Mind the Gap: M&E Talent Shortage in Data Centres
Posted on:
by Tanisha Barkakaty
Data Centre Guidance
As a Senior IT Recruiter specialising in data centres here in Ireland, I’ve been closely following a growing challenge in our industry—the shortage of skilled mechanical and electrical engineers. This shortage is not just a headline; it’s a real and pressing issue affecting data centre operations across the country.
If you’re a hiring manager, senior leader, or HR professional in this space, you’re probably asking: Why is it so hard to find the right M&E talent? And if you’re a mechanical or electrical engineer, you might wonder: What opportunities are out there in data centres, and how can I position myself for success?
Let’s unpack the talent gap and explore practical solutions.
Why is Ireland facing a mechanical and electrical skills shortage in data centres?
Ireland’s data centre sector is booming, especially around Dublin, with new hyperscale builds and expansions. But this rapid growth has led to a high demand for engineers with specific mechanical and electrical expertise. The challenge? The pool of candidates with the right mix of data centre experience and technical skills is limited.
Several reasons explain this shortage:
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Mechanical and electrical engineers are highly sought after across many growing sectors in Ireland, including pharma, renewables, and construction.
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Data centres require specialists familiar with high-risk, mission-critical environments, which narrows the field.
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Mid-level engineers often move on or out of the region before gaining enough experience to meet data centre demands.
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Many engineers prefer permanent roles, while data centre projects often rely on contract or short-term hires.
The result? Many roles for mechanical engineer jobs in Ireland and electrical engineer jobs in Ireland remain open longer than companies would like.
What does this talent shortage mean for data centre operations?
From a practical standpoint, this shortage is causing delays and risks:
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Commissioning projects get pushed back because there aren’t enough engineers to keep up with schedules.
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The risk of downtime or operational failures rises when teams are understaffed.
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Companies end up relying on overseas contractors, increasing costs and complicating project management.
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Existing teams face more pressure, increasing the chance of burnout and further staff turnover.
Data centre operators can’t afford these risks, so addressing the talent gap is critical for business continuity and growth.
How can hiring managers and senior leaders tackle this challenge?
Based on my experience working with clients across Ireland, I’ve seen several strategies make a real difference:
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Strategic contract hiring: Bringing in skilled contract engineers for specific phases like commissioning or upgrades offers flexibility without the long-term commitment.
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Broadening sourcing channels: Looking beyond the traditional data centre talent pool and considering engineers from sectors like pharma or energy—where compliance and technical skills overlap—can help fill roles faster.
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Building talent pipelines: Staying connected with mechanical and electrical engineers, even when you don’t have immediate openings, allows you to move quickly when new needs arise.
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Market transparency: Understanding current salary trends and candidate availability helps set realistic expectations and prevents wasted time.
What advice do I have for candidates?
If you’re a mechanical or electrical engineer interested in data centres, here are a few tips:
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Highlight any experience with critical infrastructure or regulated industries on your CV.
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Be open to contract roles—they can lead to permanent positions.
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Engage with recruiters who specialise in data centre recruitment to get insights on the market and upcoming opportunities.
Ready to hire or find your next role?
At GemPool, we specialise in matching skilled mechanical and electrical engineers with data centre roles across Ireland. Whether you’re a hiring manager looking to fill a role or a candidate eager to take the next step in your career, we’re here to help- you can send a message here our Contact Us page and we'll be happy to answer any of our questions. If you're a candidate looking to explore opportunities in this space head over to our IT careers page.
