Jonathan Stack, Engineering manager, Kingspan Hot Water Systems

Name Jonathan Stack
Job Engineering manager, Kingspan Hot Water Systems
Education Honours Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, CIT; BEng in Advanced Manufacturing, CIT

After returning to Ireland, following completion of a six-month graduate mechanical engineering contract in Australia, I discovered and applied for Kingspan’s graduate scheme. I was accepted for an initial interview, and then put forward for their second round in Dublin, where I was interviewed by a number of directors from different divisions and locations.

During my role in Australia, I was involved with various stainless steel grades and anti-corrosion processes. This helped me in the interview as Kingspan also use similar materials. Shortly afterwards, I was then offered a position in their Wakefield, Yorkshire branch.

I began as a graduate R&D engineer, but it wasn’t long before the graduate part of that title was dropped. A year later, I was promoted to project engineer and then, in the last few months, a management position. I am very proud to have progressed that far in only two years.

A typical week could involve securing a contractor for an installation, visiting a machinery supplier for commissioning, delegating repair or general maintenance work, or reporting general updates at business unit meetings.

There have also been a lot of important projects that I’ve been involved in. For instance, when Kingspan was attempting to break the American market with a product, I was responsible for designing, testing and development work. I am currently working on site energy reduction as part of Kingspan’s ‘net zero’ target.

My degree has been essential to me because, for 95 per cent of my work, I can relate back to what I learned in CIT. I’ve also had the opportunity for further training, having completed courses in project management and team management.

Advice for graduates

I would have preferred a job in Ireland, but am delighted with my current position. I moved in with a few lads, joined some clubs and adjusted well. I have been able to really focus on work, without distraction, which has greatly aided my progression. Engineering graduates, therefore, should be prepared to broaden their job expectations, and willing to move abroad for work.

I would have preferred a job in Ireland, but am delighted with my current position. I moved in with a few others who had moved to the area for work and adjusted well. I have been able to really focus on work, without distraction, which has greatly aided my progression. Engineering graduates, therefore, should be prepared to broaden their job expectations, and willing to move abroad for work.

Jonathan was interviewed for gradireland Engineering 2013