A day in the life of....a Project Engineering Team Leader

27 Aug 2010

As a Project Team Leader, Nathan Cornish plays a key role in driving Australia’s digital television and radio infrastructure roll-outs—and he’s only 28 years old!

For Project Team Leader, Nathan Cornish, managing and mentoring a national team of engineers is just part of a regular day at the office. Nathan and his team conceptualise, design and implement a variety of broadcast infrastructure projects, ensuring the rapid roll-out of Australia's digital television and radio services.

In addition to managing ongoing client expectations, a typical day for Nathan includes designing entire new broadcast infrastructure systems, from audio/video input and digital encoding technology, to multiplexing, combining, transmission and antenna systems. Nathan also manages client requests, addresses project-specific technical inquiries and oversees installation and commissioning activities.

A rising star

A rising star, Nathan has already taken the lead on many landmark projects, such as the recent DAB+ digital radio trial in Canberra, where digital radio services were delivered by leveraging existing DTV broadcast infrastructure. Nathan has also played a significant role in the delivery of Australia's digital community television services and numerous other DTV and digital radio projects.

According to Nathan, one of the highlights of his role is being involved in the end-to-end development of some of Australia's key broadcast infrastructure projects—from design, through to implementation, commissioning and ongoing support. "It's a real buzz to experience the projects you have designed or been involved in go through the construction stage and come online as planned," he said. "More so when it's an 'industry first' or the application of new innovative technology."

A collaborative process

Nathan has a similar enthusiasm for the camaraderie he shares with his team members. "With each project unique in its complexity and the challenges it presents, collaborative problem solving is essential," he said. "There is a big emphasis on teamwork within the engineering group. This really comes to the fore when we're on-site."

Nathan and his team members often find themselves on site for installation and commissioning. "It's on these trips that we have the opportunity to obtain terrific hands-on experience and strengthen relationships within the project team," said Nathan. "So far, I've had the opportunity to work with a bunch of great people and visit some really interesting parts of the country."

Demonstrating a maturity and aptitude for technology beyond his years, Nathan's future looks bright. With an eagerness to take-on challenges and make a difference, Nathan is sure to play a key role in driving Australia's broadcast development—watch out senior management! 

A promising start

Starting his career at Broadcast Australia with a six-month internship, Nathan has risen rapidly to his current position, impressing colleagues and the wider Australian broadcast community. A natural high achiever, Nathan has previously been awarded an Alcatel Engineering Scholarship, the 'Engineering Prize' from the Australian Institute of Management, and made the 'Dean's List' at the University of Technology, Sydney, four years in a row. 

Picture caption:  Project Team Leader Nathan Cornish

← Back to main 'Amplify' newsletter page