Tag: engineers

Qualcomm announces flagship €125m investment in AI transformation for Cork

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, has announced a €125m investment that will see the transformation of the Cork site into a strategic AI pillar in the global chipmaker’s organisation over the next three years.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, Qualcomm is a global leader in wireless technology and advanced semiconductors. The company develops cellular standards such as 4G, 5G, and now 6G. It is also one of the world’s largest fabless semiconductor companies, which sees it provide critical advanced semiconductor technology across mobile, wearables, PC, XR, IoT, automotive and data centres.

Qualcomm Technologies has had a presence in Cork since 2013, and this year it celebrates 10 years since it hired its first engineer in the city. In that time, Qualcomm has embedded itself in the community and has built strong relationships with UCC, MTU, and Tyndall, helping support the next generation of Irish engineers through internships and graduate role opportunities.

This flagship project, which is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, plans to undertake a new RD&I project in Cork, leveraging current capabilities to align with Qualcomm’s diversification strategy beyond mobile technology into areas such as PC, XR/VR, IoT, automotive, and data centres.

 

Minister for Enterprise Tourism & Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“Today’s announcement by Qualcomm is a powerful endorsement of Ireland’s ambition to lead globally in advanced research, next‑generation computing and AI. This €125 million investment further strengthens Ireland’s position as a hub of deep‑tech innovation, creating hundreds of high value jobs. This announcement is also a signal of support for Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to make Ireland a world leader in semiconductors through securing long‑term investments, developing a robust talent pipeline and seizing opportunities in technologies of the future such as AI.

Qualcomm’s continued expansion builds on Ireland’s strong semiconductor ecosystem and demonstrates the value of the collaborative environment we have fostered between industry, academia and Government.  The Government is proud to support this strategically significant project through IDA Ireland, and I wish the team at Qualcomm the very best for the future.”

EVP, Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer of Qualcomm Incorporated, Colin Ryan said: “Qualcomm’s success and ongoing growth in Ireland reflect the strength of our partnerships with the Government, IDA Ireland and Irish universities. This investment underscores Cork’s importance as a strategic Global R&D hub for Qualcomm and our commitment to supporting Ireland’s innovation ecosystem.”

Vice President of Engineering at QT Technologies Ireland Limited, Paul Kelleher said: “Qualcomm is proud of what we’ve achieved in Ireland—and we are even more excited about what’s ahead. We’re not just building technology; we’re shaping the future, right here in Cork.”

IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan said: “I wish to congratulate the entire team in Qualcomm on the announcement of this landmark investment – a substantial and complex project in both its scale and scope, reflecting its strategic and transformative nature.   This €125m R&D investment and the future jobs it will create, positions Qualcomm Ireland at the forefront of technological and product development in the AI-era. Today’s event also recognises a decade since Qualcomm hired its first engineer in Ireland, I wish you continued success and assure the team of IDA Ireland’s continued partnership and support.”

Qualcomm is currently hiring engineers across several business areas. To explore opportunities to join the team in Cork, visit Careers

Digital Nomads in Ireland: Why Tech Professionals Are Choosing Flexible, Fully-Serviced Workspaces

In recent years, digital nomads have flocked Ireland because of its strong digital infrastructure and established tech culture. Ireland is already a traditional hub for established tech companies, and with the growing presence of digital nomads, it has become even more renowned in terms of attracting businesses from all over the world.

Digital nomads who decide to stay in Ireland immediately look for reliable environments such as serviced offices Dublin. These spaces promise stable internet connectivity, secure facilities, and ready-to-use workstations that meet the expectations of different professionals from developers, engineers, designers, analysts, to tech-driven entrepreneurs.

For digital nomads, it’s very important to have a fully serviced workspace. After all, their productivity depends on it. They need to be able to preserve momentum so they can always perform at their best.

Why Ireland Appeals to Digital Nomads

Ireland is very attractive to digital nomads because it is recognized as one of Europe’s most resilient digital economies. This means that digital nomads can always count on having a seamless experience during their stay in Ireland.

This is guaranteed by strong broadband coverage, high cloud adoption rates, and the fact that the country has invested significantly in digital transformation, thus making its cities more than capable of meeting the various needs of digital nomads in different niches.

Aside from these things, Ireland provides a balanced environment for digital nomads. After all, it has a very strong tech sector that guarantees access to innovation networks at all times. Plus, the country’s welcoming culture is a major advantage for independent professionals. 

This is because it eradicates the stress that comes with adjusting to a different culture that might just affect an individual’s overall performance. Not having to worry about this helps guarantee productivity and success in all work-related endeavors.

Flexible Workspaces as a Strategic Choice

The flexible workplace culture is now on the rise. Remote workers these days need to structure how their every day of work looks like.

