Thomas Bainbridge

Managing Director at Rockfield Technologies Australia

Australia

About

I am the Managing Director of Rockfield, an engineering and technology consultancy working across mining, heavy industry and transport infrastructure. At our core, we are an asset management advisory business, helping asset-intensive organisations improve performance, manage risk and make smarter capital decisions. Our advisory capability is underpinned by strong fundamentals in engineering and design, complemented by technology-enabled monitoring solutions and product-based offerings that enhance long-term asset intelligence. Having grown within the business over the past decade, from engineer to executive leader, I now focus on shaping Rockfield’s strategic direction, strengthening our leadership team, improving governance and operational discipline, and expanding our presence across regions and sectors. Engineering remains central to who we are. At the same time, we are deliberately investing in technology, digital capability and product-led solutions that complement our traditional consultancy services. The objective is balance: deep technical expertise, practical delivery capability, and innovation that creates sustained value for clients. My background is in mechanical engineering, working across multidisciplinary projects in complex asset environments. That foundation continues to influence how I lead, with a focus on systems thinking, disciplined execution and building accountable teams. Today, my priority is building a resilient, values-driven business, one that creates meaningful career pathways for our people, delivers consistently for clients, and generates sustainable growth. We are proud of where Rockfield has come from, and deliberate about where we are heading.

Experience

  • Rockfield Technologies (12 yrs 6 mos)
    • Managing Director
      Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

      Managing Director at Rockfield Technologies Australia, leading a talented team in delivering technology-led asset lifecycle solutions across mining, transport, and infrastructure. Focused on strategic growth, innovation, and building a strong, values-driven culture.

    • General Manager | Executive Director
      Mar 2016 - Aug 2025 · 9 yrs 6 mos

      Executive General Manager for Rockfield's national operations. Responsibilities include: strategic leadership and management; operational leadership and management, maintaining and developing stakeholder relationships; marketing/business development, R&D management, project portfolio management and directing resources.

    • Mechanical Engineer
      Jan 2014 - Mar 2016 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      Experiences to date include but are not limited to: • Project lead on the fatigue life assessment (FLA) of a Port Container Crane Crab as well as the remnant life update of the Port Container Crane itself (FLA conducted previously up to certain date). Project summary: analyse the crab under various load cases using ANSYS in accordance with AS1418-2009, AS4324.1, AS4100-1998 and AS1170.2:2011; measure strains during load testing and typical operational usage; calibrate FEA models and calculate the remnant life of the crab and crane in accordance with BS 7608:2014. • Proficiency in analysing, on-site inspecting, troubleshooting, remediating and specifying pumping and piping systems in water and slurry processes in accordance with AS4041 and ASMEB31.3. • Project lead for a ground-up, turn key design of a hydraulically powered/braked, 10t conveyor belt reeling machine and accompanying conveyor belt roll stand. Utilised analytical, FEA, 3DCAD and drafting techniques throughout project. • Experience designing various walkways, stairs, handrails and platforms in harsh and corrosive environments (wharfs/jetty’s/berth’s/process mines) using hand calculations, FEA and drafting techniques. • Project lead on large and small bridge capacity assessments. Key experience highlights includes: planning/collaboration with Government authorities; developing advanced remote, instrumentation/sensor systems – systems have been solar powered and 3G enabled to stream data/results to web platforms. Projects have been paramount in key asset life decisions.

  • Co-Founder & Director at LiXiA
    Jul 2019 - Present · 7 yrs

  • James Cook University (Townsville, Australia)
    • Mechanical Engineering - University Medal with 1st Class Honours
      Feb 2013 - Dec 2013 · 11 mos

      Collaborated with JCU and sponsor Rockfield Technologies to conduct an Honours Thesis in the field of Bulk Materials Handling.

    • Project Management Tutor
      Feb 2013 - Dec 2013 · 11 mos

      • Working collaboratively with the subject coordinator, Associate Dean and Industry partner to enhance the subject with modern, international real world projects/assessments; • Supervise, grade and give feedback to two tutorials weekly for all disciplines of engineering students.

  • Mechanical Engineer (Vacation Student) at Rockfield Technologies Australia Pty Ltd
    Nov 2012 - Feb 2013 · 4 mos

    Gained much exposure to specialised design techniques in a multidisciplinary environment servicing a diverse range of heavy mechanical, mining and bulk material industries. Personal development in both practical and technical aspects was gained through experience in instrumentation, computational mechanics (ANSYS & ELFEN), technical drawings with the aid of AutoCAD and Solidworks as well as high level research and technical report writing.

  • Materials Science Tutor at James Cook University
    Jul 2012 - Nov 2012 · 5 mos

    Supervised, graded and gave feedback to two tutorials per week for civil, mechanical and chemical engineering students.