Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

The Work

Sports engineering is concerned with the research and development of technologies for the sports industry.

The Sports engineer combines technology with the mechanics and equipment used in sports. Projects for sports engineers could involve such projects as:

• Developing mountain bike suspension technology
• Improving the aerodynamics of golf balls to increase flying time and accuracy 
• Applying the laws of science to enhance and create new types of surfaces and equipment for use in sports arenas, gyms, fields and other venues

Engineers research different technologies and methods that improve the performance of products such as tennis balls, rackets, footwear and sportswear.

A sports engineer might observe how the seams and grooves of a soccer ball impact aerodynamics during movement. Engineers also work with athletes directly to assess how their oxygen intake, nutrition and workout regimen affect their performance.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse product failure data and laboratory test results to determine causes of problems and develop solutions.
• Design and direct the testing or control of processing procedures.
• Monitor material performance and evaluate material deterioration.
• Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
• Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.
• Modify properties of metal alloys, using thermal and mechanical treatments.
• Determine appropriate methods for fabricating and joining materials.
• Guide technical staff in developing materials for specific uses in projected products or devices.
• Review new product plans and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives, such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
• Supervise the work of technologists, technicians, and other engineers and scientists.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Sports technology jobs typically fall under the umbrella of Mechanical Engineering. It is therefore a common course of entry to study in this area.

Traditional engineering programs may use sports as examples, while some courses may be more focused on product development and design. 

It is becoming increasingly common for students to specialise in areas such as Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, Sports Technology and Mathematics. 

There are several programmes available, some are specfic Mechanical Engineering programs while others are General Entry Engineering with a Mechanical Engineering stream. These programs are offered from Certificate through to Degree and Postgraduate level, to prepare graduates for both technician grade and engineer grade job roles.

Training & Development

FET Centre Traineeship: CNC (Computer Numeric Control) Operator, Engineering OEM, Computer-Aided Design, Architectural Technology & Computer-Aided Design in centres around Ireland NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Prelim Engineering, Pre Univ engineering, Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, CAD - Computer Aided Draughting and Design,  CAD - Computer Aided Draughting and Design, Construction technology & draughting at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Surveying, Engineering Apprenticeships NFQ level 6-10 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: Engineering (Common entry to - Agricultural, Biomedical, Energy, Manufacturing and/or Mechanical Engineering). Engineering - Mechanical Engineering,Engineering in Mechanical and Automation Engineering, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical and Polymer Engineering, Mechanical and Sustainability Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering (General Entry), Mechanical Engineering and Renewable Energy courses at NFQ Levels 6-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options  Engineering - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering - Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering - Research, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering, Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Manufacturing Process & Automation Systems, Engineering - Mechanical Manufacturing & Biomedical Engineering - Research at NFQ levels 9-10

Professional Development 

Engineers Ireland depending on level of entry, Mechanical Engineers can gain Chartered Engineer or Associate Engineer status. You can apply for these professional titles through Engineers Ireland after first gaining an accredited degree, diploma or certificate, followed  by three or four years experience in the workplace. 

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €85k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Brightwater/ Sigmar

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a strong five-year annual average employment growth rate, the numbers employed declined marginally between 2021 and 2022. Over half (55%) were employed in the professional activities sector with the remainder spread across industry and other sectors. The number of employment permits issued in 2022 grew strongly (and remained strong in the first five months of 2023) in roles including electrical, mechanical, automation, and validation engineers. There is evidence in the Recruitment Agency Survey of difficulties in filling vacancies for roles in electrical, automation, mechanical, and environmental health & safety (EHS) engineers.

Skills for Growth and Spotlight on Skills data highlight issues with sourcing mechanical, automation and process engineers, with project management, Lean Six Sigma, and CAD/AutoCAD skills in particular demand for these roles. Despite a 3% fall in 2022, this occupation was amongst the most frequently mentioned in online job adverts. Overall demand for this occupation may moderate, although this may be offset by any increase in the extension of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5 technologies to more traditional manufacturing sectors and smaller sized companies; in addition, increased activity associated with the generation of green energy (mechanical/electrical) will also drive demand for these skills. As such, difficulty in sourcing suitably qualified and experienced engineers is expected to continue, albeit in smaller numbers.

• Sport Ireland

  • Sport Ireland National Sports Campus, Snugborough Road, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
  • (01) 8608800
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

  • Head Office, 44 Kildare St, Dublin 2
  • LoCall 0761 001 601 (+ 353 1 670 7444 outside Ireland)
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here