Meet our expert team of engineers. They're here to provide trustworthy and independent advice to de-risk investment in capability development, and provide application guidance in manufacturing technologies from prototyping to large-scale production.
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Leadership Team
Executive Director, Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility
Ben Kitcher
Passion and drive for aerospace manufacturing ultimately led Ben Kitcher to where he is today.
As a graduate mechanical engineer, Ben identified opportunities for process improvements within aerospace manufacturing, developing solutions in new component machinery such as landing gear struts.
Ben’s solutions for aerospace companies and their supply chains built and sustained innovation groups, growing the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing and Research Centre (AMRC).
Now heading up the AMRF, Ben’s experience solving complex manufacturing challenges through trial and research, underpinned by a strong understanding and relationship between manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers, will help will help Australian manufacturing reach new heights.
With the AMRF opening soon, Ben is motivated by the opportunities AI, cloud computing and the role quantum technologies will play in the future.
Technical Leadership
Our Director of Manufacturing Technology brings together world-class manufacturing technology and expert technical staff, to lead project delivery.
Steve Milanoski
Steve has a deep understanding of market requirements and offers expert guidance on manufacturing technology selection and implementation, building high performing technical teams, and qualification of end use components for highly regulated industries.
Over the course of his career he has navigated nuclear submarines in the US Navy, designed and qualified the first metal additive component to fly in space, and most recently established an advanced manufacturing business unit for a local Western Sydney SME. During 8 years at SpaceX he oversaw the development, qualification, flight and reflight of 6 component families with many still in production and flight aboard Falcon 9. Steve serves on the Strategic Advisory Committee for UNSW’s Materials and Manufacturing Futures Institute, was a previous mentor for the National Space Hub at Cicada, and a visiting scientist at CSIRO’s Lab 22.
With his extensive experience in design and manufacturing, Steve is passionate about integrating the latest manufacturing technologies to unlock lucrative markets for local manufacturing, starting here in Western Sydney.
The Lead Engineer, Composites Manufacturing leads the Composites Manufacturing technical team to deliver solutions for industry through the expert utilisation of composites manufacturing processes and equipment.
Nathan Howell
Nathan's areas of expertise include:
- Composites design for manufacture
- Materials testing, destructive and NDT
- Filament winding
- Industrial automation and robotics
- Manufacturing methodologies; lean, 6sigma
- Working in regulated environment
- Working within quality management frameworks, ISO9001, AS9100
Nathan has extensive experience as a mechatronics engineer in aerospace and defence manufacturing.
Nathan designs solutions across industries looking to replace traditional metallic components with carbon fibre to reduce weight and cost. He has previously assisted in commissioning a multi-million-dollar robot to assemble carbon composite wing flaps for large military cargo planes, as well as leading a team to keep production targets in the JSF program (F-35 fighter jets).
Nathan is personally invested in bringing emerging technology in composite manufacturing to Western Sydney, enabling manufacturers to develop new processes into mass production.
The Lead Engineer, Design and Applications will deliver solutions for industry through the expert management and oversight of the design and applications engineering team.
Niraj Shah
Niraj’s Areas of Expertise include:
- Product Development – Various Sectors
- Project Management
- Design for Manufacture and Assembly
- Process Improvement
- Statistical Analysis
- Regulatory Standards - ISO 14708-1, ISO 14708-7, ISO 13485, ISO 9001, AS 1170.4, AS 1403
Niraj is passionate about solving complex engineering problems with innovative and simple solutions. He has experience in developing products from concept to release for diverse sectors including medical, industrial machinery, automation, and robotics.
His experience of designing products for various manufacturing processes such as laser cutting, stamping, tube laser cutting, CNC machining, casting, silicon moulding, vacuum thermoforming and more has enabled him to develop easy to manufacture and cost-effective products.
The Lead Engineer, Precision Machining leads the Precision Machining technical team to deliver solutions for industry through the expert utilisation of precision machining processes and equipment.
Ian Porter
Ian's areas of expertise include:
- Mechanical Engineer
- Machinist
- Design and Fabrication
- Production Manufacturing
Ian’s passion for fabrication was born out of necessity. Growing up on family property in Orange, Ian learned early on if you needed a tool or part to get the job done, it was easier to make it yourself.
Fast forward to 2024, Ian is AMRF’s lead engineer in precision machining.
His desire to increase production capacity while reducing costs through automation, is vital for freeing up staff, allowing them to focus on other important business.
Taking his home-grown knowledge, Ian gained qualifications in mechanical engineering before purchasing a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machine to become an expert machinist, resolving manufacturing issues and producing his own products.
The Workshop Manager maintains the highest levels of operational readiness across the AMRF manufacturing floor, ensuring the coordination of work and asset maintenance activities are delivered to the highest standards.
Callam Walker
Callam’s areas of expertise include:
- WHS/EMS/QMS compliance
- Technical skills
- Work scheduling
- People management
- Asset management
Callam spent 10 years in the Australian Defence Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, monitoring the safety requirements of Australia’s elite defence fleet, before changing gears as an Inspector with Safework NSW, ensuring compliance with Work, Health and Safety Legislation.
