From navigating complex infrastructure challenges to helping revitalise critical rail assets, Lucas brings a clear passion for problem-solving and community impact to his role at IRE. We caught up with him to learn more about his journey into engineering, his proudest project moments, and the lessons that continue to guide his work today.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? And what drew you to the rail industry?
I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and working on complex, large-scale projects. Engineering offered the chance to do that in a tangible way. The rail industry, in particular, appealed to me because of its long-term positive impact on communities and the variety of challenges it presents — no two projects are the same.
How do you explain your job to friends and family who aren’t familiar with engineering or the rail industry?
My role is to bridge the gap between constructors and rail operators, ensuring that the delivered infrastructure is not only well-built, but is also functional, efficient, reliable and meet the practical, operational needs of both the operators and, most importantly, for everyone relying on public transport.
I bridge the gap between construction and operations
— making sure what’s built actually works on the ground.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned from a colleague that stays with you today?
A piece of advice that has really stuck with me, often shared by experienced colleagues, is ‘Don’t overthink it — sometimes your first instinct is the right one’. It’s a reminder to trust your judgment, especially when working under pressure or navigating uncertainty.
In engineering, especially when dealing with complex projects under pressure or navigating unforeseen issues, it’s easy to get caught in analysis paralysis. That advice is a reminder to trust your judgment as it’s often based on your experience and knowledge. It’s about having the confidence to act decisively when needed.
What’s a piece of advice you’d give to your younger self on your first day at IRE?
I joined IRE during the height of Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns. Starting a new role during such a period of uncertainty naturally came with its own set of anxieties about the future and the decision I’d made. Looking back, I’d tell myself not to worry, trust the process; you made the right choice.
I landed in an incredible company with a supportive culture and fantastic colleagues. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to contribute to some genuinely exciting and rewarding rail projects across Victoria and Queensland.
Looking back at your own journey with IRE, can you share a moment when you felt particularly proud to be part of the IRE team?
A standout moment for me was definitely the Revitalising the South Dynon Depot project. Turning a tired and dilapidated facility into a central hub for maintaining V/Line’s V/Locity fleet was incredibly rewarding. Seeing first-hand how our work can breathe new life into vital infrastructure that directly supports a more reliable service for regional travellers and making a real difference instilled a great sense of pride and purpose.
Bringing old infrastructure back to
life and seeing the impact on regional travel
— That’s what makes it all worth it.
