Spotlight on Rumbidzai Shamhu: Engineering as the technical backbone of Sydney Desalination Plant

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science (IDWGS) is a reminder that building inclusive futures takes more than technical excellence alone.

This year’s theme, “Synergizing AI, Social Science, STEM and Finance: Building Inclusive Futures for Women and Girls”, speaks to a reality we see every day in essential infrastructure. The best outcomes happen when decisions are shaped by people who understand systems, risk, operations, and the long-term value of investment.

At Sydney Desalination Plant (SDP), that intersection is where Rumbidzai Shamhu works.

Rumbi sits at the point where complex engineering meets day-to-day operations and capital delivery. Her roles involves helping ensure the Plant remains reliable, safe, and ready to support Sydney’s water supply when it’s needed.

We spoke with Rumbi about her pathway into site-based engineering and why sustainable water and energy solutions matter now more than ever.

“A desalination Plant is a system of systems.”

In one sentence, how do you describe what you do at Sydney Desalination Plant, and why does it matter?

I help make sure the Plant’s capital upgrades are delivered on time and as intended, so the Plant stays reliable and ready to support Sydney’s water supply when it’s needed.

You describe your expertise as “systems design and management of operations.” What does that look like in practice on an operational drinking water Plant?

It’s a mix of understanding the technical detail and also how the Plant is actually run day-to-day. A desalination Plant is really a system of systems, so a big part of my job is making sure a design change or upgrade improves the Plant overall and doesn’t create new risks for the operators and maintainers.

That “system of systems” mindset matters because changes rarely sit in isolation. A new piece of equipment or process upgrade can shift workloads, introduce new failure modes, or create safety and maintainability challenges if operator realities aren’t designed in from the start.

What’s the personal “why” behind your focus on sustainable water and energy solutions?

It’s about impact. Water security is something that affects everyone, and I like working on infrastructure that really matters. Doing work that genuinely makes a difference is a big motivator for me. Sustainability in desalination is often discussed in terms of technology but it’s also about choices; how we prioritise upgrades, how we manage risk, how we plan investment, and how we use data to improve efficiency over time. It’s STEM, yes, but it’s also decision-making, governance, and long-term value.

What’s the short version of your engineering journey?

I’ve always been drawn to practical engineering work where you can see the outcome. Early on, I was fascinated by learning how things work on site and how all the moving parts of a Plant fit together. That hands-on foundation naturally led me into capital works and project delivery, because I enjoy helping turn technical ideas into real, working solutions. I really value that the projects we deliver have a lasting impact, improving safety, reliability, and performance for years to come.

Were there mentors, sponsors, or teams that helped accelerate your growth?

Yes, definitely. There have been people who provided me with guidance, shared their knowledge, answered my questions, and supported my development every step of the way. Others also trusted me with responsibility and gave me opportunities to work on projects that exposed me to new experiences and shaped my career.

How do you ensure capital works are “operator-friendly” once handed over, especially in a high-consequence environment like desalination?

Stakeholders from across the business are involved early in the project, not just at the delivery stage. Input from operations, maintenance, and other teams ensures the work is practical, safe, and effective. This is where social science quietly shows up in engineering. Communication, change adoption, human factors, and the lived experience of the people who operate and maintain the Plant plays a crucial factor.

What does innovation look like in your role?

Sometimes it’s an asset upgrade to improve performance, efficiency, or reliability, or improving the way we deliver projects through better planning, stronger governance, enhanced quality checks, and clearer accountability. Even small changes in how we work can have a big impact on Plant availability and reliability. That combination of technical innovation and delivery discipline is also where finance connects capital upgrades must create measurable value and be delivered with the accountability that major infrastructure demands.

Where do you see the biggest opportunities right now to improve sustainability in desalination, especially energy use?

Most large desalination plants around the world have been built in the last 20–30 years, and the sector is still relatively new, even though reverse osmosis membrane technology has been around for decades. There’s significant potential to make better use of data to optimise operations, anticipate maintenance needs, and reduce energy use. The sector is still evolving; even incremental improvements can have a major impact on sustainability. As AI and advanced analytics become more accessible, the opportunity is not just “more data,” but better decisions. For example, predicting maintenance before failures occur, reducing energy intensity through optimisation, and learning continuously from how the Plant performs in the real world.

What has it been like building a career in site-based engineering?

It’s been challenging in the best way. Site-based engineering teaches you quickly, because you’re close to real consequences and real decision-making. My advice is to back yourself, ask questions early, learn from the people around you and immerse yourself fully in every opportunity. Confidence, curiosity, and persistence are key to navigating and thriving in these environments.

What do you want women and girls considering engineering to know about careers in water infrastructure?

It’s meaningful work. You’re contributing to something essential while enhancing your technical skills, leadership, and problem-solving in a tangible, real-world environment. There is space for different strengths, different pathways, and the opportunity to continuously learn and grow while working on projects that truly matter.

If you could give a new graduate or apprentice one piece of practical advice to thrive at a Plant like SDP, what would it be?

Be curious and take the time to really understand the Plant. Walk it, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to get hands-on. The more you see how systems operate in real life, the stronger your engineering judgement becomes, and the better equipped you are to make practical, effective decisions.