Constantin gives us insight into his role as a Senior Engineering Draughtsperson in the Office of Public Works.
Please tell us a little bit about your role.
As a Senior Engineering Draughtsperson, I work as a technical professional at the OPW, where I specialize in Revit detailing and AutoCAD drafting. My main focus is producing high-precision engineering details, specifically for structural and civil works (e.g. RC, masonry, steel and drainage details). A big part of my job is making sure that everything we produce is technically accurate and meets all the necessary regulations throughout the entire project lifecycle.
What were your reasons for applying for your role?
I was specifically looking to transition into a role where my technical background had a direct, tangible impact on society. While I enjoy the engineering process, working in the public sector offers the unique satisfaction of knowing that the projects I contribute to serve the community and improve life across Ireland. The chance to combine technical drafting and modelling excellence with meaningful public service was the main reason I applied.
What do you value most about your job?
What I value the most about my job is the incredible sense of collaboration within my team. In engineering, success depends on how effectively we communicate across different disciplines, whether it’s architects, engineers, or project managers. Being part of a multidisciplinary group where everyone is committed to high standards and supports one another through complex technical challenges is incredibly rewarding.
What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?
The role offers much more than a competitive salary; it provides a stable, structured environment for long-term engineering career growth. Between the robust pension scheme and the emphasis on professional development, the benefits are significant. Additionally, the organisation supports a healthy work-life balance through excellent parental leave policies, blended working and flexible opportunities to accumulate additional leave through overtime.
What opportunities has this role provided for you?
This role has provided me with a much broader view of the project lifecycle than I previously had. I’ve moved from focusing on individual tasks to understanding how our drawings and documentation integrate into the larger structural and civil framework. The opportunity to take more ownership of the digital modelling process and to provide insights on building regulations has allowed me to contribute more meaningfully to the team's success and help maintain our high standards of delivery.
What has surprised you since starting this role?
Since joining the team, I have been particularly impressed by the remarkable diversity of projects I have been involved in. The breadth of these engineering challenges has provided me with continuous learning opportunities and has allowed me to apply my technical skills across a much wider range of disciplines than I initially anticipated.
Some examples are the following: - Dromahair National Monuments Depot (Co. Leitrim) - installation of a suspended timber floor, new floor slab, new steel stairway and new steel structure carpentry workshop. - The Mews House (Dublin) - Refurbishment and redevelopment to existing two storey masonry structure. Design of new drainage layout. Redesign of the existing timber roof.
HWhat aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?
Being able to contribute to the successful delivery of national infrastructure, and knowing that my work helps ensure the safety and functionality of our national assets, is incredibly fulfilling.
Would you recommend a career in the public sector and why?
I would recommend it to anyone who thrives in a highly regulated and technically demanding environment. The public sector deals with large-scale, multidisciplinary projects that require extreme attention to detail and strict adherence to building regulations and BIM standards. If you enjoy preparing technical drawings and managing complex digital models, navigating intricate technical documentation, and working within a structured framework of excellence, the public sector offers an unparalleled professional challenge.