2024 ASI Steel Excellence Awards: National Winner - Young Achiever
Mohammed Kassira’s journey in the engineering world is one marked by ambition, expertise, and a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Currently a structural design engineer at Robert Bird Group, Mohammed’s contributions to key infrastructure projects position him as a formidable young talent in the construction industry.
Mohammed Kassira graduated from the University of New South Wales in 2022, joining Robert Bird Group Sydney as a structural design engineer.
Mohammed has been instrumental in the design and development of high-impact projects during his tenure at Robert Bird Group, including the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport (SSTOM) line, Seven Hills High School Vocational Education and Training (VET) Facility, and the Crows Nest Metro Station.
His work on the SSTOM project, specifically within the stabling and maintenance facility package, showcases his proficiency in complex structural analysis and design. Tasked with creating structural components like 90m long platform galleries and a 40m wide steel masonry security building, Mohammed’s role required coordination with multi-disciplinary teams to meet tight project deadlines while ensuring design accuracy.
Before his role at Robert Bird Group, Mohammed gained invaluable experience at Bayside Council. Starting as a student engineer, he quickly became a development engineer, working on extensive projects like multi-use developments of over 700 units. This early exposure equipped him with practical insights into sustainable construction, stormwater management, and traffic impact assessment, skills that have become foundational in his approach to environmentally conscious design.
Alongside his technical expertise, Mohammed demonstrates strong project management skills. At Robert Bird Group, he managed updates for construction documentation on the Crows Nest Metro Station project, coordinating closely with architects and project stakeholders to ensure precise execution.
His leadership experience is further evidenced by his involvement with Global Consulting Group at university, where he managed pro bono projects, gaining skills in risk and time management.
Mohammed’s commitment to sustainability is a defining trait of his career. Believing that structural engineers have both the opportunity and responsibility to reduce carbon impact, he strives to optimize designs for material efficiency. This commitment extends to his role at Bayside Council, where he helped draft specifications promoting sustainable urban infrastructure, including electric vehicle accommodations and enhanced public transport access.
Equally passionate about giving back, Mohammed has been involved in multiple not-for-profit organisations. In particular, Mohammed was heavily involved with the UNSW branch of Engineers Without Borders (EWB), holding key positions over the years including Vice President – Marketing. Mohammed volunteered for EWB on various occasions particularly through their School Outreach Program, which involved running STEM workshops and promoting engineering careers to school aged students. Mohammed was also involved in various other capacities, including as a researcher for accelerating energy access in Cambodia with EWB Australia.
Mohammed continues to volunteer in similar capacities, most recently having been involved in Engineers Australia’s Engineers in Classrooms program, attending workshops at the University of Sydney and East Hills Girls High School.
His influence as an educator extends into his role as a project management tutor at the University of Technology Sydney, where he helps budding engineers grasp essential project lifecycle concepts.
With a career driven by technical excellence, sustainability, and community service, Mohammed exemplifies the qualities of an emerging leader in the field of engineering.
