From the drafting table to engineering excellence, Chris Scuderi’s stellar career is built on some of Australia’s biggest water infrastructure projects.
From the drafting table to engineering excellence, IPS Senior Project Engineer Chris Scuderi has built an impressive career on the back of some of Australia’s most significant water infrastructure projects that will serve the community for decades.
His journey began in Ayr, North Queensland, where an early fascination with drawing led him into drafting. Starting as a cadet draftsman, Chris quickly realised his ambitions stretched beyond the drafting table.
Determined to expand his expertise, he pursued an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering, followed by a Bachelor of Technology and, ultimately, a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours – all while working full-time. Twelve years of dedication transformed him from a draftsman into a highly skilled civil engineer.
“It was a long road,” Chris reflects, “but I had great mentors and a lot of support along the way. I just kept setting new goals and pushing forward.”
Alongside his degrees, Chris further honed his expertise with a Diploma of Project Management, a Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision, a Certificate IV in Surface Coal Mining, and a Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations – qualifications that set him apart as a leader with true breadth and specialised knowledge in his field.
Today, Chris focuses on large-scale water infrastructure projects, including dams, weirs and civil works. As a Project Manager assisting Downer Group – one of IPS’s major clients – he is currently focused on Urban Utilities’ water and waste program.
“The best part of my job is seeing a project come to life. Years from now, I’ll be able to take my son and show him what we built.”
Chris’s drafting background gives him an edge in the field, allowing him to foresee challenges and streamline construction processes. “That foundation has been invaluable,” he explains. “It helps me bridge the gap between design and execution.”
Beyond technical expertise, Chris thrives on teamwork and problem-solving.
“A big part of my role is ensuring site operations run smoothly and avoiding interferences – making sure crews can work efficiently and safely. It’s all about communication, collaboration and adaptability.”
When reflecting on his most memorable career moments to date, Chris points to large-scale projects like the Fairbairn Dam Improvement and Rookwood Weir – both crucial for Queensland’s water security.
“It’s not often you get to work on projects of that scale from start to finish, over the course of several years,” he says.
Since joining IPS 14 months ago, Chris has become an instrumental member of the team and feels closely aligned with the company’s core values.
“The team here is incredible. Everyone is great! The leadership invests in us, and we get to work on exciting projects with great clients. Sascha (IPS Managing Director) and I previously worked at the same company, and one day I got a message on LinkedIn from her about an opportunity at her new startup. From there, the rest was history!”
Outside of work, Chris is a dedicated father, soccer enthusiast and self-proclaimed office DJ. His curated Spotify playlists – like ‘Chilled Flavoured Milk’ and ‘Songs That Sound Like Target Country’ – have become an IPS office tradition, keeping spirits high on Fridays.
Recently achieving his Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation, Chris is a big believer in continuous learning and growth.
“I feel very lucky and thankful for the opportunity to get CPEng accredited. The qualification is about demonstrating competency and understanding what standards are required of us in the industry, and our responsibilities.
“Engineering is always evolving – new technologies and new standards – so it’s important to keep learning and adapting.”
His advice for aspiring engineers? “Be curious, ask plenty of questions, and remember to develop your communication skills.”
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