Meet The Team
Directors
Engineering
Projects
Administration
Giuseppe Origine - Mechanical Designer
Giuseppe Origine is a skilled mechanical designer with over 20 years of experience across multiple industries and countries. His career began in 2004 in Italy, where he worked on civil heating systems after qualifying as a technician and designer of fluid machines and heating and HVAC systems. In 2007, he transitioned into the automation sector, focusing on the design of conveyors and automatic machinery for the furniture industry, further strengthening his expertise in mechanical systems. In 2014, Giuseppe relocated to Sydney, where he worked on the design of windows and steel structures, gaining valuable hands-on experience through site installations. In 2022, he moved to Brisbane and shifted his focus to the design of food processing equipment and complex steel structures. Giuseppe joined Practical Engineering in 2024, bringing with him a broad skill set, a deep technical foundation, and a passion for practical and efficient design solutions. His qualifications in both fluid systems and mechanical design, combined with his hands-on approach, make him a versatile and valuable member of the team.
Brooke Marshall - Mechanical Engineer
Meet Brooke, a mechanical engineer whose career journey began with significant involvement in Oil & Gas at a process engineering firm. His expertise has since expanded considerably, encompassing a wide range of water, mining, and food and beverage projects across Australia, from Western Australia to the Northern Territory. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brooke enjoys spending time with friends and family, and pursuing his hobbies in the kitchen or the shed—always with a meticulous clean-up afterward!.
Jin Xu- Mechanical Engineer
Jin has recently joined Practical Engineering as an Account Manager. Before moving into sales, Jin started her career with an engineering consulting firm back in China after gaining two master’s degrees in Australia. Two years later in 2015, she decided to return back to Australia. With over 10 years of experience in industrial sales, she has a passion for building genuine relationships internally and externally. She is dedicated to helping clients find the right solutions and ensuring a smooth, positive experience every step of the way.
Outside of work, Jin enjoys exploring new places as well as new cuisines.
Bachelor’s Degree (Environmental Engineering)
Master’s Degree (Environmental Management)
Master’s Degree (Engineering Management)
Christian- Mechanical Engineer
Christian is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with a strong foundation built on 20 years of experience as a hands-on mechanic. Prior to earning his engineering credentials, he developed deep technical expertise working directly with complex mechanical systems, giving him a practical, grounded approach to engineering solutions. Since transitioning into engineering, Christian has gained valuable project engineering experience within the mining and resources sector, where he has contributed to the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale projects. His combined background allows him to bridge the gap between the workshop and the design office, bringing a well-rounded perspective to every project.
Steve - Projects Manager
Meet Steve, our project manager heading up our design, construction and field delivery teams across all major projects.
He began his career in drafting before getting his hands dirty with workshop teams, eventually leading projects in the Petrochemical, Oil & Gas, Building, and Maritime industries. Outside of work, you’ll find him spending time with his family or working on DIY projects in his garage. He’s always ready to connect with anyone who shares his passion for building and design.
Brittney Campbell - Personal Assistant
A highly organized administrator with over 10 years of experience, Brittney’s exceptional reliability, quick skill-building and eye for details has seen her successful support the Director’s in their goals for the company. Always curious, Brittney relishes the challenge of learning new software or applications to benefit the team.
Rachel Hand - Accounts Officer
With an interest in the finer details and following developmental years in various policy areas of government, Rachel has found her niche with Practical Engineering and has been part of the team for over 10 years. As a problem solver, she has played a key role as Admin Manager and now as Accounts Officer enjoys the relationship she has with clients, suppliers and her colleagues to ensure Practical delivers at its best. Originally from southern NSW, she thrives in the company of her friends and teenage children and values quiet times.
Jai Rice - Director
Jai joined Practical Engineering in 2011. He has been working in the Engineering industry for well over a decade beginning as a Design Engineer and then moving into project management. Within the projects department he was charged with the task of delivering successful and complex projects for Practical’s tier one clients. Having exceptional mechanical aptitude, extensive engineering experience, practical knowledge and leadership Jai laid the foundations for his progression to then lead the operations team.
Jai is a committed and highly strategic leader, who is always eager to learn and expand his skillset. This commitment lead to him obtaining multiple qualifications; Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), part of the National Engineering Register (NER), Certified Practising Project Manager (CPPM) as well as providing fundamental ethical and engineering governance across Practical’s projects.
Over the years Jai’s business acumen has been instrumental in the direction and growth of Practical Engineering and as one of the Directors and Principal RPEQ Engineer he is a driving force for the success of Practical Engineering.
