Commissioning a Career: When Technical Expertise Meets Global Opportunity
When Gary joined LotusWorks, he didn’t expect his career to take him from data centers in Dublin to leading major projects in Virginia, U.S. Along the way, LotusWorks’ culture of developing talent and creating opportunities has enabled him to grow his expertise, take on global challenges, and build a career that spans industries and continents. His story reflects how technical skills, combined with the right environment, can build a career that reaches across industries and continents.
Finding the Right Fit
Gary began his career as an electrician, but his eyes were already on the next step. “I always had a plan to eventually move into pharmaceutical maintenance or data centers,” he says. To get there, he shifted into HVAC control systems, spending two years travelling around Ireland on maintenance, retrofits, and new builds. Later, a stint with a major global semiconductor manufacturer deepened his mechanical knowledge. That experience would soon open doors.
When he applied to LotusWorks for an Electrical Technician role, LotusWorks saw more than just electrical skills. His mechanical background made him a great fit for the mechanical team on a client data center site in Dublin. “It wasn’t the role I’d planned on,” Gary says, “but LotusWorks saw I could bring something different, and it turned out to be exactly where I could add value.”
Within weeks, he was moving between mechanical and electrical commissioning tasks, gaining hands-on experience in both. With support from LotusWorks, he worked alongside leads in each discipline, building a dual skill set he still relies on today.
Growing Through Sectors
After gaining valuable experience in Dublin’s data center sector, Gary took the next step in his career and moved into the biopharmaceutical space. Gary went on to spend more than two years within the pharmaceutical sector as an Electrical Technician before stepping up to Mechanical Lead, gaining experience that would later prove invaluable for an opportunity within the data center sector.
Gary’s career next brought him back to Dublin, where he stepped into a Mechanical Lead role on a client data center site. When the project manager moved on, his cross-disciplinary background and proven leadership made him the natural choice to take on the Site Lead position. LotusWorks supported him through the transition with training, process guidance, and mentorship on client relationships. “It wasn’t just about being given the title,” Gary reflects. “I was given the tools and understanding to do the job well.”
His journey showed how experience gained in pharma and semiconductor environments could be applied successfully within the data center sector, reinforcing the value of transferable skills. That adaptability later opened doors internationally, including an opportunity in Virginia. For Gary, the decision was both professional and personal: “I have a wife and kids, so any move had to work for us as a family. Virginia felt like a great place to raise children—nice area, nice way of life. It ticked all the boxes.”
A New Way of Working
In Virginia, Gary’s role as Project Manager is similar to before, but the environment is different. Local codes and practices vary from Ireland, so he’s drawn on his biopharma experience to raise standards. “That background taught me switching and lockout procedures,” he says. “I’ve been able to train the team here so the work is safer and more predictable.”
Delivering a First for the Client
A standout milestone was delivering the first full data center commissioning for this U.S. client — and their first two-story copper bollard design in the region. Gary led phases both on site and remotely. “It was a big milestone for both the client and ourselves,” he says. “We were proud to get it over the line.”
Looking Forward
Moving into a more client-facing role felt daunting, but Gary has built strong relationships. “At the end of the day we’re all just trying to deliver the best result possible.”
What he values most is LotusWorks’ support: “They don’t just put you in a role and walk away, they guide you, train you, and give you the tools to succeed.”
Settling in wasn’t just about work — joining a local rugby team helped him make friends and feel at home. His advice for others? Do your research, connect with people who’ve made the move, and expect an adjustment period. “After that, life finds its rhythm, and the rewards are worth it.”
Gary’s journey reflects LotusWorks’ commitment to creating pathways for its people to learn, grow, and succeed — wherever their career ambitions take them. His story shows how, at LotusWorks, technical expertise truly can power a global career.
Inspired by Gary’s Journey? Explore current opportunities at LotusWorks and start building your own.