Black & White Engineering, a global engineering and design consultancy specialising in mission-critical infrastructure, has announced the recruitment of a Chief Technical Officer (CTO) as part of its strategic C-suite expansion and growth plans. The ideal candidate will anticipate changing market demands and turn those insights into innovative solutions that strengthen project delivery, product performance and overall client experience. The role will lead the global engineering and research and development teams, focused on advancing technical innovation and engineering excellence across the organisation.

The award-winning engineering consultancy is strengthening its leadership team as it scales technical capabilities across the mission-critical infrastructure sector. The appointment comes as the company continues its rapid expansion trajectory, having grown 500% since 2020 and nearing 1,000 employees globally. Following partnership with private equity investors Waterland in 2024, Black & White Engineering is positioning itself to capitalise on increasing demand for sustainable, high-performance engineering solutions, particularly within the data centre industry.

Driving Technological Innovation

The CTO will play a pivotal role in defining and executing Black & White’s technical vision and strategy, ensuring engineering solutions align with business objectives while maintaining the company’s position at the forefront of innovation. Key responsibilities will include shaping the digital and technical roadmap, overseeing all engineering operations, leading R&D initiatives to explore competitive advantages, and building high-performing teams capable of delivering cutting-edge solutions to clients worldwide.

Mick Cairns, Founder and CEO, Black & White said:

“As we scale our operations and deepen our technical capabilities, appointing a visionary CTO is essential to driving our five-year strategic vision forward. This role will be instrumental in fostering our one global team culture of innovation, ensuring our technical services remain scalable, reliable and secure, while delivering the sustainable engineering solutions our clients expect.

A Track Record of Engineering Excellence

Black & White Engineering has established itself as an employer of choice, achieving 5-star employer status for four consecutive years. The company’s award-winning portfolio spans mission-critical infrastructure projects globally, with expertise in the rapidly evolving data centre sector where demand for advanced solutions and sustainable engineering continues to accelerate.

The CTO will be responsible for:

• Developing and executing the company’s technical engineering vision and strategy in alignment with business objectives
• Leading the engineering technical and digital roadmap to support product development, scalability and market demands
• Fostering innovation and leading R&D efforts across engineering disciplines to explore new technologies and competitive advantages
• Overseeing technical engineering architecture, ensuring products and services are scalable, reliable and secure
• Building, leading and mentoring high-performing global engineering and R&D teams
• Driving continuous technical and process improvement to enhance engineering delivery, operational efficiency and profitability
• Act as an ambassador for technical innovation, representing Black & White at global events, thought leadership panels and within industry networks to inspire progress and influence the future of engineering design.

Ready to Lead the Future of Engineering Innovation?

Black & White Engineering is seeking an exceptional leader with proven experience in senior technical engineering leadership roles ideally within the built environment and a track record of improving delivery, efficiency and profitability through innovation and technical development. The ideal candidate will bring in-depth knowledge of industry-specific technical best practices, emerging technologies, a passion for sustainable solutions, and the strategic vision to drive a global engineering and design consultancy into its next phase of growth.

Interested candidates are invited to contact our recruitment team for a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

Black & White Engineering has officially launched in Dublin Ireland marking the completion of our first European acquisition and a new chapter in our global growth.

The rebrand follows the acquisition of Homan O’Brien in May 2025 and an integration period that has seen the Dublin team fully aligned into Black & White’s One Global Team model.

To celebrate this milestone, more than 200 clients and colleagues from across Ireland and Europe joined the Black & White global team and at a launch event on 18 September in The Crypt at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. The event brought together industry leaders, clients and partners to mark the occasion and look ahead to the future of engineering in Ireland and beyond.

Creating Opportunities in Ireland

The Dublin office is set to play a central role in Black & White’s European growth strategy, with plans to create 60 new high-tech engineering jobs over the next three years. This expansion builds on Homan O’Brien’s legacy of more than 65 years delivering engineering excellence across healthcare, education, laboratories, commercial, residential, industrial and mission-critical sectors.

Simon O’Brien, Country Director, Ireland, said:

“We’re currently 32 people in Dublin with plans to grow the team to around 90. That’s 60 new 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.”

Steven Horn, Managing Director, Europe 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.”

A Strategic Step in European Growth

The acquisition and expansion in Dublin reflects the importance of Ireland as both a hub for multinational clients and a centre of engineering expertise.

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 now operates in more than 18 cities worldwide with a team of over 1,000 people, recognised for technical excellence, data centre expertise, and sustainable design solutions.

As Black & White Engineering in Ireland, the Dublin team is already delivering projects across Ireland and mainland Europe, strengthening our ability to support clients and creating new opportunities for engineers at every stage of their career.

To learn more about working with Black & White, explore current opportunities on our Careers Page.

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword; it’s a critical engineering challenge demanding a comprehensive and precise approach.

In this article Edmar Cabra, Regional Sustainability Lead – MENA, explains why sustainable engineering solutions must go beyond certifications to deliver real, measurable outcomes.

