Insights

Meet Claire Graham. Claire is a Data Engineer with Aurizon’s Technology division and has enjoyed a diverse career with our company spanning more than 15 years. 

From commercial and finance positions to business improvement and operational system deployment roles, Claire’s positive attitude, passion and willingness to try new things has enabled her to take on a world of opportunities.

Claire has taken her career to new heights by contributing significantly to one of Aurizon's pivotal operational technology projects, 'TrainHealth.' Her involvement included the development of the Locomotive Condition Analyser and Aurizon’s Alert Framework. 

Claire's outstanding contributions have been recognised by the Queensland Resources Council and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland, winning the Technological Innovation Award on International Women’s Day 2024.

Read Claire’s story…

Innovating for a promising future.

As a Data Engineer, Claire has a pivotal role in optimising and managing data to enhance operational efficiency within our organisation. Claire is currently involved in Aurizon’s myANALYTICS project, where she spearheads the data model transition to a state-of-the-art, sustainable cloud-based platform, harnessing cutting-edge technology. 

“In my current role, I'm overseeing the migration of Aurizon's locomotive sensor information to a modern, scalable platform - Microsoft Fabric. This platform efficiently handles the processing of high-volume data while seamlessly integrating valuable insights from enterprise and operational sources” Claire said. 

“By consolidating data onto a unified platform, advanced industry capabilities will be made possible with real-time data processing. This includes resource allocation optimisation, supply chain visibility, locomotive monitoring, energy efficiency and sustainability targets, and predictive maintenance.”

Leading in her field.

We’re thrilled to see Claire win the Queensland Resources Council/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland Awards for Women’s Technological Innovation Award on International Women’s Day 2024, for her outstanding contributions. 

In her work with Aurizon’s Locomotive Condition Analyser, Claire worked alongside a Condition Monitoring Engineer (SME) and a Data Scientist where she developed a technology solution that enables our Locomotive Maintenance team to move from time/reactive-based maintenance to condition-based maintenance, supporting the path to predictive maintenance. 

“The Locomotive Condition Analyser which is underpinned by the Aurizon Alert Framework monitors the condition of critical locomotive components and engine performance. The framework taps into existing data sources, such as event recorders, to gather real-time data to help improve locomotive reliability, problem diagnosis, driving behaviours and operational safety,” Claire said.

“I feel a deep sense of honour to be recognised as a finalist in the Technological Innovation category. However, I am aware that this achievement is a result of the talent, collaboration, and support from the wider project team.

“This award encourages me to recognise my accomplishments. I believe women bring unique perspectives when contributing to the development of innovative ideas and improved solutions and this award supports that belief.”

Take advantage of opportunities.

Claire started out in commercial roles and by taking on different internal opportunities that appealed to her, she has been able to build her technical capabilities to become a capable and innovative Data Engineer.

“Throughout my career with Aurizon, I have primarily taken secondment opportunities to develop my career which has led me to a career I am passionate about,” Claire said.
“It has been a journey to figure out exactly what my career aspirations are, and I've found that secondments have been instrumental in this process. They've not only enabled me to expand my network but also to bolster my knowledge and skillset along the way.

“If you are in a job that you are not passionate about, don’t be afraid to venture outside of your comfort zone. If you're afraid of an opportunity, trying it may be a good idea. This could help you build confidence, and you may often find that you can do what you think you can’t!

“I take pride in pushing myself to embrace new challenges, including the successful transition into the Data Engineering team. I am particularly proud of the technical skills I've cultivated over the past few years.” 

Be supported in your career.

When Claire first started out in Data Engineering, the team and discipline was predominantly male. Now there is much more gender balance.
“I work with the most amazing team – they’re like family. For a while, I was the only female in the team, whereas now we’re starting to get a lot more women in our field. The guys in the team have always been a huge support of my career and development, and willing to share their knowledge and experience to help me,” Claire said. 
“We have such a diverse organisation that really recognises the value women bring to the organisation.

“I’ve had several development opportunities including being mentored – both formally and informally. I’ve also participated in programs such as Aurizon’s Rail 101 which enables you to go on site and learn firsthand about our operations, which has been invaluable for my work.

“Aurizon also provides a collaborative environment, ongoing professional development opportunities, inclusion at all levels, diverse leadership, leaders who are visible and accessible and great benefits.

“Whether you’re currently with Aurizon or looking to join Aurizon, the career opportunities here are endless.” 

Look to Aurizon to grow your career with a company changing the future of freight transportation in Australia. Join our Talent Community to stay informed of new opportunities. Visit  www.aurizon.com.au/careers