Niamh O’Halloran, Mechanical Engineer at Black & White Engineering/Committee Member, CIBSE Ireland & WIBSE
– Careers in Engineering
NIAMH O’HALLORAN, Mechanical Engineer at Black & White Engineering and Committee Member of CIBSE Ireland and WIBSE, answers some questions about what she values about being an engineer.
What is your current job and with what company?
I am a mechanical engineer with Black & White Engineering. selection.
What drew you to the field of engineering, more specifically building services, and what was your path to becoming an engineer and developing your earlier career?
I enjoyed maths and physics in secondary school. I attended an all-girls secondary school and had little to no exposure to woodwork, technical drawing or any other relevant subject to engineering. Therefore, when I chose engineering courses to pursue in university, it was unexpected. I knew I wanted a career that included maths, problem-solving and planning, so I attended open days to learn more about options in relation to the aforementioned. I graduated from TU Dublin (formerly DIT) at the Bolton Street campus, which was a very different experience from school, but I enjoyed it completely.
I then joined PM Group, where I completed a graduate programme that kick-started my engineering career. I was based on-site full-time for pharmaceutical projects and gained first-hand experience with equipment, utilities, and the overall construction process.
I also worked abroad on major builds, which gave me invaluable insight into projects from early design through to completion.
Among your various responsibilities, what would you say is your favourite part of the job, and why?
I enjoy coordination. Working with design teams, suppliers and contractors from an early stage in concept design, trying to work together to remove clashes on models or arrange equipment in the most optimal configuration. To the construction stage, on-site resolving installation issues. I love the problem-solving element and the challenge of finding solutions that work for everyone. I also appreciate the collaborative side of the job. Each new project brings new (and sometimes familiar) people from architectural, civil, structural, and specialist disciplines.
With Black & White Engineering being a global company, working with international colleagues on projects and later meeting in person is enjoyable as well.
What stands out as career highlights to date?
A recent highlight was travelling to the Philippines for a Black & White Engineering conference focused on the progression of data-centre design. I had the opportunity to present alongside colleagues, take part in workshops, and learn from experts across the business. It was an incredible experience to broaden my knowledge and expand my network within the industry.
Earlier in my career, I was fully responsible for several community projects, which gave me my first real experience of project management. After my first year, I received a Community Co-ordinator Champion award, which encouraged me to continue developing my project management skills. It also motivated me to complete a project management course with UCD, earning a distinction, and both have been meaningful highlights in my career.
Looking ahead, what aspects of your work or the broader engineering landscape genuinely excite you for the future?
I am curious to see how quickly the data-centre sector will evolve. The scale and speed of growth over the past few years have been immense, and it’s interesting to imagine what the next major trend will be and how much it will shape the types of projects we work on. Whether it’s new cooling technologies, advancements in efficiency, or entirely new facility typologies driven by emerging digital demands, the pace of change keeps the work fresh and challenging. I’m also fascinated by how collaboration is developing across the industry. With so many projects now involving global teams, the way we share models, coordinate live updates, and manage information is online and depends on digital platforms. These tools need to advance, and the potential for more integrated, real-time, and efficient global collaboration is immense.
Who or what are your primary sources of support, both professionally and personally (networks), as you navigate your engineering career?
My mentors have been the greatest source of support. Both formal and informal mentors have played a huge role in my development.
My first mentor, Ger Kenny, had enormous confidence in me at the earliest stage of my career. After our first meeting, he handed me a book from his MBA studies because he genuinely believed in my potential. That encouragement has stayed with me. I’ve also significantly benefited from Women in Building Services Engineering (WIBSE). It has been a fantastic way to meet other female engineers, learn from their experiences and gain inspiration for my own career path.
What bodies are you a member of, and how important is this to you?
I am a member of CIBSE and Engineers Ireland. I sit on the CIBSE and WIBSE (Women in Building Services Engineering) committees. Contributing to the future direction of CIBSE in Ireland has been extremely rewarding. Being involved in events and educational initiatives is important to me, particularly because I believe in showing younger students and emerging engineers the range of opportunities and supportive networks available to them.
Engineers Ireland has also been essential to my development. The access to courses and CPDs has helped me build both technical and professional skills. Engineers Ireland hosting the Toastmasters group on Clyde Road has been especially valuable for me. It has played a major role in improving my presentation skills and confidence in public speaking.
If you could offer one piece of advice to a younger engineer at an earlier stage of their career, what would it be?
Invest in yourself – both your knowledge and your network. Take courses, complete CPDs, attend events and conferences; continuous learning is invaluable. If you want employers to invest in you, you should be willing to invest in yourself, too. Equally, build and use your network. Attend industry events, meet people, and stay in touch. If someone presents on a topic that resonates with you, follow up on LinkedIn and continue the conversation. Asking for advice or answers is a compliment. It shows you value that person’s experience. Don’t be afraid to reach out or seek guidance; most people are more than willing to help.
To have your career journey to date considered for a “Careers in Engineering” feature, email the editor at robbie@buildingsevicesengineering.ie