performance and reviews of various polymer systems before settling on cationic polymer system.
I also crated the selection criteria for manufacturers and suppliers of various components. I used
various statistical tools, such as excel, CFD techniques and other computer programs, to analyze
data obtained from pressure tests to establish and predict the behavior and performance of the
centrifuge pipework under varying conditions. I used AutoCAD to model an appropriate design
solution after discovering minor design errors during construction of the cake conveyors.

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These undertakings demonstrated to me the significance of understanding various
engineering basics that are related to the behavior, performance, flexibility and safety of
structures and/or systems. Every design or material of a system has a different performance
capacity that can only be understood through comprehensive analysis using appropriate
engineering tools. These analyses helped me to identify design errors and make appropriate
changes by modeling the right design solutions.
2.3. Application of systematic synthesis and design processes within the technology
domain
I always followed a systematic process in all the engineering design, supervision and
implementation works that I did in the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. I did most of the
design works using AutoCAD. Since the main designs of the centrifuge, polymer system,
scrubber, cake conveyor and centrate pipework had already been prepared, my main task was to
analyze these designs, identify any errors, and make corrections by creating appropriate design
solutions, which I did perfectly. I also made design changes to accommodate the variations of the
client and contractors, and communicated the same to the designers. But before making any
design change, I had to verify that the proposed changes would improve the performance and
safety of the system, reduce its lifecycle costs and improve sustainability.
These undertakings demonstrated to me the significance of understanding and following the
right processes and using appropriate engineering standards when designing solutions. Every
decision make during design has an impact on the system’s lifecycle hence it should be analyzed
thoroughly.

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2.4. Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of
projects within the technology domain
In the Wastewater Treatment Plant project in Canberra, Downer was satisfied with my
knowledge and technical expertise and that is why they hired me as the project manager. Using
my knowledge and skills, I ensured that all installations were done as per the design drawings
and specifications, and by following prescribed procedures. I performed pressure tests and
analyzed data collected by following the procedures recommended for each test. Ordering of
materials was done by following the financial procedures prescribed by the company, which
entails getting quality materials at the lowest cost possible. I prepared the scope of works that
was used by contractors to price the works in waste diversion tank system installation tender
package. Whenever the client or contractor submitted design variations, I had to communicate
with the designer through request for information for clarification and approval. I also followed
the appropriate procedures when using request for information when communicating with other
stakeholders. I documented all changes made to the original designs and communicated the same
to relevant stakeholders. I held pre-start meetings every morning to give instructions to site
supervisor and contractors about the day’s works. I did quality assurance documentation by
following acceptable engineering standards and procedures. I prepared monthly budgets and
progress reports by using the prescribed company formats. Last but not least, I followed
appropriate procedure during commissioning of the projects.
3. Professional and Personal Attributes
3.1. Ethical conduct and professional accountability
Being the project manager, I was tasked to ensure protection and safety of workers on site,
local residents and the environment as a whole throughout the project period. I developed and

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adopted an all-inclusive safety management plan that helped to prevent or minimize health and
safety hazards. I ensured that all tests, design corrections, installations and commissioning
activities were done by following the right engineering codes and standards. This was to ensure
that the system created was able to perform as expected and that the client was totally satisfied
with our work.
I never shared the company’s confidential information with external persons and always
consulted my employer and the client before sharing information with outsiders. I also made
decisions by considering and prioritizing the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
Lastly, I was never involved in any kind of deceptive acts and always conducted myself
honorably so as to improve the reputation and usefulness of mechanical engineering profession.
3.2. Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains
Communication was one of the major factors affecting the success of this project. I had pre-
start meetings with site supervisors and contractors every morning to discuss daily works,
challenges faced and how to improve performance and productivity. I frequently met the client
and my supervisor to discuss the progress of the project. I always used request for information to
seek clarification or consult stakeholders, including the client, designers, suppliers and
contractors. I prepared monthly budget statements and progress reports to communicate the
resource utilization and progress of the project with relevant stakeholders. I also used different
means of communication, including phone calls, text messages, emails, site and off-site
meetings, company website and reports, to share information. Above all, I adopted an open-door
policy where everybody was allowed to give his/her opinion about the project and how to
improve it.

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3.3. Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour
I was actively involved in choosing the new polymer system for this project. I researched
about current developments in polymer system designs and found the new one used in this
project to be more effective and easy to use and maintain than the old one. I suggested this new
polymer system to the company and after having discussions with the client, the new polymer
system was accepted. This system uses less polymer solution, reduces wastage, consumes less
energy and is more reliable. I also used a more environmentally friendly technique to demolish
the existing polymer structure, which helped to minimize environmental impacts of the process.
3.4. Professional use and management of information
I was able to search and obtain relevant information about recent developments in the design
and use of polymer systems from journal articles, books, conference proceedings, company
reports and websites. This information helped in identifying the most appropriate design of the
new polymer system installed in this project. I also managed to share necessary information with
stakeholders in time, prepared the tender documents in time, and prepared and shared all
progress reports and monthly expenditures with relevant stakeholders. I created a systematic
documentation system that made it easier for me to store and access information at any given
time. I also handed over the required documents to the client when commissioning of the project.
3.5. Orderly management of self, and professional conduct
I accomplished my responsibilities in this project professionally and did not have any conflict
of interest or whatsoever. I ensured that everything was done as planned in the project schedule
by ensuring appropriate assigning of tasks, allocation of resources and close supervision. I
always admitted my weaknesses and sought help when necessary. I also learnt a lot about
mechanical engineering projects from my supervisors and colleagues.

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From this project, I have learnt the importance of being a member of a professional society
where you can consult your colleagues on a number of issues related to your project. I have
decided to subscribe to several mechanical engineering professional societies. I am also going to
enroll for continuous professional development studies so as to keep myself updated about the
latest developments, technologies and trends in wastewater treatment plants.
3.6. Effective team membership and team leadership
Leadership is very essential in successful implementation of any engineering project. I
created a very competent and dedicated team for this project. I adopted a combination of
democratic and strategic leadership styles where I respected and considered all stakeholders’
opinions in decision making and also mentored my juniors. We had celebrations for every
milestone we achieved and recognized efforts made by every stakeholder. This boosted our
relationship and teamwork. I also consulted whenever I faced challenges. Most importantly is
that I built a strong professional relationship with all stakeholders I interacted with and never
experienced a dispute or conflict during the project period. I always fulfilled my promises and
gave directions from the start to the end of the project.
Conclusion
My full time work at Downer Utilities increased my mechanical engineering knowledge,
skills and abilities. I am now a more competent potential employee after working with one of the
leading providers of integrated engineering services in Australia and New Zealand. I have
acquired in-depth knowledge and understanding of different aspects of mechanical engineering
project implementation. Some of these include: fundamentals of mechanical engineering,
advanced technical knowledge, engineering techniques, effective communication, ethical
conduct, creativity and innovation, societal impacts of the project, information management,

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teamwork, team leadership, emerging issues, and sustainability factors. The conduct of a
mechanical engineer should be guided by the societal needs, engineering standards and
professional code of ethics. This will ensure that systems developed are able to meet societal
needs with minimal negative impacts and at the lowest cost possible throughout their lifecycle.
Moving forward, I am going to enroll for continuous professional development courses so as to
keep myself updated with the latest technical knowledge, technologies and trends in mechanical
engineering. This will improve my ability to create better and sustainable solutions to societal
problems. I am also going to continue building strong and trusted professional relationships.