While “Green” certifications for facilities like data centres might seem like a victory, they don’t always guarantee true sustainability. A ‘green’ certified data centre, for instance, could still exhibit high energy and water consumption, and significant emissions compared to a non-certified one. This underscores the necessity for sustainability strategies to deliver tangible results that encompass the total cost of ownership, looking beyond mere CAPEX or OPEX.

“True sustainability hinges on measurable impact.”

At its core, sustainability in engineering focuses on three pivotal areas: energy, water and carbon. These elements yield the highest impact across all sustainability categories, making them the prime targets for effective solutions. Addressing these issues requires rigorous engineering analysis –
– Identifying the problem
– Pinpoint immediate causes and contributing factors, and
– Meticulously plan for corrective or preventive actions
This systematic problem-solving approach is fundamental to achieving meaningful progress.

The Imperative of Data in Regulation Compliance

Real-world challenges in achieving sustainability are increasingly driven by evolving regulations. Consider the new Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) in the European Union, for example. It mandates significant energy efficiency improvements and transparent reporting for businesses, particularly those operating data centres. This legislation directly impacts how companies must manage their energy consumption and carbon footprint, fundamentally shifting from voluntary certifications to legally binding requirements. Such directives unequivocally highlight the urgent need for a data-driven approach.
In this rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, data centre operators, in particular, face escalating pressure to be transparent about their energy and water usage, as well as their carbon emissions. This is precisely where data becomes paramount. Accurate and comprehensive data is the linchpin for understanding current performance, setting realistic targets, and effectively tracking progress. Without such precise data, even the most ambitious sustainability goals remain aspirational. Therefore, the industry must proactively move towards robust data collection and analysis to not only meet these new obligations but also genuinely improve environmental performance.

Engineering for a Sustainable Future: Best Practices

Engineering solutions must be precise and bespoke. They must be meticulously tailored to deliver peak performance and minimise environmental impact in diverse environments, from the scorching desert heat of the UAE to the humid climates of Southeast Asia and the cold climate of the Nordics. This means leveraging advanced modelling tools to ensure that every Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) system is the optimal fit for specific project needs and local climatic conditions. The industry needs to prioritise bespoke engineering that considers every variable, optimising for efficiency and resilience under real-world operating conditions.

“Engineering solutions must be precise and tailored. Generic approaches simply won’t suffice.”

Innovation as a Cornerstone of Sustainable Engineering.

The commitment to tackling these complex sustainability challenges is increasingly amplified by continuous research and development. A technology-backed solution approach is crucial, relentlessly seeking out and evaluating cutting-edge innovations. This involves actively partnering with leading manufacturers and technologists to ensure that the most advanced and effective solutions are seamlessly integrated into projects. This proactive embrace of innovation keeps organisations at the forefront of sustainable engineering, enabling them to consistently offer state-of-the-art solutions that push the boundaries of energy efficiency and environmental responsibility. The future of sustainable engineering relies on a collective dedication to innovation, knowledge sharing, and the practical application of new technologies.

By synthesising in-depth engineering analysis, data-driven insights, and a steadfast dedication to research and development, the industry can spearhead the transformation of sustainability from an abstract concept into a measurable and achievable engineering reality. This holistic approach, firmly rooted in precise engineering and technological advancement, is how businesses can not only meet but unequivocally exceed their sustainability goals, paving the way for a more resilient and responsible future. It’s about empowering organisations with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and implement solutions that genuinely contribute to a more sustainable world.

If you’re working towards lower emissions, improved efficiency or compliance with evolving regulations our team can support you with practical, tailored solutions backed by real-world performance data.

Contact us to discuss how we can support your projects.

Just three months since joining Black & White the Dublin team is already making an impact across global projects reflecting the company’s integration model and commitment to ‘One Global Team’ delivery. 

Following the acquisition of Homan O’Brien in May 2025, Black & White Engineering’s Dublin team has completed the first phase of integration in the business’s strategic expansion across Europe. 

In just three months, the team are well on their way into Black & White, bringing their team of experienced engineers and technical specialists into the fold. With a strong legacy in mechanical and electrical design across mission critical, commercial, healthcare and residential sectors, the Dublin office is playing an active role in Black & White’s project portfolio, including data centres across Ireland and Europe. 

The integration plan has focused on team onboarding, training, project immersion and operational alignment. Tailored induction and technical training sessions have enabled fast upskilling in the Black & White Way, supported by colleagues across global offices. As a result, many team members are already contributing to cross-office projects in collaboration with London, Manchester, Paris, Newcastle and Dubai teams, demonstrating the value of Black & White’s One Global Team model. 

Simon O’Brien, Country Lead , Ireland said: “The last few months have been incredibly positive. We’ve adapted quickly, and it already feels like we’re part of one global team. We’re collaborating with colleagues across the business and seeing new opportunities open, for our people and for our clients. It’s great to be building something that feels ambitious and aligned.”

