Chartered Engineer of the Year

The Professional Title of Chartered Engineer, considered to be the gold standard of our profession, was established in Ireland over 50 years ago. Chartered Engineers are leaders in their industry. They are ethical practitioners who maintain the highest level of competence and professional integrity. They develop new technology and use innovative methods to solve complex problems.

Within the Republic of Ireland, Engineers Ireland is the sole authority to award the title, which is granted to professional engineers who, through a rigorous review process, have shown their ability to apply their professional competencies in the workplace. 

The Chartered Engineer title attained through Engineers Ireland is an accolade associated with the very best of the engineering profession. It is an important and valuable milestone in the career of any engineer.


2025 Shortlist

On Wednesday, 26 November at 6pm, we will find out which of our five finalists will be awarded the Chartered Engineer of the Year Award. 

This event is truly a celebration of the diversity of the engineering profession. Atendees will be treated to an overview of key engineering projects delivered by our finalists.

Read more about those shortlisted below.

   Anisa Pjetri 
   Structural Engineer
   AtkinsRéalis

Anisa Pjetri is a Chartered Structural Engineer with over a decade of international experience across Albania, Malta, and Ireland. Currently an Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis, she has delivered complex projects in healthcare, education, aviation, and large-scale residential developments.

Anisa began her career in Albania, contributing to major infrastructure and healthcare projects. In 2018, she relocated to Malta, where she delivered major-investment hospitality, commercial, and refurbishment projects. Since 2022, Anisa has been based in Dublin, leading teams on educational, aviation, and residential projects. Her expertise covers structural design and multidisciplinary project management, underpinned by quality assurance and proactive client engagement. She places particular emphasis on integrating sustainable solutions into the built environment.

Committed to advancing the field of engineering beyond project delivery, she is an active member of Engineers Ireland’s Women in Engineering Group and Project Management Society. She is passionate about promoting diversity in STEM and mentoring the next generation of engineers.

Project title: Delivering Educational Excellence: Engineering Six Schools for the Future.

   Diarmaid Long
   Civil Engineer
   Self Employed

Diarmaid Long is a Civil Engineer who has spent much of his career working internationally. Having worked as Construction Manager for the Main Contractor, career highlights include Crossrail’s Bond Street Station, Riyadh’s Metro Project, and London Underground’s Bank Station Capacity Upgrade. He moved into a consultancy role in 2021 working for Bechtel and has recently delivered a large tunnelling scope through a mountainous region in Saudi Arabia.

Diarmaid’s expertise lies in conventional tunnelling methods in both soft and hard geological conditions. He advocates for design efficiency and seeks out opportunities utilising new and emerging technology to ensure the best value and safest solutions are implemented. Within his consultant role, he has made notable contributions in developing and implementing innovative tunnel lining and ground support solutions.

Having returned to Ireland, Diarmaid is now self-employed and aims to apply his international construction and project management experience on home soil.

Project title: Innovation underground: Opportunities in Tunnelling  

   Emma Sheils
   Structural Engineer
   Research Driven Solutions (RDS)

Emma is a Senior Engineer at Research Driven Solutions (RDS), specialising in risk modelling, performance optimisation, probabilistic assessment of infrastructure, circular economy and resource efficiency. An accomplished researcher and structural engineer, Emma’s knowledge and expertise span several areas of academia and industry, including design and maintenance of transport infrastructure.

Emma has several published conference papers and peer reviewed journal papers in the field of optimisation, maintenance and inspection planning. In engineering consultancy, Emma developed extensive bridge design experience, fulfilling a long-held ambition to specialise in the design of long-span cable-stayed and extradosed bridges.

Emma’s current work focuses on projects that create and implement practical tools and strategies to deliver solutions to challenging problems and drive progression within civil engineering. She is committed to strengthening the link between research and industry through continuous engagement and collaboration with stakeholders. Her drive and enthusiasm for innovation and excellence are evident throughout her career.

Project title: Risk based assessment for multi life-cycle optimisation of circularity in the construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure

   Robert Grimmer
   Electronic Engineer
   European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN)

Robert is an electrical engineer with over twelve years’ experience spanning electronic design, radio-frequency systems, and industrial controls. Currently based in Geneva, he drives innovation at CERN's Electrical Power Converter group, where he is developing the next generation of control electronics for use throughout CERN’s accelerator complex.

His engineering journey began with a BE Hons in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from University College Cork and has evolved through diverse roles – from dynamic startup environments in Berlin through large multinationals and international research organisations. This diverse international background across four countries has shaped his collaborative approach to complex engineering challenges.

Robert is currently completing an MSc in Sustainable Electrical Power Systems Engineering with the University of Manchester alongside his full-time responsibilities, underpinning his commitment to professional growth and passion for sustainable technologies. His current CERN projects emphasise open-source hardware development and cross-functional collaboration, reflecting his commitment to knowledge sharing and collective innovation.

Project Title: Modernising Decades-Old Systems in High-Availability Environments: A strategy for CERN Power Converter Controls

   Sinead Conneely
   Structural Engineer
   Simple Works

Sinead is a Structural Engineer and co-founder of Simple Works, a purpose driven engineering practice in London recognised for its innovative, sustainable, and collaborative approach to design. With experience spanning residential, cultural, and education sectors, she has delivered complex projects such as the partial renovation of the historic Catford Police Station and masterplan works for Imperial College London underneath and near the busy Westway flyover.

At Simple Works, Sinéad champions the integration of digital design and automation processes to deliver efficient, future-proof solutions, while fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional growth within the team. Passionate about engineering’s role in shaping communities, she actively engages with architects, clients, and local authorities to achieve designs that are both technically robust and socially meaningful.

Dedicated to advancing the profession, Sinéad advocates for sustainable practice, digital innovation, and the mentoring of future engineers, ensuring engineering excellence continues to make a positive impact.

Project title: Engineering Social Value

Previous winners

Róisín Buckley

2024

Róisín Buckley
Senior Lecturer, Glasgow University


Eoin Casserly

2023

Eoin Casserly
Principal and Founder, Voluta

2022

William Fyans
Engineering Manager, SiriusXT  

2021

Claire Lillis
Senior Programme Manager, 
Aerogen

2020 

Donal Kelly
Dragados

650x366 Dr Cristina Paduano

2019

Dr Cristina Paduano
B-fluid

650x366 Aoife Murphy

2018

Aoife Murphy
David Kelly Partnership

Captain Eoghan Carton

2017

Captain Eoghan Carton
Engineer Officer,
Irish Defence Forces

Sponsor

The Chartered Engineer of the Year Award is kindly supported by Arup. We would like to thank Arup for their support and commitment to recognising and celebrating our Chartered Engineers.

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