Embarking on a career in water treatment engineering is both exciting and challenging. At Veolia Water Technologies Ireland, we have witnessed many professionals transform from industry newcomers to respected experts. One such inspiring story is from a field service engineer whose journey exemplifies the rapid growth possible in this field. How did they navigate the complexities of advanced water treatment systems and contribute to sustainability in Ireland? Read on to discover their path and learn about the dynamic career opportunities at Veolia Water Technologies Ireland.
An article by John Dooley, Service & Commissioning Engineer with Veolia Water Technologies Ireland.
Why did you decide to join Veolia Water Technologies Ireland?
I was excited to join VWT Ireland because of its extensive and varied client base, which I believed would require top-tier expertise for their facilities. I knew that joining VWT Ireland would immediately provide opportunities to enhance my skills and expose me to the latest technologies and equipment in the purified water industry. One of the key reasons I chose Veolia was the ongoing support for professional development, particularly through the Life Science Centre of Excellence. The Centre offers City and Guilds-assured training courses that help employees from Veolia Water Technologies globally deepen their expertise in the field. It provides a unique opportunity to tackle real-world challenges - by testing new solutions in a controlled environment and then applying those learnings to on-site issues. With a primarily electrical background, I have appreciated the opportunity to expand my knowledge into other areas, such as mechanical and chemical engineering processes.
What does a typical workday look like?
The workday of a field service engineer can vary greatly, but it always begins with contacting the client. This initial communication is essential for outlining the plan to resolve any issues, whether it’s an emergency breakdown or scheduled maintenance. While troubleshooting, plant assessments, and standard upgrades take up a significant portion of the day, administrative tasks - such as liaising with the scheduling team, consulting with technical support, and preparing client quotations - are also necessary. The diverse nature of the field service engineer role presents both challenges and rewards.
Speaking of challenges, what is the most difficult aspect of your role, and how do you overcome it?
The most demanding part of my role involves managing critical plant breakdowns, where every minute of downtime can significantly impact a client's production capabilities and bottom line. These high-pressure situations require quick thinking, technical expertise, and effective problem-solving skills.
Can you share a success story from your early days in the role?
The equipment used by VWT Ireland was completely new to me, as my experience as a field service engineer was in a different industry. However, my colleagues were exceptional in explaining the processes and making me feel welcome. After about six months, I considered it a significant accomplishment to be entrusted with commissioning work at a client’s site. The responsibility of ensuring the proper installation, testing and operation of new client equipment greatly boosted my confidence.
What are some of the skills you have developed since joining us here at Veolia Water Technologies Ireland?
My time at VWT Ireland has significantly expanded my skill set. Through the training and support provided by the Life Science Centre of Excellence, I have gained a deeper understanding of mechanical and chemical processes, alongside enhancing my project management skills. The Centre plays a pivotal role in my growth by offering hands-on opportunities to explore and navigate challenges found on client sites, testing new solutions, and applying those insights to real-world situations. The professional development courses available have also helped me build on my existing knowledge, providing me with the tools and expertise to tackle increasingly complex projects, ensuring I deliver optimal solutions for our clients.
How do you see your role as Service & Commissioning Engineer contributing to the company's overall mission?
At VWT Ireland, we are committed to 'excellence every day,' and I strive to uphold this promise to our clients. By ensuring their equipment operates at optimal levels, we not only achieve customer satisfaction but also prioritise energy efficiency and water conservation - key focus areas at VWT Ireland.
How do you see your career developing with us into the future?
I would like to further develop my skills in the commissioning aspect of the business, as I thoroughly enjoy this process and especially like resolving any technical issues that may arise during a project. I believe that overseeing commissioning projects would be a natural progression in my professional development.
What advice would you give to new employees joining Veolia Water Technologies Ireland?
Stay open to learning from your colleagues, whose knowledge and experience will be invaluable to your success. Take full advantage of the training and career development opportunities available at the Life Science Centre of Excellence, where you can continue to enhance your skills and advance your career. Most notably, working with VWT Ireland offers incredible variety, as it spans a wide range of applications, from water chemistry to engineering and commissioning, across multiple key markets including pharma, healthcare, labs and F&B. You’ll be working with some of the biggest players in these sectors, including household names in pharmaceuticals and some of the country’s largest hospitals. This diversity not only broadens your technical expertise but also gives you the opportunity to contribute to solutions that are critical to the success of these industries .
Interested in exploring our current opportunities? Visit our careers page to learn more and contact us today