The productivity of digital nomads relies heavily on having access to spaces that are designed for sustained technical output instead of improvised setups. With access to fully-serviced workspaces, digital nomads will have everything they need to work effectively and efficiently daily.

With these features, digital nomads get to experience what many professionals are used to in full-scale office settings. The one advantage of this setup is that it offers more freedom and independence from the toxicity that defines traditional office life.

Flexibility and structure are the main selling points of serviced offices. Sure, cafés or short-term home setups work. However, there will come a time when these are no longer sustainable. After all, digital nomads are more efficient when they have everything they need in one space.

Stability, Security, and Professionalism

Serviced workspaces offer something very important that digital nomads must never compromise on: stability, security, and professionalism. These days, cybersecurity is a major concern for tech professionals. After all, they handle confidential information and run code that must not be interrupted on a daily basis. 

Plus, there are times when they are part of operational discussions that require a controlled setting. It’s a good thing that Ireland’s serviced workspaces provide security systems, controlled access points, and consistent tech support. These are the non-negotiables that digital nomads will not be able to get elsewhere.

With this kind of stability, professionalism is enhanced. After all, digital nomads are able to meet client expectations more effectively. Plus, there will be no productivity gaps that usually stem from inconsistent environments.

A Long-Term Foundation for Remote Careers

Digital nomadism is no longer a niche lifestyle. It is a legitimate and rapidly expanding segment of the global workforce, strengthened by the widespread acceptance of remote operations across industries. Ireland’s readiness for this shift, combined with its supportive digital infrastructure, places it among the top choices for mobile professionals.

Flexible, fully serviced workspaces allow digital nomads to sustain long-term remote careers without disruptions. They offer a balanced ecosystem where mobility, professionalism, and technical reliability coexist. For many tech professionals who arrive in Ireland ready to work, the ability to step into a stable environment from day one is not simply a convenience but a strategic advantage.

Digital investment in Ireland at risk due to data centre regulation

A seminar on Ireland’s energy future will discuss how regulation and infrastructural challenges in energy are negatively impacting economic growth in Ireland.

Taking place on Wednesday 2 April and hosted by Engineers Ireland’s Energy, Environment, and Climate Action Division, The Merging Energy Landscape – A Pivotal Shift in Industry to Address the Carbon Budget Challenge Seminar, will also highlight the challenges businesses face to reduce emissions, the pressure on industry to meet targets, and the impact on the environment and economy if we fall short.

Speakers at the seminar will include Ciara Ahern, senior lecturer of Building Engineering, TU Dublin and Peter Lantry, Managing Director, Ireland, Equinix a global data centre provider.

According to Ciara Ahern: “The future of smart buildings lies in their ability to act as flexible demand assets within our evolving energy systems. Yet, there is still a significant gap between where we are and where we need to be. This seminar will explore how emerging guidelines, scalable solutions, and digital infrastructure can enable buildings to participate in energy markets—reducing carbon emissions and enhancing grid resilience while facilitating greater penetration of renewable energy.”

Equinix owns 268 data centres globally, including four retail colocation facilities and 2 xScale facilities in Dublin. Peter Lantry will discuss the need for Ireland to address existing barriers to further digital investment if the country is to avoid missing crucial economic opportunities. “Ireland, especially Dublin, has successfully attracted digital services companies, including data centres, over the past 40 years. The challenge now is how to keep pace with other tech nations amid energy distribution and supply issues that have deterred data centre development, which impacts Ireland’s economy.”

Additional speakers at the seminar will include Conor Minogue, Senior Executive at IBEC discussing the business case for meeting climate action targets, and Heidi Duffy, Operations Environmental and Sustainability Manager at Iarnród Éireann, sharing insights on the challenges and solutions to the transition to sustainable public transport.

This event will take place in Engineers Ireland, 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. Tickets are available at www.engineersireland.ie or by following this link.

STEPS Engineers Week 2025: Inspiring Young Minds in Engineering

Engineers Ireland is excited to announce STEPS Engineers Week 2025, running from 1–7 March. This immersive week offers children a hands-on introduction to the world of engineering, from robotics and renewable energy to 3D printing and electric engines. Tailored for primary and secondary school students, the event offers practical resources, interactive activities and on-demand virtual shows to make engineering engaging and accessible.

Cities of the Future – Documentary and Competition:
Experience the future first-hand with an exclusive 45-minute documentary ‘Cities of the Future’. Available for classroom screening during Engineer’s Week, this film explores the sustainable developments needed for our cities over the coming decades, and challenges children to imagine stepping 50 years into the future.

In addition, the ‘Engineer the City of the Future’ Competition, held in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, challenges students to reimagine Irish cities in 2050.  Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their creative ideas and win fantastic prizes. For more details visit Engineers Ireland’s Cities of the Future competition page.

