Meet Baabak | Senior Hydraulic Engineer

Babaak joins us as a Senior Hydraulic Consultant, bringing strong experience across hydraulic, mechanical, and energy engineering with a focus on practical, efficient design outcomes.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

One project I’m particularly proud of involved the redesign of the pressure services system for a high-rise mixed-use development in Sydney. I reviewed and recalculated the hot water (HW) and cold water (CW) systems and identified opportunities to optimise the design while still fully complying with Australian Standards. Through the redesign process, I was able to reduce the required pipe sizes, specify a smaller pump set, and optimise the system using pressure reducing valves (PRVs). This resulted in significant cost savings and reduced plant space requirements for the client. The outcome improved both the efficiency and practicality of the system, and the client was extremely happy with the final result.

What attracted you to join erbas™?

I was attracted to erbas™ because of the company’s strong reputation, collaborative culture, and the opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging projects. I’m excited to continue developing my skills while contributing to the team’s success. I also see erbas™ as a great environment to continue progressing through the Chartered Engineer process with the support of my colleagues.

How have your experiences shaped the way you approach engineering projects?

My background as a mechanical engineer working across hydraulic services, mechanical systems, and energy engineering, along with experience across different countries and project types, has taught me to approach projects with flexibility, strong attention to detail, and a clear focus on coordination and communication.

How do you see hydraulic engineering evolving over the next 5–10 years?

I believe hydraulic engineering will continue moving toward smarter and more sustainable solutions, with greater emphasis on water conservation, digital design integration, and environmentally responsible systems. We will also see a gradual shift toward more electrified building services rather than traditional gas-based systems, with increased use of renewable energy such as solar for hot water systems and other building services. Overall, the industry will become more integrated with energy-efficient and low-carbon design approaches.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my newborn baby. I also try to make time for short trips and visiting different cities around Australia. When possible, I enjoy catching up with my colleagues at erbas™ to get to know them better and build stronger working relationships, which helps improve teamwork and collaboration. In addition, I enjoy learning about construction, sustainability, and property development, as these areas align closely with my professional interests.