EngineerConnect Melbourne: Leading the Future of Urban Engineering

A Panel Discussion on Key Trends, Innovations, and Skills Driving Urban Engineering Forward.

Melbourne is at the forefront of a smart city revolution, where infrastructure, technology and sustainability intersect. For engineers, this transformation presents both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. How do we design cities that are efficient, resilient, and future-ready? How do we ensure that the next generation of engineers has the skills to meet these demands?

At EngineerConnect Melbourne, join a panel of industry leaders who are turning these challenges into solutions. From renewable energy and rail systems to water infrastructure and urban planning, our experts bring real-world experience delivering projects that shape the way cities function today and tomorrow.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 27th November
• Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
• Location: EIT Melbourne campus, Level 5, 301 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000

Please RSVP by Friday 21th of November 2025. Places are limited.

What to Expect:

• Insights into solving real-world urban infrastructure challenges through innovation and sustainability.
• Guidance on the skills and leadership strategies engineers need to thrive in complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Lessons on future-ready engineering, from energy systems to water management and urban planning.
• Networking with peers, industry leaders, and changemakers shaping the future of cities.
• Refreshments and light snacks provided.

Attendance at this technical event may be eligible for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours with Engineers Australia, in accordance with their CPD guidelines.

A digital Certificate of Attendance will be provided after the event.

Meet the Moderator

Leading the panel discussion is Dr Akhlaqur Rahman, Course Coordinator & On-Campus Lecturer at EIT Melbourne | IEEE & Engineers Australia Member

Dr Akhlaqur Rahman (AK) is a research-focused academic and course coordinator at the School of Industrial Automation, EIT Melbourne, with 12+ years of teaching experience across Australia, Bangladesh, and online. He specializes in industrial automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0, and has authored 30+ publications while serving as a Guest Editor and Reviewer for several IEEE and MDPI Journal.

Recognized for his leadership and communication skills—including the Swinburne Emerging Leadership Award, Secretary for IEEE Victoria and IEEE COMSOC Society Victora as well as board member for Engineers Australia ITEE Victoria—AK combines technical expertise with practical industry insight, making him an ideal panel leader for engaging, insightful discussions on the future of engineering and automation.

Meet the Panelists

Shilpi Jain, Senior Engineer & Project Manager at Yarra Valley Water

Shilpi Jain is a Registered Engineer with 15 years’ experience across urban engineering in South Africa and Australia. She has designed and managed projects spanning municipal services, water distribution and treatment, roads, renewables, and engineering investigations, working as a consultant, contractor, and client.

Currently a Senior Engineer and Project Manager at Yarra Valley Water, Shilpi combines technical expertise with leadership in community and development initiatives, driving sustainable and strategic solutions for urban infrastructure.

Miranda Rey-Fleming, Civil Engineer (Water) at Jacobs | Co-Chair, Young Engineers Victoria

Miranda Rey-Fleming is a Civil Engineer at Jacobs with expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure design. She is passionate about delivering sustainable, resilient engineering solutions that benefit both communities and the environment.

As Co-Chair of Young Engineers Victoria, Miranda leads a team of emerging engineering leaders to deliver social, professional, and advocacy initiatives, fostering growth and empowerment across the engineering community.

Alex Payne-Billard, Principal Consultant at AtkinsRéalis | MBA & CPEng

Alex Payne-Billard is a Principal Consultant at AtkinsRéalis with over 13 years of experience in asset management, operations, and systems engineering within the rail sector. She has led teams across maintenance, planning, and project delivery, developing asset management frameworks and strategies that optimise performance, efficiency, and safety.

Holding an MBA from Monash Business School, Alex combines technical and strategic expertise to drive innovation and excellence in managing complex rail assets and systems.

Nasik Ahmad, Senior Renewables Engineer at Bridgeford Group | Net Zero Consultant

Nasik Ahmad is a Senior Renewables Engineer at Bridgeford Group, where he leads projects focused on sustainable energy solutions including community batteries (BESS), virtual energy networks (VEN), and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With a background in mechatronics and power generation, Nasik brings a deep technical understanding of renewable systems and their role in achieving Net Zero outcomes.

Having worked across both technical and management roles, Nasik is passionate about finding creative, cost-effective solutions to today’s energy challenges. His work contributes directly to building smarter, more sustainable cities. Integrating renewable technologies into the fabric of modern urban life to help shape a cleaner, more resilient future.

This event is supported by Engineers Australia

Who is EIT?

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides practical education and training in engineering and technology, with most graduates in fulfilling and well-paid engineering jobs.

EIT offers excellence across its professional development courses, and in its Australian internationally accredited diplomas and advanced diplomas, bachelor and master degrees, and a professional Doctor of Engineering.

The engineering lecturers and instructors, most with considerable industry experience and a passion for teaching, are drawn from around the world.

The live and interactive online platform of learning (with access to remote and virtual labs) reaches students in over 160 countries.

The degrees are also available on campus in Australia, using a blended approach to learning.

If you have any questions, please contact Pippa Dold: pippa.dold@eit.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Register now to secure your spot!