Engineering Resources and Activities available
STEPS Engineers Week invites everyone to get involved from engineers, organisations, colleges, and libraries, to families, teachers, stem professionals and local authorities. A wide range of resources and activities are available for primary and secondary schools here. This combination of expert insights and hands on learning is designed to inspire children to open their eyes to how engineering is part of everyday life.

Engineers Ireland’s STEPS Team Leader, Roseanne O’Leary, said: “Engineers Week represents a remarkable opportunity for children to explore engineering and how it shapes the world around us. By opening children’s eyes to the exciting prospects of an engineering career and demonstrate how engineers are tackling our planet’s most pressing challenges, we are broadening their horizons and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers.”

About STEPS and Engineers Week
The Engineers Ireland STEPS Programme is designed to open up the exciting possibilities that engineering offers to school children who want to make a real difference in the world. Engineers Week 2025 will take place from Saturday, 1 to Friday, 7 March 2025. Engineers Week has been created to introduce primary and secondary school children to the diverse world of engineering. http://www.engineersireland.ie

 

For more information, or to speak to Engineers Ireland about STEPS Engineers Week 2025, please contact Tara Corristine, Communications Executive, Engineers Ireland, tcorristine@engineersireland.ie.

Shure introduces the SM4 Home Recording Microphone

Shure, the audio brand behind nearly a century of cutting-edge microphone technology, today introduced the SM4 Home Recording Microphone, a versatile, large-diaphragm condenser microphone engineered for at-home and studio recording of both vocals and instruments. With a meticulously engineered dual-diaphragm capsule and a patent-pending RF shielding system, the SM4 empowers artists to create professional-quality recordings regardless of their setup, environment, or experience level.

“The SM4 is designed to reflect the modern workflows of musicians, engineers, and creators who are serious about their craft, helping them overcome the issues that make engineers cringe: plosives, harsh high-frequency response, undefined low-end, and RF interference,” shared Steve Marek, Associate Manager of Product Management, at Shure. “If you’re a musician, you want to stay in the creative flow, rather than chasing down problems in your audio setup. No matter what you are recording with the SM4, you need your tracks to be professional quality. If you’re an engineer receiving those tracks, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly they fit into a mix, and the time saved from not having to fix a variety of problems surgically.”

All elements of the SM4 were meticulously designed to streamline the recording experience, bringing forward the details users want while leaving problems behind. This microphone features multiple layers of plosive protection and integrated components. The dual-diaphragm capsule reduces popping noises and keeps sound quality consistent with reduced proximity effect.” With its patent-pending Interference Shielding Technology, users don’t have to worry about unwanted RF interference noise from wireless devices commonly found in at-home recording environments, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers.

The SM4’s built-in features make it easy to achieve professional-quality recordings with minimal effort. The controlled low-end response enables EQ adjustments without introducing unwanted elements, making it easier to achieve a big radio voice and full-sounding instrument tracks. The magnetic pop filter helps diffuse air blasts while the shock mount reduces handling noise and rumble. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern provides a forgiving and large “sweet spot,” enabling vocalists to move freely without compromising sound quality. With the SM4, users can focus on staying creative and spend less time on post-production.

Key Features and Benefits:

·       Smooth and Natural Audio Reproduction: Equipped with a brass one-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, the SM4 condenser microphone captures clean, controlled low-end and smooth, detailed highs. The uniform cardioid polar pattern provides strong off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, and the large “sweet spot” reduces proximity effect.

·       Patent-Pending Interference Shielding Technology: Block unwanted RF noise from common wireless devices, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. The proprietary system features an integrated pop-filter and woven mesh Faraday cage that shields the microphone capsule for clean audio capture.

·       Mix-Ready Sound Effortlessly: Internal pop filter enables clean, plosive, and rumble-free recordings for easier post-production work. Compress and EQ to taste without bringing forward unwanted elements that can plague recordings and mixes. With optimised sensitivity, the SM4 works with any interface to achieve professional-quality recordings, no matter the environment.

·       Exceptional Flexibility for Vocal and Instrument Recording: The SM4 is optimised to capture a wide range of sound sources, from soft vocals to loud instruments, including drums, guitar amps, and horns, with exceptionally high sound pressure level (SPL) handling capabilities (max SPL of 140dB; equivalent to a jet engine).

·       Legendary Durability and Camera-Ready Design: Rugged, all-metal construction from a brand with nearly a century of experience in producing reliable gear for stage and studio. The sleek, low-profile design won’t distract from the performer or environment.

Pricing and Availability:
The SM4 Microphone, now available for £195 / €229 / $199 USD, comes with a swivel-mount microphone clamp and zippered carrying bag. Additionally, a bundle option is available; the Home Recording Kit option, priced at £249 / €289 / $269 USD, includes a shock mount, magnetic pop filter, and premium carrying case.

