Meet Alex, a Graduate Design Engineer in Kingspan

Location: Tate, Dublin

Degree: MEng Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

University attended: Dublin City University

1. What does your role in Kingspan involve?

My role involves the designing of mainly non-structural but also structural Hot Aisle Containment (HAC) systems in datacentres to manage airflow and improve cooling efficiency. I am responsible for the design of the HACs, creating the production drawings, compiling comprehensive bill of materials (BOMs) and providing installation guides for on-site installation. I work closely with project managers and design engineers to ensure solutions meet client requirements, constraints and are delivered to a high standard.

2. What is the most interesting project you have been involved in since you joined?

I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of interesting projects so far, with the most interesting being my involvement in helping to develop the first HAC using our new profiles. It was interesting to see how familiar components had to adapt to new constraints, and I really enjoyed working with the team to solve unexpected challenges and refine the design and to see the finished product come together for the first time.

3. What prompted you to apply to Kingspan?

I applied to Kingspan because wanted to be a part of a large, innovative and growing company where I had the chance to continuously progress and develop my skills. It was important to me that I joined a graduate programme where I actively contributed to my team and got involved in a diverse range of work early on. I liked that the Kingspan graduate programme provides broad exposure across different divisions, with opportunities to collaborate with teams across projects, departments, and even internationally. I had also heard very positive feedback about Kingspan from peers and at graduate fairs, which further reinforced my decision to apply.

4. What was your experience of the Kingspan graduate recruitment process?

I had a very positive experience throughout the graduate recruitment process. It was clear, well-structured, and communicated timelines from the beginning. It was definitely the most interesting and engaging process I went through during my job search. As part of the final interview, I also had the opportunity to get a tour the office and meet the team I would be working with, which was a great experience and reinforced my interest in joining Kingspan.

5. Have you any tips for someone else thinking of applying to Kingspan?

I would definitely encourage someone who is thinking of applying to Kingspan. My tips for the interview process would be to be open-minded and engaged. It is a great opportunity to develop your knowledge of the company and make sure that it aligns with your goals. The interviews aren’t something you can study for, so I would focus on being prepared with knowledge on the company and about yourself and your past experience. Try to be as engaged as you can from the beginning, from my experience they are looking for people who are friendly, problem solvers, and who are motivated and willing to get involved and take on a challenge.

6. Looking back, what qualities and behaviours do you think you displayed during the recruitment process which made you a good fit for Kingspan?

In my recruitment process, I believe that the most important qualities I demonstrated were that I was outgoing and eager to get involved in work and take on challenges. I was confident in sharing my ideas and demonstrated that I work well with others and in a fast-paced environment, particularly during the group discussion. My research into Kingspan’s mission and values, and how they align with my own, also helped show both myself and the interviewers that I would be a strong fit for the company.