September 24, 2025 • 3 min read
Engineering a fresh perspective in geosciences
“Worley backed me to step out of my comfort zone. That’s where the growth started.”
When Suneel Matchala moved to Australia in 2023, he wasn’t just starting a new job, he was stepping into a new frontier of engineering. With a PhD and 17 years of experience in oil and gas, LNG and chemical projects, Suneel could have stayed in his comfort zone. Instead, he chose to do what engineers do best: tackle complexity, stretch his thinking and make a meaningful impact.
Now part of our Perth Geoscience team, Suneel works across tailings, water dams and ground engineering on some of the world’s most environmentally and technically complex mining projects. “At Worley, I’ve found a place where curiosity is encouraged, and capability is backed,” he says.
Engineering with purpose
In Geoscience, we’re solving problems where the ground beneath our feet is just as important as the resources below it in delivering more sustainable change. For Suneel, that’s involved everything from designing safe and resilient tailings storage facilities in Saudi Arabia to helping protect water quality near mining operations in Western Australia.
“One of the most interesting projects I’ve worked on is for one of our major aluminium customers,” says Suneel. “We’re dealing with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination and hydrocarbon risk. We use specialist geosynthetics to safely contain and treat affected water before it's discharged – protecting the environment, people and animals.”
Learning, growing, contributing
Switching from oil and gas to mining wasn’t a challenge – it was an opportunity. With support from his team and leadership, Suneel refreshed his expertise, completed accredited mining courses and brought his global project experience to a new sector. “Worley supported me with training, mentorship and even flexibility for my family. That helped me not just reskill, but to contribute from day one.”
And that contribution goes beyond engineering. Whether he’s onsite investigating unique ground conditions or collaborating with stakeholders and customers, Suneel brings his unique perspective to everything he does.
“It’s a collaborative environment. Our team is open to new ideas and committed to delivering innovative solutions together.”
Growing as a team, personally and professionally
For Suneel, joining our team wasn’t just about the projects, it was about the people. “There’s a strong sense of belonging here,” he says. “We help each other grow, we solve problems as a team, and we make space for life outside work too.”
Now settled in Perth with his family, Suneel spends weekends at his daughter’s dance classes, catching cricket matches with friends and enjoying the work-life balance that makes big challenges feel manageable.