From day one, emphasis has been placed on creating meaningful connections between the Dublin team and wider business units. Site visits, project briefings and introductions with global functions such as HR, learning & development, finance and IT have supported a smooth transition. Weekly meetings and regular knowledge-sharing forums are also helping to build familiarity with Black & White’s tools, systems and ways of working. 

The acquisition has also opened new opportunities for professional development. Engineers at all levels are already benefiting from Black & White’s structured Learning & Development programme, including technical workshops and leadership training delivered through the Global Academy.

Gerard Keating, Area Director said: “There are huge opportunities for growth at Black & White. For the team, it’s a chance to work on world-class projects and become true global engineers. Personally, I’m excited to help shape a centre of excellence in Dublin and share knowledge across the wider business.” 

With strong foundations now in place, Black & White is focused on the next phase, expanding the team and deepening its local market presence. Recruitment is already underway, with plans to double the size of the Dublin office over the next 12 months to meet growing client demand and support continued European growth. 

Steven Horn, Managing Director, Europe said: “What stands out is how well the Dublin team is integrating, bringing their expertise and a clear focus that’s already adding value to what we deliver across Europe. The team’s experience in high-demand sectors is a real asset, and this integration is an important step in strengthening our position in key markets.”

The final stage of the integration will complete in September 2025, when the team will officially rebrand to Black & White Ireland, marking a new chapter in the company’s journey and further strengthening its position as a trusted engineering partner across the region. 

To find out how our growing Dublin office can support your next project get in contact here.
If you’re looking to build your career on global projects with a people-first company explore our open roles on our careers page.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is fast becoming essential to the evolution of AI scale data centres, where the density and complexity of compute workloads are reaching unprecedented levels. Maintaining performance and resilience in these environments demands more than traditional design, it requires precision engineering, proactive risk mitigation, and advanced simulation-based verification. CFD plays a pivotal role in delivering all three.

In this article, Ramamoorthy Sethuramalingam, Associate Director and Head of CFD explores how CFD supports smarter engineering decisions for AI-ready, high-density data centres, from rack-level airflow to site-wide heat rejection systems. 

Smarter Data Centre Cooling Strategies with CFD 

CFD empowers our engineering teams and clients to visualise and optimise airflow, pressure zones, and heat distribution across high-density environments. Whether designing a new facility or fine-tuning an existing one, CFD provides a predictive lens into system behaviour, preventing thermal hotspots, supporting uptime, and driving operational efficiency from day one. 

Internal Air-Side Cooling in AI Data Halls 

In conventional air-cooled halls, CFD identifies recirculation issues, airflow short circuits, and ineffective containment strategies. Using these simulations to design optimised cold-aisle and hot-aisle systems, ensuring even the most power-dense racks are cooled reliably, without over provisioning. 

Modelling Liquid Cooling Systems for High-Density Loads 

As air cooling reaches its limits, AI workloads increasingly rely on direct-to-chip cooling, immersion systems, and rear-door heat exchangers. CFD enables our engineers to model coolant 1-D flow paths, detect imbalances, and anticipate temperature deviations before deployment. It also allows simulation of failure modes (such as pump outages, power outages, equipment failures etc), so that robust contingency plans are embedded in the design. 

To support large-scale liquid cooling topologies, integrating 1-dimensional thermal and hydraulic modelling. This allows us to size pipework, optimise pump selections, and ensure consistent flow across parallel circuits. For AI-ready campuses, 1D and 3D simulations together deliver a holistic, scalable cooling strategy with built-in redundancy. 

Buffer Vessel CFD Optimisation 

Buffer vessels are critical for thermal inertia and flow stability. And using vessel mixing patterns, heat retention, and dynamic load responses, CFD guarantees that temperature fluctuations are smoothed out-even during power failure transient states like load spikes or component failures and ensuring IT reliability. 

External Plant Performance 

Chillers, dry coolers, and adiabatic systems play a central role in rejecting heat from IT to the atmosphere. CFD helps us evaluate the interaction between plant layout, prevailing winds, building geometry, and heat plumes. This insight is vital to prevent thermal recirculation, reduce fan energy, and maximise the effectiveness of external plant assets in any climate. 

Modular Pod-Level Simulations 

For rapid-deploy modular systems and containerised electrical pods, CFD delivers pre-installation design validation. Our CFD engineers test pod configurations to ensure airflow integrity, containment compatibility, and cooling adequacy before physical deployment reducing commissioning risks and accelerating rollout. 

At Black & White Engineering Ltd, CFD is more than a modelling tool, it’s a strategic asset. From rack-level detail to site-wide thermal resilience, our CFD-driven approach supports smarter, safer, and more scalable AI data centre environments. As compute intensity increases, so does our commitment to delivering engineering solutions that keep performance, sustainability, and reliability in perfect balance. 

Want to enhance the resilience and efficiency of your AI-ready data centre?
Contact our team to explore how CFD led design can transform your infrastructure. Visit our contact page to start the conversation.