Frank Soto

Frank Soto is the Founder and Executive Chair of SOTO Group, a multidisciplinary engineering design consultancy delivering sovereign capability to Australian industry. With nearly 40 years of engineering experience and over two decades leading SOTO, Frank is known for combining technical excellence with entrepreneurial leadership, building a company recognised for its innovative solutions across heavy industry and the resources sector.

At SOTO, Frank has led the delivery of complex, large-scale projects from concept to execution across bulk materials handling, cement and alumina calcination, refractory engineering, waste recycling, renewable energy, maritime defence, and advanced computational analysis (CAE, CFD, DEM). His focus is not only on delivering outcomes for clients but on mentoring the next generation of engineers, cultivating a collaborative, inclusive, and forward-thinking team culture.

A Legacy of Innovation and Impact

Frank’s passion for engineering began with a curiosity about how things work, and a drive to seek out knowledge wherever he could find it. That same mindset has shaped SOTO’s journey, from a small team, to a nationally respected consultancy working across multiple industries.

In addition to his ongoing leadership role at Soto, Frank is Head of Product Development at renewable energy start-up Green Gravity. His role marks an ongoing strategic partnership that will provide Green Gravity, an Australian developer of gravitational energy storage technology, access to leading engineering design solutions.

Career Highlights & Industry Impact

• Founder & Leader of Soto Engineers – Established Soto as a trusted partner for major players across the resources, manufacturing, energy, and defence sectors. His vision has positioned the business as a leader in structural, mechanical, pipework, and refractory (SMP+R) engineering solutions.
• Pioneering Innovative Engineering Solutions – Frank has led transformative projects across diverse sectors, including bulk materials handling, cement and alumina calcination, renewable energy infrastructure, maritime defence, and advanced computational analysis (CAE, CFD, DEM). His expertise in integrating traditional engineering principles with modern technologies has been pivotal to Soto’s growth.
• Driving Digital Engineering Adoption – Frank championed Soto’s investment in advanced digital tools like FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics), reinforcing the company’s position as a forward-thinking, solutions-driven engineering consultancy.

Leadership Philosophy

He believes engineers are agents of change, and that to stay ahead, leaders must create a culture where innovation is encouraged and supported by discipline and delivery. That belief has shaped SOTO’s growth, from its early days to a national consultancy known for technical rigour, creativity, and client trust.

Frank understands that building a successful business is only part of the picture. Just as important is developing the profession itself, investing in the people, skills, and systems that will support engineering for the future. For him, the true legacy is not just the projects delivered, but the next generation of capable, confident design engineers who continue to raise the standard.

Credentials & Professional Recognition

• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wollongong
• Master of Business Administration, University of Wollongong
• Fellow, Engineers Australia
• Certified Materials Professional (CMatP)

Beyond Engineering

Frank is a keen cyclist and regular competitor, sponsoring the local cycling club and the Illawarra Academy of Sport. Away from work, he enjoys track days in high-performance cars and stays on the cutting edge of technology and innovation, with a particular interest in AI and its applications in engineering. He is married with two adult sons.