Katherine Richards AM CSC HonFIEAust CPEng EngExec NER is Engineers Australia’s Chief Engineer.

In this position Katherine advocates for the engineering profession both nationally and internationally, providing engineering insights to help deliver strategic initiatives of national importance. She engages with media, government and industry to amplify the voice of engineering in public discourse and decision making.

Katherine is a Board Member of Australia's Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In 2024, she achieved a post graduate qualification in quantum physics from the ANU.

Prior to joining Engineers Australia, Katherine served in the Royal Australian Navy. She joined the Navy as a midshipman and graduated as Dux of her Naval Class at the Australian Defence Force Academy and with First Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering. Katherine went on to serve in the Navy with distinction for over 36 years and retired from active service in December 2024 as a Rear Admiral.

Her achievements during this time included Command of HMAS CERBERUS and the roles of Head Navy Engineering and the Defence Seaworthiness Regulator. Following the AUKUS announcement, Katherine was appointed to design the Australian Naval Nuclear Powered Submarine Safety Regulator to oversee the safety and environmental performance of the nuclear submarine program. For her service, Katherine has been awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross and is a Member of the Order of Australia. Katherine Richards is an Honorary Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Chartered Professional Engineer.