Vimal Soni - Director
Vimal has been a key part of the Practical team for over ten years. First starting with Practical Engineering during its early days as an intern whilst at QUT. He then officially joined the team as a graduate Mechanical Design Engineer, with a thirst for knowledge and developing a greater engineering sense.
Having worked amongst some exceptional mentors, Vimal swiftly progressed his professional career from Design Engineering to Project Management with a keen desire for leadership and management opportunities. He spent many years as the primary project manager for Practical’s work with our most valued clients. Working across many industries, Vimal’s analytical skills and capacity to expertly coordinate all aspects of multidisciplinary projects has earned him a great reputation within the industry.
Throughout his career he has been divulged to all elements within the business and having grown up with exposure to detailed craftmanship and high risk business environments Vimal’s knowledge and leadership is invaluable.
Tom Koorts - Mechanical Engineer
Tom is a passionate Christian and enthusiastic engineer, driven by the desire to see positive impacts made to our local and wider community through considerate, high quality and safe design and manufacture. Tom is a practicing RPEQ, Chartered with Engineers Australia and registered on the National Engineering Register in the areas of Mechanical Engineering and Pressure Equipment Design Verification. Tom specialises in mechanical, structural and pressure equipment design and design verification. Particularly in his role as a RPEQ, Tom brings a strong emphasis on safety to all projects while achieving the highest quality result for clients in a timely and cost-effective manner. Outside the office, Tom is a member of Westside Christian Church, a husband, a keen kayaker, bass guitarist and traveler.
Sam Roubin - Mechanical Engineer
Sam has a passion for helping other achieve their vision. He enjoys being challenged with complex jobs which require an outside-the-box but practical solution. He is passionate about that satisfying lightbulb moment where the right solution to a challenging problem presents itself.
Ryan McNamara - Senior Mechanical Engineer
Ryan brings extensive expertise as a Senior Mechanical Engineer(RPEQ), holding professional registrations in Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT. He’s also an Engineers Australia NER-registered Mechanical and Pressure Equipment Verifier, ensuring the highest standards. Ryan’s work centralise on the specialized design and meticulous verification of critical mechanical and industrial structures-such as pressure vessels, tanks, piping, and access systems-providing essential support to clients worldwide.
Ray Sommerfeld - Construction Supervisor
Ray is our wealth of construction knowledge, having worked abroad and all around Australia his experience is invaluable. Ray always manages to find the most practical and profitable solution for every client project site he is working on.
Nicholas Coombe - Project Coordinator
Nick is an outgoing and positive person and has no greater satisfaction than helping clients achieve their project goals. He has as a solid understanding of the project life cycle and the ability to foster key relationships within the industry. He has a very hands on approach with exceptional ‘on the fly’ problem solving capabilities as well as uncommon levels of common sense. With over 20 years of management experience in areas as diverse as Pubs in London to Service Stations in Beenleigh through to the Surface Protection Industry in Pinkenba, Nick can liaise with people from all types of backgrounds and can draw on these experiences to create solutions where others can only see problems. Having previously worked as a Project Manager at Practical Engineering for 3 years, Nick has re-joined the company to assist with the development of its projects capabilities.
Mark Young - Mechanical Engineer
Practical Engineering welcomes back Mark Young as a Senior Mechanical Engineer.
Mark has experience across a wide range of industries from mechanical system design, pressure equipment and piping to transport, manufacturing, and steel structures.
“I enjoy tackling complex mechanical design problems and working with our clients and Practical Engineering’s team to deliver rational and innovative solutions.”
Logan Carrie - Mechanical Engineer
Logan is extremely passionate about delivering excellent service to all our clients. His thirst for knowledge drives him to constantly strive to achieve the best results no matter how big or small the job. Logan has the great ability to build a strong rapport with any client he works with. Logan comes to us from a local government’s water and wastewater department with his client side experience contributing to effective communication with clients and internal staff. He enjoys the ride across the river into the Milton office as it is good exercise and a great way to start the working day.
Julian Palmer - Mechanical Engineer
Julian moved to Brisbane from northern NSW to pursue his career in engineering. After completing a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at UQ he has been working as a Mechanical Engineer at Practical Engineering since February 2015. His product development quality background in the automotive industry has provided Practical with an engineer who has a high attention to detail and focus on quality.
Julian brings a wealth of site experience to the team, having worked extensively on water utilities projects throughout south-east Queensland. This experience provides a lot of real world knowledge to any project he works on, ensuring designs are fit for purpose and effectively implemented.
Ed Butcher - Engineering Manager
Originally from the UK Ed has been with Practical Engineer for 4 years. Ed has a lot of experience in materials handling, lifting solutions and waste management. Ed values his client relationships and the ability to build meaningful rapport and loyalty with each individual. He is constantly working with his team of Engineers developing personal growth and striving towards the best outcome for each customer. Outside of work he sits on the committee of a local football (soccer) club and as a football coach appreciates the importance of working as a team.
