Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career

Are you ready? How leaders can break past the ceiling, take on bigger roles, and deliver Ireland's most ambitious programmes.

I'm Tony, and I'm proud to lead the Transportation team for AtkinsRéalis in Ireland. As a Chartered Engineer, I've worked across roads, bridges, rail, and major infrastructure projects in several countries – taking them from concept through planning to delivery.

When I joined Transportation team in Ireland, roads and bridges were our bread and butter. Since then, we've expanded our traffic and transportation offering, added a rail business, and now support clients through geotechnical engineering, asset management and Energy as well. The team is now 180 strong, with the ambition to grow to 500 – part of Ireland's once-in-a-generation investment in transportation and energy. It's an exciting time to join us.

Mega projects in Ireland: Transportation and energy careers

My team is deeply embedded in the national strategies that are reshaping the industry. Ireland's National Development Plan is hugely ambitious, with major investment across transportation. The All-Ireland Strategic Rail Review has identified up to €32 billion of potential rail investment. And, because so much of this work involves linear infrastructure, our transportation expertise naturally transfers to energy, where a major programme is already underway that will transform how Ireland is powered for generations.

Together, these projects add up to long-term career opportunities. Some of the programmes we're part of are attracting people from around the world due to their size and complexity. If you're used to smaller projects, this is your chance to step up and experience how major programmes are delivered across multiple stakeholders, agencies, and disciplines.

Transportation careers in Ireland: Why join AtkinsRéalis over the competition?

Whether you're based here already, thinking about returning, or considering a move from abroad, here's what makes us stand out: scale, visibility, and influence.

We're embedded in most of the major frameworks, and having a team that provides full cradle-to-grave service gives our people earlier involvement, more responsibility, and a direct role in shaping how these projects move forward. A project with 50 people today might soon need 100 – and we're already investing in that growth.

For candidates in the Irish diaspora, there's never been a better time to come back. You no longer need to leave the country to build a career. Ireland today is investing at a rate we've never seen before. You can do high-profile work here – and make a real impact on the place you still call home.

And if you're looking at Ireland from overseas, this is the kind of work that defines a career. The projects are international in scale, and so is the experience necessary to deliver them. You'll build a world-class portfolio while enjoying Ireland's safe, connected, and welcoming lifestyle. I can speak from experience here: I wasn't born here myself, but since coming to work and live in Ireland, I've found the environment incredibly supportive – both personally and professionally.

Why do engineers stay at AtkinsRéalis Ireland?

We have a brilliant team culture that highly values loyalty. When people join the team, they stay – and they give their best. We'll back you with all the support, recognition, and rewards you need to succeed. Our flexible benefits include overseas remote working – popular with colleagues who have family abroad – excellent pension and healthcare cover, and standout learning and development support at every stage of your career.

We also delegate well. I don't just mean the day-to-day work, but in the ownership of outcomes. With us, you'll enjoy a genuine sense of responsibility for the projects you deliver and the people you work alongside. The way we talk about it is simple: this is your team. I won't be here forever – so who wants to take over in a few years’ time? We're creating space for employees to grow, take the lead, and shape the future of our team. It's how people here take pride in their work and are committed to staying long-term.

We also take our wider professional responsibility seriously. Whether it's getting involved in employee resource groups, supporting community projects like STEM outreach, or meeting up for a walk in the countryside – we make time to stay connected, active, and well, together.

Engineering leadership roles in Ireland's infrastructure and transportation

That culture of trust and ownership is exactly what we're looking to build on as we grow. So, we're hiring across senior levels – including project directors, project managers, technical managers, and bid managers and writers – to help lead and deliver the growth ahead.

We know skills are transferable. Our highways engineers, for example, have successfully moved into energy transmission. We've seen team members shift into rail. Our project managers take on new technical areas with ease, supported by the technical experts in the new areas. You might not know all the "nuts and bolts" in a new sector, but what matters to us are your management skills: We're looking for people who can lead teams, manage clients, and work with stakeholders. If you're good in your field, adaptable and open to new challenges, let's talk.

Explore live opportunities with AtkinsRéalis Ireland.