Emma Hinch, Mechanical Package Manager, Jones Engineering, and Vice Chair, CIBSE Ireland YEN
– Careers in Engineering
EMMA HINCH, Mechanical Package Manager, Jones Engineering and Vice Chair, CIBSE Ireland YEN, answers some questions about what she values about being an engineer
What is your current job and with what company?
I’m currently a mechanical package manager with Jones Engineering working on large-scale data centres in Belgium.
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?
My interest in engineering started from a young age. At school, I naturally gravitated towards maths, physics and technical graphics, and during my fifth and sixth year, I volunteered as an assistant teacher for first-year Technical Graphics classes. It was during that time that I realised engineering was the career I wanted to pursue.
I went on to complete a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at TU Dublin. Although building services wasn’t originally on my radar, both my dad and brother worked in the industry, so when it came to starting my career, it felt like a natural place to begin.
What surprised me most was how varied the work in the industry is. I always imagined engineering as being heavily technical, but I quickly realised that building services is just as much about collaboration, communication and problem-solving. I’ve always been a people person, so finding a career that combines technical engineering with working alongside different teams was something I really connected with.
The creativity, scale and variety of projects in building services continue to surprise me. No two projects are ever the same, and that’s one of the things I enjoy most. Even now, I’m still learning with every project, which is what keeps the industry so exciting.
Among your various responsibilities, what would you say is your favourite part of the job, and why?
My favourite part of the job is solving problems. Every project presents its own challenges, and there’s a real sense of achievement in working through them as a team. There’s no better feeling than seeing something that started as drawings on paper become a finished building.
I also enjoy seeing everything that goes into making a project successful. From design through to delivery, every stage relies on people with different skills working together towards the same goal. Being part of that process and seeing it all come together is incredibly rewarding.
What stands out as career highlights to date?
The real “I’ve made it” moments haven’t been project completions, they’ve been when younger engineers have come to me for advice. Knowing that my own experiences can help someone else navigate their career is incredibly rewarding.
Looking ahead, what aspects of your work or the broader engineering landscape genuinely excite you for the future?
What excites me most is the challenges still to come. Every project brings something new to learn, which is what keeps the work interesting.
As technology continues to evolve and expectations around sustainability, digitalisation and smarter buildings grow, I’m excited to see how our industry adapts. Building services is constantly evolving, and I think that’s one of its biggest strengths. There’s always an opportunity to improve how we design, build and deliver projects, and being part of that progression is something I really look forward to.
Who or what are your primary sources of support, both professionally and personally (networks), as you navigate your engineering career?
I was fortunate to begin my career with T Bourke, where there was a genuine open-door culture. Everyone was approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which gave me a great foundation early in my career.
Today, a lot of my support comes from being involved with CIBSE Ireland. I joined around five years ago to connect with other young engineers and women in the industry, and over the past three years, as part of the committee, I’ve built friendships, found mentors and developed a network that has supported me both professionally and personally.
Those connections have shown me the value of having people you can learn from, ask questions and share experiences with. Engineering is a collaborative profession, and having a strong support network has been just as important to my career as developing my technical skills.
What bodies are you a member of, and how important is this to you?
I am currently Vice Chair of CIBSE YEN Ireland and part of the CIBSE YEN global communications team. I’m also a member of Engineers Ireland, where I stay involved with the Women in Engineering network.
Joining WIBSE around five years ago was one of the best personal and professional decisions I’ve made. It gave me a platform to grow beyond the boundaries of my own company and become more involved in the wider building services industry. Through WIBSE, I built friendships, found mentors and connected with people from across the industry who have supported me both professionally and personally.
That involvement opened the door to becoming part of the CIBSE Ireland committee, serving as Vice Chair of CIBSE YEN Ireland, and now contributing to the CIBSE YEN Global Communications Team. Those opportunities have allowed me to develop skills and experiences that I may never have gained through my day job alone.
If you could offer one piece of advice to a younger person reading this who is at an earlier stage of their career in engineering, what would it be?
Believe in yourself and invest in yourself, not just in your engineering knowledge. Take every opportunity to learn, build your network and connect with people who will challenge and support you throughout your career.
Starting out can feel daunting, and it’s easy to question whether you’re ready. The truth is, confidence doesn’t come before experience; it grows because of it. Every project, every challenge and every conversation help build that confidence.
Trust the work you’re putting in. Keep asking questions, keep learning and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The more you invest in yourself, the more your work will speak for itself.
To have your career journey to date considered for a “Careers in Engineering” feature, email the editor at robbie@buildingsevicesengineering.ie