Nicholas Jennings - Mechanical Engineer
Since graduating from QUT as a Mechanical Engineer in 2020, Nick has been hands on with materials testing, steel manufacturing quality coordination, and standards-based design. Driven by his passion for mechanical analysis and design, he leapt at the opportunity to join Practical Engineering after talking with Jai and Ed in 2022. He has since worked on a wide variety of engineering designs, assisted the team in meeting professional obligations, contributed to complex ongoing projects, and applied knowledge from his background while learning new skills.
Outside of the office Nick enjoys time spent cooking, from comfort food to the experimental. He is also an avid photographer with the most film experience on the team.
Brandon Hall - Mechanical Engineer
Brandon is a highly skilled mechanical engineer specializing in the design and development of practical and unique industrial machines. With a profound passion for innovation and practical problem-solving, Brandon combines his technical expertise with his creative mindset to deliver results.
Brandon has been working with PEA since 2020 as an intern and thereafter as a full-time mechanical engineer. He graduated with a double major in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in early 2021. Working under the seasoned guidance of Practical Engineering’s more senior engineers since then, Brandon has developed a diverse and effective capability in solving problems. At home Brandon enjoys pastimes such as hand engraving, painting, working on his motorcycle and general tinkering. Brandon is also an avid lover of the outdoors and take as many opportunities as possible to get disappear into the bush for a weekend.
Brandon’s professional journey has been defined by his commitment to Design for Manufacturability, Assemble-ability, and cost efficiency. He possesses an ability to optimize designs, ensuring seamless integration into manufacturing processes while keeping production costs in check. Another area where Brandon excels is in the design of mechanisms for diverse applications. He has a keen interest in analyzing complex systems, identifying critical interdependencies, and developing comprehensive designs.
Sean Moesbergen - Mechanical Designer
Sean is a dedicated and talented mechanical designer who joined the team in 2020, displaying a clear passion for optimization, creativity, and out-of-the-box thinking. He has built experience as a mechanical designer and drafter from a wide variety of projects while working with Practical Engineering and has begun specializing in structural design, transport design, and development of bespoke safety devices. His diligence, attention to detail, and desire for quality drafting ensures that the team’s engineering solutions are communicated effectively and efficiently.
When not on site or at the desk, Sean enjoys spending time with his family, model painting, and training in martial arts.
Robin Burford - Mechanical Designer
Hailing from the UK, Robin is the Lead Mechanical Designer and takes care of our drafting and mechanical design needs. With over 9 years of experience with Mechanical, Structural Design and maintenance within the Industrial and Aviation sector, everything he delivers is of the highest quality. Previously he spent 4 years with Practical and later decided to try the Aviation industry. His experience and exposure to the Aviation Industry has expanded his mechanical knowledge and finesse with design for manufacturability. Soon to realise his true calling is with Industrial and Mechanical design, he re-joined us since 2017.
Harry Zirkle - Mechanical Engineer
Harry joins Practical with almost 40 years’ experience in designing and drafting having started out in a small machine shop in the US. After work on the tools for several years he moved into the engineering office where he worked designing and drafting parts for food and dairy processing equipment. In the 1980’s and 90’s he studied CAD drafting and 3D modelling. In 2004 he migrated to Australia and has since worked for several companies the Brisbane area as a designer and drafter in several disciplines.
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Andrew Roubin- Lead Designer
Andrew Roubin
Andrew’s 35 year career has included mechanical/structural design, project engineering and project control roles in EPC & D&C environments on local and international water supply, oil & gas, rail and mining projects. He values a collaborative approach to finding the best solution for the client, drawing on experience from the whole team.
Phil Webster - General Manager
Phil joined the Practical team in early 2024, following several years of collaborating with the business on a range of engineering projects. He brings extensive leadership experience across the resources and engineering sectors. As General Manager, Phil is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Practical’s business operations, strategy, and financial performance.
Julio Ramirez - Mechanical Engineer
Julio has been a Mechanical Engineer at Practical Engineering Australia since joining the team in 2023. With a solid foundation in engineering principles, Julio brings his expertise to execute mechanical and structural projects across various applications, all while complying with Australian Standards.
For him, the most rewarding aspect of his role is the diversity of projects, each presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities for practical solutions. He also appreciates being part of a team of highly skilled professionals in a dynamic and respectful environment. Julio is driven to continue producing high-quality results while ensuring his work aligns with the standards and practices in Australia.
