Andrea Edney did not set out chasing titles or promotions. She focused on solving problems, doing good work, and staying true to what mattered in her life. The result has been a career that has grown steadily, and on her own terms. Now an Associate Director at SYSTRA, Andrea has spent more than two decades working across some of Australia’s most significant infrastructure projects. Yet her path has never been a straight line.
She began as an undergraduate engineer on the M5 East tunnels, at the time the longest driven road tunnels in Australia.
“I never left. I loved the environment. That early exposure to complex, high-impact work set the tone for what followed.”
– Andrea Edney
From there, Andrea moved through major projects including the Cross City Tunnel and the T-Way. She made deliberate choices to broaden her experience, even when others questioned them.
“I was told road building would be boring and that I would hate it,” she recalls.
Instead, she found value in working closely with communities and learning from experienced colleagues, including a foreman with more than 50 years in construction.
Her career then brought her to Brisbane for the Clem7 tunnel project, where she worked across all aspects of tunnelling. It was a defining period.
“I was involved in everything from pre-cast segments to roadheader and TBM tunnels. It gave me a really deep understanding of how everything connects.”
After starting a family, Andrea’s career shifted again. She returned to the workforce in roles that were not always stable, including positions that were made redundant. She also worked on diverse bids across industries, from infrastructure to humanitarian programs. Eventually, she made a conscious decision to step away and wait for something that better aligned with her life.
That opportunity came through Bamser, now part of SYSTRA.
“I had heard of Bamser through the tunnelling industry and knew they had a great reputation. I wasn’t looking for the role that was advertised, but I saw the chance to shape something that suited my skills and the balance I wanted.”
Joining a small trenchless team of three, Andrea stepped into consulting for the first time. She also entered a space where she had limited design experience. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, she leaned into it.
“I’ve developed my knowledge in trenchless and trenchless design from the ground up. Having people around me who are willing to share their experience has made a huge difference.”
That support has been central to her progression. Over six years, Andrea has moved from Consultant to Senior Consultant, Associate, and now Associate Director. Each step has come through recognition from leadership rather than self-promotion.
“I’ve never sought promotion. I’ve always been put forward by our leadership team. That kind of recognition means a lot.”
Today, her role has shifted from purely technical problem solving to developing people and shaping outcomes.
“I still love getting into the details and finding the best solution. But now, the reward is also in helping my team grow and delivering better outcomes together.”
One of the most distinctive aspects of Andrea’s journey is that it has happened while working part-time.
“SYSTRA has been amazing in supporting me to take on more responsibility while remaining part-time. That flexibility allows me to meet my commitments at work and still be there for my family.
– Andrea Edney
Her days are carefully balanced. She meets deadlines, supports her team, and delivers for clients, while also making time for school events, sport, and everyday moments that matter.
“The flexibility means I don’t have to choose between my career and my life.”
Andrea has also seen a noticeable difference in representation since joining SYSTRA. At a recent high-level meeting, a colleague pointed out that the other organisation had no women present.
“It made me realise that I’m rarely the only woman in the room at SYSTRA. Women are well represented across technical, financial, legal, operational and leadership roles.”
That sense of belonging has reinforced her decision to stay and grow her career with the company.
Learning and development at SYSTRA goes beyond formal training. While there are structured programmes and resources, Andrea values something else more.
“The best learning tool is our people. Being able to tap into the experience of our leaders and work closely with them is incredibly valuable.”
Her achievements reflect both her technical expertise and her impact on the industry. In 2023, she was named the inaugural Trenchless Woman of the Year.
Earlier in her career, she received an environmental and sustainability award for developing a recycled road-base material that saved millions on the Clem7 project.
For Andrea, these milestones are meaningful, but they are not the driving force. What matters most is the ability to keep growing, to contribute to projects that matter, and to do so in a way that supports the life she wants to lead.
Her story is a reminder that with the right support, career progression can be shaped around both professional ambition and personal priorities.