Callam has managed everything from precision machining of parts to large scale heavy fabrication of structural steel, including the safety and quality requirements of a large-scale manufacturing hub.
Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the AMRF workshop, Callam puts safety and productivity at the forefront of his work.
The Manager, Process Control offers expert knowledge in designing, developing, and implementing digital systems that support critical engineering business and supply chain functions, including ERP, MES, PLM, and more.
Sean Emery
Sean’s areas of expertise include:
- ISO 9001, ISO 13485, AS 9100 quality standards
- Lean Manufacturing principles
- ERP/MES Implementation
- Process Engineering
Sean has over a decade of manufacturing specialising in diverse sectors such as medical, aerospace, defence, and transport. Sean is a versatile and accomplished engineer with a comprehensive understanding of various manufacturing processes, including injection moulding, compression moulding, CNC machining, and additive manufacturing.
Throughout his career, Sean has served as a quality engineer, ensuring the highest standards of production and product integrity, and as a design engineer, developing innovative solutions tailored to specific industry requirements.
Sean optimises production processes for efficiency and scalability, driving operational excellence within organisations. He enjoys complex challenges and driving sustainable growth for organisations operating in dynamic and competitive markets.
Our Principal Engineer for Additive Manufacturing can provide technical consultations and ‘step-by-step’ guidance on our Additive Manufacturing and Materials Inspection platforms, ensuring project execution aligns with industry best practice and research.
Bau Nguyen
Bau’s areas of expertise include:
- Additive manufacturing with Laser Powder Bed Fusion technology (MetalFab G2)
- Process parameters development for a variety of exotic materials: refractory, high thermal, soft magnetic materials and more
- Mechanical tests.
- Heat treatments of alloys.
With a PhD in Material/Mechanical Engineering, Bau has an extensive research background in the manufacturing industry. Focused on selective laser melting (SLM) of metals through development of laser processing parameters and strategy, Bau prioritises optimisation in the handling processes, design, and additive manufacturing support structures.
Hailing from Singapore where he started as a research fellow at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Bau’s extensive research background will allow him to test parameters of different materials on advanced manufacturing machines.
The Senior Computational Design Engineer can design, develop, and provide optimal design solutions.
This role engages with the full suite of AMRF manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing, precision machining, and composite manufacturing. The Senior Computational Design Engineer can design, develop, and provide optimal design solutions.
James Stokes
James seeks to automate and optimise the digital design effort in manufacturing, leading to optimised performance, cost, and sustainability outcomes.
James' areas of expertise include:
- Solving design/manufacturing/engineering problems utilising available resources within the facility and team
- Multi-method manufacturing: designing for and combining additive, subtractive, and composites
- Using computational design methods (FEA, CFD, Para, Implicit, Brep, Nurbs) to optimise design challenges
Building sounding rockets in his spare time, James loves solving complex manufacturing design issues. James’ diverse background spans across architecture, aerospace engineering, and physics.
James is passionate about the whole process - from design, engineering, science from conception, prototyping and refining, to manufacturing and the final product.
Armed with AMRF’s state-of-the-art machinery, James is poised to tackle any project challenge that comes his way.
The Senior Machinist plays a key role within the workshop team at the AMRF.
They are responsible for operating and maintaining a range of advanced machining equipment to support the facility's manufacturing and research activities.
This includes interpreting technical drawings, programming CNC machines, setting up and operating manual and automated machining tools, and conducting quality checks to ensure precision and accuracy.
Mitch Nunnari
Mitch’s areas of expertise include
- CNC machine installation, servicing and accuracy alignments
- 2 & 3 Axis machining
- 5 Axis milling
- 5 Axis Mill turn CAD/CAM
- Working with quality standards ISO9001 & ISO9100
Mitch spent 5 years in the Australian Defence Force in the Royal Australian Artillery as a Command Post Operator.
Mitch has over a decade of experience in CNC Machining completing his Cert 4 in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked in Various manufacturing industries such as Aerospace, Defence, Mining and Transport. He is factory trained in 5-Axis milling and Millturn machines spending time at OEM factories in both Japan and Germany. He has worked for the last 6 years installing CNC machinery and training a wide variety of workshops on 5-Axis machining, Mill turn and 2 & 3 axis machining.
Mitch has a very keen interest in building manufacturing in Australia and sharing knowledge about emerging machining technology and practices.
The Senior Manufacturing Engineer at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) is responsible for programming CNC machines for precision machining. Collaborating with vendors and internal teams, they ensure seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies to enhance production efficiency and quality.
Luke Purnell
Luke’s areas of expertise include:
- Precision Manufacturing
- CAM Programming
- 3 & 5 Axis Milling
- Machine Optimisation
Luke began his career as an apprentice toolmaker, where he developed a strong foundation in the fundamentals of manufacturing and cultivated a deep passion for the field. He has since taken on additional responsibilities, including machining, CAM programming, project management, and people leadership. With over a decade of experience in manufacturing, Luke has worked across industries such as Medical, Defence, Mining, and Aerospace.
