Monday 22 September 2025
A global engineering design consultancy with expertise in data centres and complex infrastructure projects is set to create 60 high-tech engineering jobs in Dublin.
Significant investment in the Irish marketsignificant investment in the Irish market
Black & White Engineering recently completed the acquisition of Homan O’Brien, one of Ireland’s longest-established consulting engineering firms. The deal marks Black & White’s first European acquisition and a significant investment in the Irish market.
Homan O’Brien traces its roots back more than 65 years through the merger of Robert Jacob and Partners (founded in 1955) and Seamus Homan Associates (founded in 1978). It has built a strong reputation across healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential and industrial sectors, in addition to its expertise in data centres.
L-R: Mick Cairns, Simon O’Brien, and Steven Horn.
Simon O’Brien, country director, Ireland at Black & White Engineering, said: “We’re currently 32 people in Dublin and over the next three years we plan to grow the team to about 90. That’s 60 high-tech engineering jobs and a real investment in Irish talent and skills. For our clients, it means continuity and stability with the same level of service we’ve always provided, while giving us the scale and support of a global network.”
The expansion forms a key part of Black & White’s European growth strategy, supported by its investment partners Waterland. Choosing Dublin for the company’s first European acquisition reflects both the city’s importance as a base for multinational clients and the depth of engineering expertise available in Ireland. With Waterland’s backing, Black & White is accelerating its international growth and building the scale needed to support clients across increasingly complex global projects.
'Dublin a strategic hub'
Mick Cairns, CEO and founder of Black & White Engineering, said: “Dublin is a strategic hub for many of our global clients and having a strong presence here means we can be closer to them while creating significant new opportunities for engineers in Ireland. This is an exciting step in our growth journey, and we’re delighted to invest in the future of the Irish engineering sector.”
Black & White Engineering now operates across more than 18 cities worldwide with a team of over 1,000 people. The company has seen rapid growth in recent years, achieving a 500% increase in size since 2020 and is recognised across industry for its technical excellence, data centre expertise and sustainable design solutions.
Steven Horn, managing director, Europe at Black & White Engineering, added: “Creating 60 new high-tech engineering roles in Dublin is a major step in building our European capability. These jobs represent real opportunities for talented engineers in Ireland to work on projects that have both a local and international impact. Expanding the team in Dublin also strengthens our ability to support clients across Europe with the depth of expertise and resources they need.”