INWED 2025: Engineering Curiosity into Capability: Nicole’s Career Journey

From an early interest in how things work to working on high-impact mechanical solutions in the mineral processing industry, Nicole Brunner’s path into engineering began with questions—and a curious mind she credits in part to her dad. “My dad is a mechanic and from a young age I was always asking him questions and wanting to know how things work, so I think that also inspired me.”

At school, she naturally gravitated toward science, maths, and problem solving. 

Mechanical engineering stood out as the right fit. “I very much enjoy what can be involved in this industry—mechanical design, machinery, moving parts,” Nicole explains. Today, she brings that fascination to life at RME, where she is part of a collaborative team developing and delivering mill relining machines that enhance the safety and efficiency of customer operations—solutions that remove risk for reline crews and helping improve mill availability.

The theme of this year’s International Women in Engineering Day is Together We Engineer—a phrase Nicole sees reflected in every step of her work.

“Collaboration at RME is a major element in ensuring a high-quality product is delivered to the Customer,” she shares. “All departments play a role in the process and as an engineer it’s exciting to take the specifications, design the machine as a model on the computer, and then see it ‘come to life’ on the assembly floor.”

Her career at RME has been dynamic and formative. “I started as a Cadet Engineer and was supported during my studies. I then moved into a Graduate role and continued to progress as an engineer. After about 6.5 years at RME I left to work in a couple of different industries, but I have recently returned to get back into complex engineering and work towards progressing from a mid-level to senior engineer,” she explains. “And I think that’s a reflection on RME’s engineering culture, there are always opportunities to grow.”

One project continues to stand out in Nicole’s career: her final-year thesis. “I talk about this project a lot, and it’s been my answer to this question a few times—and still is!” she says.

(RUSSELL Feed Chute Transporters are large, heavy-duty machines capable of carrying payloads of up to 100 tonnes. They remove the feed chute before a mill reline can begin. Their ability to rapidly extract, transport, and replace the chute is essential for safe mill access, and timely inspections and maintenance.)

Beyond her day-to-day work, Nicole loves to inspire future engineers. She’s featured in the soon-to-be-launched Manufacturing Skills Queensland career book, which will be distributed in schools across Queensland to introduce primary-aged students—especially girls—to real career paths in manufacturing. “I was pretty excited when they reached out to me to be a part of it,” she says. “It still very much talks about Mechanical Engineering and the opportunities it offers. The book is planned to launch on 16 July!”

She has also previously volunteered as an advisor with UNIQ You, connecting with girls from high schools around Australia in one-on-one and group calls to share her experiences and answer questions about the profession. “That was really cool to be a part of, and I had some great conversations which I hoped inspired the girls to consider engineering.” She’s also taken part in university outreach and school engagement through UniSQ—something she says she thoroughly enjoys.

When asked what RME’s Aspiration means to her, Nicole says, 

We also asked Nicole what would she say to young women considering a career in engineering?

“There are so many opportunities in engineering—different areas of practice across a range of industries. You can find something in the field that aligns with your interests and passions and make it your career!”

Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your inspiring career journey in celebration of International Women in Engineering Day 2025. Your story is a powerful reminder of how curiosity, collaboration, and commitment shape not only the future of engineering—but also real outcomes for RME's Customers.