Martha Oplopiadis is a trailblazer in Australia’s transport sector.
Her work in engineering, leadership, and major infrastructure projects shows what women can achieve with skill and determination in a male-dominated field.
The Greek Australian engineer plays a key role in the Metro Tunnel Project, one of Victoria’s biggest public transport undertakings.
She recently made history as the first woman appointed President-Elect of the Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia – nearly a century after the organisation was established.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos about this significant milestone, Oplopiadis said she was “very happy” to represent women in this field.
“I feel extremely proud because I know it is such a significant moment and an event that hasn’t happened for a very, very long time and we probably never thought that it would be possible.”
As an engineer with a “multifaceted” career, she feels “humbled and honoured” by her appointment at SAE, viewing it as “a reflection of the consistent hard work” she’s dedicated to her profession.
Encouraging more women to take up engineering
For Oplopiadis, engineering offers a “wide range of opportunities” to “make difference and improve the livelihood within communities.”
From manufacturing and product development to construction, rail, and infrastructure, her diverse experience showcases “the field’s incredible range and versatility.”
Working in a male-dominated sector has not been a problem for her.
Oplopiadis is focused on solving problems, planning strategically, and delivering safe, reliable solutions that benefit both the community and shareholders.
She believes it’s important for more women to enter the profession to provide a more diverse representation, enriched perspectives and ideas to the table.
“This leads to improved and innovative solutions.”
Oplopiadis supports STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
She said, these “skills are essential for our growing economy.”
“Having women contribute to the sector increases our technological advancement and improves our sustainability.”
As for her advice to women?
“I have never stopped learning. I encourage women to be open minded and take up engineering. It is rewarding.”
Metro Tunnel Project
Oplopiadis is no stranger to managing complex projects across both the private and public sectors.
Currently working on the Metro Tunnel Project, a city shaping project, she is collaborating with stakeholders on decision making and driving the project forward.
Throughout her career with Alstom, General Motors Holden, and Ford Motor Company, she has developed strong skills in finance, commercial operations, and project management.
Society of Automotive Engineers Australasia
Oplopiadis’s recent appointment as president of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) presents her with a unique opportunity to drive change within the automotive and mobility industries.
She said SAE is undergoing a “transformation,” shifting its focus away from “mainstream automotive manufacturing,” which has been narrowing over time.
“We are refocusing our attention by broadening and scaling and expanding our relevance in the wider mobility sector and that being land, sea and air.”
Oplopiadis explained this shift is crucial because SAE has “a large pool of graduate engineers” within its membership.
“It’s important that we make change and connect our graduate engineers with industry and empower them with information, networking and training.
A journey shaped by Greek heritage
Oplopiadis has “a lot of respect” for her Greek parents, who were “the only ones” in their families brave enough to “venture out” and move to Australia.
“Despite the shift work to raise their children, my parents made it a priority to take us to Greek school.”
Thanks to their sacrifices, she had opportunities she doesn’t take for granted.
“I’m very, very grateful for the fact that my parents did that. They instilled Greek values and a diverse culture in us.”
She holds on to two valuable lessons from her father, who comes from Serres:
“To work really hard” and “to be authentic”.
Now, as a mother herself, she hopes to pass these values on to her own children.
Oplopiadis found that her Hellenic background helped her throughout her career in more ways than she ever expected.
“It’s helped me to build trust and rapport, be culturally aware of people’s beliefs and value system and embrace diversity and global leadership.”
Speaking another language, she said, “promotes open mindedness, improves communication skills” and “that’s helped resolve conflict”.
Contributing to the field and improving lives
Oplopiadis holds a degree in Electronics Engineering and is a Fellow of Engineers Australia, an honour that recognises her leadership and contributions to the engineering field.
She was honoured with the Woman of Influence Award at the 2024 HACCI Awards.
She also serves as a Board Director for the Society of Automotive Engineers – Australasia, where she supports STEM education and works to improve the wellbeing of the Victorian community.
One of the most significant moments throughout her career, has been the ability to “work with people globally to improve peoples’ lives and shape the future.”