Ensuring technical excellence
Post CORE2026, we spoke with Engineering Consultant Louis Papalia about his scholarship recipiency, recent NER and RPEQ qualifications, and his role focusing on engineering assurance at Rail Confidence.
Q: Hey Louis, how was CORE? Can you tell us about your scholarship and experience at the conference?
Louis: CORE was an incredible experience! Energising, welcoming, and a real reminder of how much innovation is happening across the rail sector. Being awarded the scholarship was a privilege, and it gave me the chance to engage with leaders across the industry, sit in on technical sessions, and connect with other early‑career engineers who are shaping the future of rail.
Q: What is your role at Rail Confidence? What does a normal day look like for you?
Louis: At Rail Confidence, my role centres on engineering assurance, compliance assessments, and supporting operators with clear, practical technical guidance. A typical day can involve anything from reviewing CAD models and preparing documentation, to conducting inspections, analysing test data, or working with clients to solve real‑world engineering problems.
Q: What’s it like working in the rail industry? Any advice for an engineer just starting out??
Louis: Working in the rail industry is genuinely rewarding. It’s technical, safety‑critical, and full of opportunities to learn. No two days are the same, and you’re constantly exposed to new systems, standards, and challenges.
For engineers just starting out, my advice is to stay curious, ask questions, and get as much hands‑on exposure as you can. The industry values people who are willing to learn and take ownership.
Q: What do you like about working at Rail Confidence?
Louis: What I enjoy most about Rail Confidence is the technical variety, no two projects feel the same, and I get to work across different vehicle types, operators, and environments.
A lot of my work is centred on compliance testing, engineering assessments, and technical reviews and reporting, so I’m constantly exposed to new systems and challenges.
I also really value the travel; being able to visit rail vehicles, workshops, and test sites around Australia keeps the job dynamic and hands‑on.
Q: You recently completed your RPEQ. What have been some of your proudest career moments?
Louis: Completing my NER and RPEQ was a major milestone, it represents years of building technical capability, taking on responsibility, and developing real depth in rail engineering. Along the way, I’ve gained expertise across compliance testing, engineering assurance, CAD‑based assessments, and working with a wide range of rolling stock and operators.
Another major highlight was my secondment at Plasser Australia, where I learned a huge amount about on‑track machines, maintenance practices, and the practical realities of rail operations. That experience broadened my understanding of the industry and strengthened the engineering judgement I bring back into my work at Rail Confidence. Altogether, these milestones have shaped me into a more confident, capable, and well‑rounded engineer.
For engineers just starting out, my advice is to stay curious, ask questions, and get as much hands‑on exposure as you can.
Louis Papalia
Shannon Thomas
Operations Support
