Steve Saunders: Seizing every opportunity

From overseeing core and shutdown maintenance services at the Karratha Gas Plant to spearheading a specialist project replacing the Pluto LNG plant BOG flare tips, there hasn’t been a dull moment for Steve Saunders on his career path within the energy industry.  

Steve first joined the Monadelphous Energy team in October 2011 as Project Manager on the Operations and Maintenance contract on Gorgon.  

From there, he moved into estimating, supporting tender submissions and managing the team at the Mereene Oil and Gas field in the Northern Territory. Steve then took a bold shift from energy, stepping into the role of Plant Manager at the Brockway Advanced Waste Treatment Pilot Plant, before transitioning back to the Energy team on the Wheatstone FM project. Never one to shy away from challenges, Steve also took the helm at the EMRC wood waste to energy plant.  

In 2023, Steve took on a Project Manager role on the Northern Endeavour decommissioning project as Project Manager – Hull Repair Campaign, marking another chapter in his diverse career. 

Steve said his career so far has been shaped by seizing opportunities for collaboration with teammates and continuous learning, as well as taking up new challenges. 

"For me it’s about working with people and learning anything new wherever possible – it's rewarding to deliver a project safely and with a happy team," he said. 

"I started my working life as an electrical fitter in the marine industry, before branching out into industrial refrigeration. 

“After spending a decade in the offshore oil and gas industry, I ran my own electrical service company in Perth.  

“Eventually, I ventured into project delivery and management, meeting Monadelphous during my time on the Gorgon contract." 

Born in Bromsgrove, England, Steve arrived in Australia as a “10-pound pom” in 1967. His eclectic background includes encounters with royalty, maritime adventures, and even witnessing the eye of TC Olivier with the fastest wind gust on record. Steve is also the proud father of Amy and Ben and, in his own words, "loves anything to do with water, except for learning to surf!" 

 As for the future, Steve's approach is refreshingly spontaneous.  

"I never really planned my career direction too much,” he said.  

“A door opens, and I step through and give it a try – which can lead to exciting new challenges such as offshore decommissioning work.”