Steve Mackay
Dr Steve Mackay

Biography of Dr Steve Mackay

Dr Steve Mackay is the founder of the Engineering Institute of Technology. He firmly believes in Nelson Mandela’s mantra that, “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world.” His leadership has inspired EIT’s unique and distinctive approach to engineering education.

Since 2008 three core objectives define the essence of the institute:

• Collaborating comprehensively with industry to ensure graduates are job-ready.

• Employing platforms of learning to facilitate student accessibility and engagement.

• Keeping the business of education student-centric.

Dr. Mackay has enjoyed a varied career in engineering, having worked in automation, data acquisition, instrumentation, data communications, and process control throughout Australia, Europe, Africa, and North America over the past 35 years. He has successfully pioneered the application of new technologies in Australia and overseas, installing industrial data communication systems and implementing live online education, (including remote laboratories), for engineering students worldwide.

Dr. Mackay has been involved in a range of industries, including power stations, mining, mineral processing, oil/gas/petrochemical plants, and platforms. He has presented courses on industrial data communications, data acquisition, instrumentation, and process control to over 30,000 engineers and technicians worldwide for clients such as NASA, Rolls Royce, and BP. He has also co-authored and edited 25 engineering books that have been published across the world. Dr. Mackay is a Fellow of Engineers Australia with a license to practice as a Chemical, Mechanical, and Electrical Chartered Professional Engineer.

As Dean of the Engineering Institute of Technology, Dr. Mackay leads the institute in providing micro-credentials and engineering qualifications to over 1500 students per year from 140 countries. He has an unswerving focus on student outcomes and on excellence in education.

Publications and News

AI Won't Restart Your Plant

AI Won’t Restart Your Plant


4 May, 2026
Practical instrumentation skills matter more than ever and your ability to troubleshoot is critical. The scaremongering has reached a crescendo; with the assertion that AI tools will replace knowledge-based professionals, including engineers. I don’t deny that AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated - including the ubiquitous ChatGPT - but the reality...Read More

AI in Engineering – No Immediate Solutions for Specific Projects


19 April, 2024
One of the hottest shares at present is that of NVIDIA – a company prominent in the manufacturing of processors for use in AI – demonstrating that the AI hype has captured our imagination and is being enthusiastically embraced. It all began as a slow burn, but has been building...Read More

Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Automation: From Chatbots to Plant Chums and Hallucinations


29 May, 2023
EIT Dean, Dr. Steve Mackay, explores the substantial potential of artificial intelligence in industrial automation. He underscores AI's transformative capabilities in optimizing processes and enhancing efficiency, allowing for more streamlined operations. Additionally, Dr. Mackay highlights the advancements AI brings to predictive maintenance, enabling industries to anticipate equipment failures and perform...Read More

Segway ends production of its iconic two wheeler


17 August, 2020
It was hailed as the next giant leap for personal transportation. Now, it seems, the idea has become redundant. The Segway PT was a one-person electric vehicle that was brought to market in 2001 — with extreme hype and expectation. Nineteen years later, the self-balancing, two-wheeled personal transporter is being...Read More

Energy sector engineering solutions published by EIT professionals


17 August, 2020
A lecturer and a postgraduate student from the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) recently virtually attended the 29th IEEE International Symposium on Industrial Electronics (ISIE2020) from the 17th to the 19th of July. ISIE focuses on advancements in knowledge, new methods, and technologies relevant to industrial electronics - along with...Read More

Education Agents


23 July, 2020
We have a network of registered Education Agents based around the globe. If you are an international student who would like to study with EIT on-campus in Australia, our Education Agents are able to provide student visa assistance combined with support and advice on finding the right program for you....Read More

Employers


23 July, 2020
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Industry Partnership Program


23 July, 2020
The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) offers various collaboration opportunities for organizations looking to engage with engineering students and graduates. Through initiatives like the Student Engineer Employment (SEE) program, employers can integrate skilled students into their teams on a flexible basis. Additionally, companies can host internships, hire graduates, participate as...Read More
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