Rod Tait BE(Mech) UQ, MIEAust, RPEQ
As founding director, Rod is responsible for the philosophy that drives Practical Engineering: practical engineering solutions which provide the best outcomes for clients.
Following a rural upbringing, Rod completed his tertiary education at the University of Queensland, graduating with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. His working career has spanned a range of Australian industry including marine, mining, process and heavy engineering. This combination of life experience and formal education has given Rod a comprehensive understanding of mechanical systems coupled with technical proficiency.
As head of Practical Engineering’s Projects Division, Rod has delivered many design and construct projects for clients including BHP Billiton, Leighton Contractors, Hanson and Pioneer. As a Design Engineer, Rod has an aptitude for the design of machines and all their underlying systems. Rod’s focus is on being innovative, but practical, and working tirelessly to achieve the best result for the client.
Rod McDonald BEng(Mech) QUT, MIEAust, CPEng, NPER
As a third generation Mechanical Engineer, you could say that engineering is in Roderick McDonald’s blood.
Rod’s natural fascination with engineering has manifested in a number of ways. It has seen him have a stint in the Australian Defence Force as a Combat Engineer and complete numerous technical qualifications. While the completion of an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering gave Rod an understanding of workshop preferences; vast experience as a draftsperson provided Rod an understanding of engineering with the client and the manufacturer in mind. Since graduating Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Rod has been able to combine his formal and informal engineering education with extensive industry experience.
As Lead Design Engineer, Rod has an affinity for Finite Element Analysis component analysis and mechanical design of machines. In fields from materials handling to lifting equipment to drilling and mining apparatus, Rod’s vast industrial experience allows him to ‘speak the language’ of the client, getting to the heart of what is required and creating the best solution.
Design