Helen O'Connor
Perth
Summary
Engineer with 2 years of experience in energy sustainability and efficiency projects for industrial clients. Expertise in data analysis, problem-solving, and modeling, complemented by a strong focus on safety. Proven ability to manage competing priorities while fostering effective relationships.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Project Engineer
DETA Consulting
Christchurch, NZ
02.2024 - 02.2026
- Led the development of transport electrification models for electrical distribution network clients, delivering demand forecasts, sustainability insights, and detailed modelling reports
- Managed building compliance projects, ensuring adherence to regulations and supporting sustainability initiatives for dairy factory
- Conducted energy audits for industrial clients, identifying and quantifying efficiency improvements and energy saving opportunities
Workshop assistant
Dingo Mining
Westport, NZ
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Gained hands-on experience in a mechanical workshop supporting a small-scale gold mining operation
- Assisted with equipment maintenance and repairs, including aiding in repairing processing components
- Gained expertise in workshop tools, mechanical systems, and safe maintenance practices within mining context
Chemical Engineer Intern
Solvent Rescue
Christchurch, NZ
11.2022 - 02.2023
- Developed iterative Excel-based model to estimate heat transfer in heated concentric tube bioreactor, enhancing understanding of mass and energy balances
- Monitored performance of distillation processes for recycled chemical solvents, ensuring operational efficiency and maintaining safety and product quality standards
Coal Processing Technician
BT Mining
Westport, NZ
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Worked onsite with Operations team at the Coal Handling and Process Plant, gaining hands on experience in the separating and processing of coal and the logistics of mining activities while adhering to strict safety practices
- Designed the automation of the gravity classifiers drain sequence during plant shutdowns through data analysis and workshops with key operators and managers. The automation would reduce operator oversight requirements, increasing efficiency
Skills
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Problem solving
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite
- Proficient in report writing
- Efficiency optimisation
- Project leadership
Affiliations
- Hiking
- Learning Spanish
Accomplishments
- Completed Half Ironman triathlon 2025
- President of the social committee at DETA Consulting 2024/25
- President of large social and sustainability club 'OpSoc' at the University of Canterbury 2023
- Recipient of three year ‘Ballance Agri Nutrients’ tertiary scholarship 2020-22
- Peer-Elected member of Rochester & Rutherford Hall Student Executive 2020
- Captain of Christchurch Girls High School 7’s rugby team that won the national championships 2019
- Deputy Head Girl of Christchurch Girls High School and Acland Boarding House, Head of Student Council 2019
Certification
Licences
NZ C Class Full Drivers Licence
Certificates
Agile Project Management (v3) Foundation and Practitioner
Timeline
Project Engineer
DETA Consulting
02.2024 - 02.2026
Workshop assistant
Dingo Mining
06.2023 - 08.2023
Chemical Engineer Intern
Solvent Rescue
11.2022 - 02.2023
Coal Processing Technician
BT Mining
11.2021 - 02.2022