See other Shure mics

For additional information on the SM4, please visit www.shure.com/sm4.

New Engineers Ireland report projects 6,000 jobs in 2024

6,000 engineering jobs are projected to be created in Ireland in 2024, according to a new report by Engineers Ireland.

While the employers surveyed in the report acknowledged there are skills gaps in the profession, respondents indicated there are 722 current vacancies in the engineering sector.

The report ‘Engineering 2024: A Barometer of the Profession in Ireland’ was launched today as part of Engineers Week 2024, the annual campaign that highlights the diverse world of engineering to primary and secondary school children.

The engineering industry is optimistic about the prospects of the industry here, with 71% of engineering directors and managers planning to recruit engineers in 2024, a signal of confidence of growth. 68% of engineering employers stated that their financial position improved during 2023, compared to the previous year.

The public also had a positive outlook on the sector, according to the report, with 86% believing that there are plenty of jobs in engineering, while 85% believed engineering to be a financially rewarding career.

Flexibility with regard to remote working also appears to be growing across the industry, with 79% of engineering employers expecting a hybrid model of working, with greater ability to work from home, site and the office as required, to be the norm this year, up eight percentage points from last year.

This year’s report also found that 75% of the public believes that engineers are critical to combating climate change and biodiversity loss. In 2023, 26% of all Engineers Ireland CPD events had a sustainability focus and, in April 2023, Engineers Ireland became the first organisation outside of the UK to be licensed by the Society for the Environment to award the Chartered Environmentalist title.

Speaking about the report, Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineering is not merely a career, it is a vocation that intertwines with the very fabric of our nation. It is critical to ensuring that our infrastructure, our economy, and our public services can support living standards and growth – from clean water supplies and safe buildings to renewable energy and new manufacturing technologies. Our work extends beyond blueprints and equations – it touches lives, transforms communities, and safeguards our future.

He continued: “The Irish engineering landscape is teeming with opportunities and demand for engineers in this country greatly outstrips supply. As we celebrate Engineers Week 2024, there is a great sense among the public that engineering offers a positive career path for young people, with interesting work, plenty of jobs, and financial rewards, but the reality is the number of students studying STEM subjects and moving into third-level engineering and technology sectors needs to be much larger to meet our country’s current and future skills needs.”

For more information, see www.engineersireland.ie.

Engineering sector seeing post-pandemic boost as over 81% say their organisation plans to recruit in 2022

Confidence in the engineering sector is continuing to grow with over 81% of professionals in the area saying their organisation plans to recruit engineers in 2022, according to a new report by Engineers Ireland.

And while the engineering industry faced restrictions and difficulties during the Covid-19 crisis, 80% of public sector engineers, 77% in consultancy and 76% in utilities enjoyed salary increases over the last year, indicating a growing national focus on strategically important infrastructural projects to support renewed growth post-pandemic.

The new report, ‘Engineering 2022: A barometer of the profession in Ireland’, also found that Leaving Certificate choices have shown a growing trend of engagement in STEM subjects over the past 5 years, increasing by 27%. Since 2011 there has been a 178% increase in students sitting higher-level mathematics. The report also states that 95% of the respondents in the public survey believe engineers demonstrate a high level of competence in their work, second only to doctors and ahead of teachers, judges and the Gardaí.

Speaking at the launch of the publication, the Minister for Education, Norma Foley, TD said: “This report showcases the important role the engineering sector plays within Irish society. Promoting STEM subjects is a priority for the Department of Education and it is important that we as educators continue our efforts to strengthen, support and nurture interest in STEM-related careers. The recent STEPS Engineers Week campaign once again highlighted the tremendous career opportunities on offer in engineering, and I applaud Engineers Ireland’s continuing efforts to showcase the exciting world of STEM to the young, curious minds of Ireland.”

Professor Orla Feely, President of Engineers Ireland, commented: “With so many engineering firms creating jobs in the short to medium term, the challenge as always is to ensure Ireland has the ready supply of engineering skills needed to fill those positions and deliver the vital infrastructural projects needed to galvanize Ireland’s post-pandemic recovery. The encouraging signs of increased STEM interest in our schools must be built upon through strong partnership across industry, the education system and academia to produce an increased supply of the engineers our country so badly needs. Bridging the gap between men and women working in the sector is also a priority and we must do more to address the drop off between females graduating with engineering qualifications and then working in industry.”

Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, added: “The engineering sector has remained robust throughout the pandemic and has experienced continued growth, with salaries across all engineering disciplines increasing again last year. As we continue on our path to recovery, our members’ skills will be vital to delivering a sustainable, green, and digital future across all aspects of our society and realising the ambition of Project Ireland 2040.”

To see the report in full, visit: https://www.engineersireland.ie/Professionals/News-Insights/Campaigns-and-policies/Reports/Engineering-barometer