MSc, BEng (Mech), FIEAust, CPEng, RPEQ, EngExec, GAICD
Michael McMillan is a proud Wiradjuri man from the western plains of New South Wales and a highly accomplished engineering executive with over 30 years of experience across the Australian military, defence, and heavy industry sectors.
Holding a Master of Science in Military Vehicle Technology and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, Michael is a Fellow of Engineers Australia (FIEAust), a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), an Engineering Executive (EngExec), and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
After a distinguished military career that saw him serve in locations around the globe, Michael founded AEP Engineering in 2015, based in Townsville. His vision was to apply deep technical knowledge and leadership to support local industry, while strengthening sovereign capability across the defence and energy sectors.
Michael is one of the few engineers in Australia qualified to certify a broad range of complex vehicle modifications, across both light and heavy platforms, supporting regulated fleet operations and Defence programs. His work is backed by decades of applied experience, a rigorous approach to engineering standards, and a commitment to safety, compliance, and innovation.
Through his leadership at AEP, Michael continues to champion regional development, workforce training, and cultural inclusivity — with a strong focus on building sustainable, future-ready technical capability across North Queensland and beyond.
Elaine has been part of the business since its inception in 2016. She has over 20 years’ experience in the retail and customer service sector, formally with Coles in a variety of managerial roles.
Elaine is responsible for managing AEP’s clients, staff and suppliers. Ensuring they are well looked after and their needs are met.
Cameron has worked for AEP since graduating from James Cook University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Diploma in Project Management.
Cameron oversees the engineering department with a focus on gaining the second stage of manufacture approval for AEP’s extensive range of vehicle capabilities.
He is also responsible for the growth of our engineering consulting and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Cameron is currently registered on the NER and RPEQ, and is engaged in professional development activities in support of being recognised as a Chartered Professional Engineer.
With over 28 years’ experience across the Australian Defence Force and the private sector, Josh brings a disciplined, practical, and safety-driven approach to operations, logistics, and leadership. Josh’s career has been built around complex planning, risk management, and leading teams in high-pressure environments, often involving high-value assets, strict compliance requirements, and time-critical delivery.
Josh has held senior leadership and supervisory roles, managing teams of up to 700+ personnel, delivering training, overseeing operational readiness, and ensuring safety and quality standards were consistently met. More recently, he has applied these skills in civilian environments, supporting manufacturing, logistics coordination, stock control, and workshop operations.
Josh offers a structured, calm, and solutions-focused approach—with a strong emphasis on safety, efficiency, and accountability. He is highly experienced in stakeholder coordination, procedural development, and translating complex requirements into practical outcomes. His background allows him to adapt quickly, identify risk early, and support teams to perform reliably and safely in demanding conditions.
ARMOURED & BALLISTIC VEHICLES
Craig Rowlands brings to AEP Engineering a unique combination of technical trade expertise, operational discipline, and elite military experience.
He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1999 as a Vehicle Mechanic, gaining extensive experience maintaining military vehicle platforms in demanding operational environments. In 2006 he was posted to the Special Air Service Regiment (SASR), initially supporting the unit in a technical role before successfully completing SASR Selection in 2008 and transitioning into an operational position.
Serving within one of Australia’s most elite special operations units, Craig developed strong capabilities in critical thinking, decision-making under pressure, and disciplined execution in complex environments. He later specialised in vehicle-mounted operations and sniping.
Craig had multiple deployments during his military career, including Afghanistan.
Since joining AEP Engineering in 2021, he has applied his technical and operational experience across engineering and manufacturing roles including CAD Operator and CNC Operator, where he is recognised for his attention to detail, practical problem-solving, and commitment to high-quality outcomes.
Craig’s career reflects a foundation of service, technical competence, and professionalism that continues to inform the discipline and reliability he brings to AEP Engineering.
