With over 40 years of hands-on experience, Raj’s approach is shaped by a lifelong dedication to learning. As he humbly puts it, quoting a saying from his mother tongue, Tamil:
“What I have learnt will fit in a palm, whilst what I have to learn is as vast as the oceans.”
Raj’s career has seen him tackle some of the most technically demanding environments in Australia’s industrial landscape. From reviewing safety-critical systems for lithium refineries, to auditing hazardous area compliance across large process plants, his work always begins with a deep understanding of risk and ends with systems that are safer, more reliable, and better aligned to client needs.
What makes Raj’s audits and reviews stand out is the rigour he applies at every step. Whether he is on site conducting a boots-on-ground audit or leading a remote desktop review, Raj ensures every detail is considered. His understanding of hazardous zones, equipment selection, and compliance with evolving standards gives clients the clarity they need to operate safely and confidently.
He also brings significant depth as a Functional Safety expert, with certifications such as Functional Safety Engineer (TuV Rhineland, Germany), Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), and an Advanced Diploma in Hazardous Area Classification. Raj’s expertise allows him to support clients through full lifecycle safety system assessments, starting from concept and risk analysis, all the way to commissioning and documentation.
“People often underestimate the documentation involved, or the need to track the competencies of everyone involved in maintaining those systems,” he says. “There’s a lot more to it than ticking boxes.”
One of his standout projects involved designing protective
systems around an unmanned rockbreaker at BHP’s Area C mine. While the
automation captured attention, it was Raj’s carefully considered safety systems,
protecting both people and equipment, that enabled the technology to succeed in
a real-world mining environment.
He’s also led compliance reviews and safety system support
for major facilities like the Tianqi Lithium refinery, Covalent Lithium, and
Hastings Technology Metals. These projects required not just technical skill,
but the kind of foresight that comes from years in the field.
Today, with increasing demand for critical minerals and
growing complexity across process industries, the need for trusted experts in
hazardous areas and functional safety has never been greater. Raj offers a rare
combination of hands-on knowledge, accredited training, and a steady, practical
approach that our clients value.
At this stage in his career, Raj finds joy not just in
solving problems, but in mentoring others and sharing what he’s learned. He is
keenly aware of the talent gap in his field. He’s noticed a growing shortage of
skilled engineers in Australia, especially in Perth, and wants to see more
young professionals commit to the journey of ongoing learning.
“Too often people treat the certificate as the destination,” he says. “But really, it’s just the entry ticket. You’ve just stepped through the starting gate.”
In a field where the smallest error can have the biggest consequences, Raj’s experience, insight, and integrity continue to shape safer workplaces and inspire the engineers who follow in his footsteps.
He knows the work he does has real-world consequences, and that’s what continues to drive him.
“I get to leave a site knowing that what we built or reviewed will help someone stay safe. That matters to me.”
To learn more or start a conversation about your next project, get in touch with us today.
