In the livestock transport industry, Nicole Brunner combines engineering precision with creative problem-solving as a mechanical design engineer, translating complex technical requirements into tangible products that serve practical needs in the agricultural sector.

The experienced engineer moves seamlessly between digital design and physical manufacturing, finding satisfaction in seeing concepts become reality.

“As a mechanical design engineer, I’m designing new solutions or solving problems for existing ones or making something easier, quicker, more efficient to make,” said Nicole. “It’s a lot of problem solving, and ultimately, for the end user, we’re delivering them a product that’s beneficial—whether it saves time, cost, or is exactly what they need.”

Nicole’s role bridges the conceptual world of engineering design with the practical realities of manufacturing—a connection she finds particularly rewarding.

“I create the designs on the computer and then the next step is to have that design manufactured, to turn it into a full-scale final product—bringing it to life,” said Nicole. “The manufacturing process is what turns it into a tangible product. It’s getting all the components, cutting the components, welding them—putting it all together and assembling it.”

This process of transformation—from digital design to physical product—provides continuous satisfaction throughout her nine years in the field.

Her interest in engineering had deeper roots in childhood curiosity, though her career path wasn’t initially clear.

“I was always interested in knowing how things worked. I loved to read books. My dad was a mechanic, so he always had cars up the back in the shed, and I was always up there asking questions and making little things with Dad and my sister,” said Nicole. “Initially, in high school, I was pursuing being a pilot. But then things changed a bit with that, and I decided, oh, I like engineering as well.”

What keeps Nicole engaged is the blend of creative and analytical thinking that manufacturing engineering requires—a combination not always associated with technical fields.

“I love that we get to solve problems and create new designs. There’s a bit of a creative side to it as well as the technical and science-y, maths side, which makes it a great mix,” said Nicole.

This creative-technical blend was evident in one of her most rewarding projects, which followed her from university to real-world application.

“During my final year thesis in engineering, I worked on a thesis project where I developed a new steering system for a machine. After graduation, a customer wanted to buy this particular design, so I was part of the team that completed the final detailed design, manufactured it, tested it, and delivered it,” said Nicole. “I later got to see videos of it being used in South America, which was really cool.”

While gender remains a numerical minority in her field, Nicole’s experience has been positive and focused on her technical contributions rather than her gender.

Drawing from her own experiences, Nicole encourages younger people to remain open to different pathways while pursuing their interests.

“There are so many different opportunities out there. When I was in high school, I was set on being a pilot, but things change, and you find new paths,” said Nicole. “I think it’s about seeing the cool and impressive things we do manufacture. A lot of people don’t think about how things are made, but when they see the process, it can spark interest.”

Through her work bridging engineering design and physical manufacturing, Nicole exemplifies how technical expertise can be combined with creativity to solve problems and create products that make a tangible difference.