While continuing his career in manufacturing, Luke earned a Bachelor of Computer Science, enabling him to merge his technical expertise with software-driven solutions to create customised approaches to industry challenges.
Luke is excited to contribute to the industry that has shaped his career and looks forward to giving back through innovative solutions and continued collaboration.
Program Leadership
The Director of Partnerships leads stakeholder and market engagement for the AMRF. The Director manages client relationships, project service agreements, the AMRF membership program, the NSW-based university network, and marketing and communications activities.
Maegan Baker
Maegan joins the AMRF team with over 15 years of experience in strategic project management across state and federal government, higher education, and the not-for-profit sector.
Maegan holds degrees in Arts (BA), Law (JD), Project Management (MPM), and Business (PhD), and brings a comprehensive understanding of developing and delivering complex multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Additionally, Maegan is a published author in the Journal of Business Ethics, and the Network for Business Sustainability.
Maegan is passionate about collaborative problem-solving that puts outcomes for clients at the centre of her work.
The Director, Governance and Security is accountable for operational governance, risk and security matters, in both the corporate and public sector facets of AMRF's business.
Antonia Kendall
Antonia has over 15 years of experience in security, risk, governance and digital enablement in the public sector, in Australia and overseas.
She is passionate about the role governments can play in unlocking and enabling economic growth, uptake of advanced technologies, and amplifying local industries' competitiveness in global markets.
The Director, Operations, leads, directs and coordinates research, skills and technology for Bradfield Development Authority with an initial focus on the identification of strategic priority areas and initiatives required to develop the Advanced Manufacturing and Research Precinct (AMRP) and Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF). This role also leads all research work required alongside government agencies, peak industry bodies, research organisations, universities and other relevant stakeholders.
The Director of Operations is responsible for strategic business planning, budgeting and resource management as well as leading the development of the AMRF Second Facility.
Harley de Burgh
Harley has 13 years’ experience in Government in senior commercial and policy roles, including leading major commercial transactions for the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.
Harley has a strong understanding of economic and manufacturing policy as well as developing business operations.
He is particularly interested in how the intersection between technology, public policy and business can drive innovation and better economic outcomes.
The Associate Director actively identifies and pursues engagement opportunities with the broader manufacturing ecosystem. They connect businesses, suppliers, and stakeholders to the facility's capabilities, leveraging advanced technologies and expertise to address current and emerging market opportunities.
David Fox
David creates pathways that facilitate the integration of AMRF technologies, skills, and know-how into organisations. He addresses manufacturing challenges and enhances a facility's profile and participation in the wider industrial ecosystem.
Starting out as an apprentice fitter machinist in a traditional machine shop, David's vast experience in Western Sydney manufacturing spans more than 30 years.
From machining, drafting, sales and CAM programming in the machine building segment to project engineering and general management roles, David went on to explore the integration of digital technologies into manufacturing and industrial processes.
With sound understanding of local manufacturing needs and hands on experience, David is a strong advocate for the sector and a critical member of the AMRF team.
The Associate Director, Business Development is responsible for driving growth and strategic partnerships through industry engagement, identifying new business opportunities, fostering client relationships, and expanding the company's network. They provide strategic and operational direction of the AMRF’s market positioning, develop effective strategies, conduct market research, and stay updated on industry trends. Their goal is to ensure the AMRF’s success through collaboration and expansion of the business.
Mark Helou
Mark is a seasoned Business Development professional with over a decade of experience. He brings a remarkable blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking to the table. With a BEng in Mechatronics and Automation and a PhD in Manufacturing Engineering and Management, his success across diverse industries like Medical, Defence, and Infrastructure is a testament to his ability to foster long-term partnerships, identify lucrative business opportunities, and cultivate strong client relationships that drive significant market expansion.
Mark's approach extends far beyond mere relationship building. His diverse background encompasses engineering, R&D, product management, and business development roles. This unique blend allows him to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders, from technical engineers to high-level executives. Adding another dimension to his expertise, Mark is a published author with over 500 citations for his research in additively manufactured lattice structures. This not only underscores his passion for innovation but also positions him to translate cutting-edge advancements into tangible solutions for the AMRF's potential partners.
The Associate Director, Operations coordinates multiple functional teams and strategic initiatives to ensure the delivery of the AMRF aligns with its business objectives and stakeholder expectations. They are responsible for implementing adequate processes and practices across the AMRF, including formulating strategy, improving performance, managing resources and securing compliance.
Eugena Li
Eugena has a multifaceted academic background, holding multiple engineering degrees including a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering and a PhD in Chemical Engineering.
Her achievements are complemented by an equally diverse career, encompassing roles in manufacturing, social compliance, academia, and IT. This blend of experiences has equipped her with a unique perspective on the intersection of engineering disciplines and their practical applications in various sectors.
Currently serving as the Associate Director of Operations at the AMRF, Eugena leverages her comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and industry dynamics to foster stakeholder relationships in the advanced manufacturing ecosystem and tackle program delivery challenges.
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