Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Darragh Williamson

Rathoe, Carlow,CW

Summary

Accomplished Fire Engineer Designer with extensive experience managing product design and development lifecycles. Plans and problem-solves tactically to eliminate delivery delays. Monitors emerging trends and technology for innovative, forward-thinking client support.

Offering strong background in creative projects, with knowledge of design principles and keen eye for aesthetics. Adept at collaborating in team settings and communicating ideas effectively. Ready to use and develop creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills in Fire Engineering positions.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Director

Matrix Safety Systems Limited
Carlow, Carlow
01.2020 - Current

As the Managing Director for Matrix Safety System I oversee the day-to-day operations of company projects and client meetings. Within this role I am tasked with the responsibilities to keep all aspects of projects up to date from design, installation, commissioning, labour and ensuring the completion of jobs on time and to the client's specification.

I take great care in attention to every detail, from operation and maintenance manuals, to data specification compliance to our company's brief in accordance with electrical standards and building regulations. From tender stage I review all technical documentation and wiring schematics to advise electrical contractors on best code of practice and to familiarise myself with all equipment being installed and maintained for each customer.

Daily I compose and compile all information to ensure productivity and to aid pre-planning for staff and equipment, for example lead times to ensure all key areas of the business are as productive as possible.

I maintain my records for time keeping along with scheduling preventative planned maintenance for all customers. My main tasks include liaising with clients / electrical contractors and designers daily with request for information sheets to keep all documentation and drawing folders up to date for comments/ requested variations and implementation of preventative maintenance structures.

This position has supplied me with the tools and knowledge to implement safe codes of practice along with excellent opportunities to advance my career from a project manager point of view.

EMEA Life Safety System Designer

Vantage Data Center
EMEA, Carlow
03.2023 - Current

As a dedicated Life Safety System Designer with a strong background in fire safety systems and a passion for safeguarding critical infrastructure, I have consistently delivered excellence in designing and implementing state-of-the-art fire alarm systems tailored to the unique needs of data center environments. With a career spanning 15 years, I have demonstrated unwavering commitment to ensuring the highest levels of fire safety and security for data centers, making me an invaluable asset to any forward-thinking data center company.

My expertise lies in the precise alignment of fire alarm designs with the specific requirements of data center facilities, where operational continuity is paramount.

I have consistently proven my ability to design, engineer, and oversee the installation of fire alarm systems that not only meet industry standards and regulations but also exceed client expectations. My work has resulted in reduced risk, enhanced response times, and ultimately, the protection of critical data and infrastructure.

In addition to my technical proficiency, I excel in collaborative environments, leading cross-functional teams and working closely with clients to ensure their unique needs are met. My dedication to staying current with industry advancements and certifications, such as FM Global loss prevention and NFPA standards ongoing education, further enhances my ability to provide innovative solutions and maintain the highest standards of safety.

I am excited about the opportunity to enhance my expertise and passion for fire safety throughout the course being offered for Waterford SETU.

Please see below actions I have carried out daily as part of my scope of works for Vantage Data Center -

  • Interpreted 3D models and calculation outcomes to identify and mitigate fire risks.
  • Led internal building evaluations to deliver compliant safety functions in emergency scenarios.
  • Guided designers throughout various project stages to achieve bespoke suppression system requirements.
  • Retained knowledge of current fire regulations for optimised systems' compliance.
  • Surveyed sites to identify risks and adapt fire solutions accordingly.
  • Identified and recommended protection solutions for improved fire prevention.
  • Managed projects from design to completion, achieving budget, quality and safety requirements.
  • Designed fire suppression system solutions tailored to diverse building and safety requirements.
  • Used functional redundancy methodologies to measure and understand systems' damage risks.
  • Collaborated with engineering teams in creating, testing and maintaining functional fire suppression systems.
  • Interpreted design drawings to achieve safe, compliant systems' installations.
  • Improved detection and response times through targeted firefighting education.
  • Educated businesses on fire detection and protection opportunities, mitigating risk.
  • Created building divisions and zones to improve fire protection system capabilities.
  • Modified and repaired fire suppression systems and products for improved safety and function.

Life Safety System / Electrical Project Manager

DAS Fire
Dublin, Dublin
05.2022 - 02.2023

Data Center - AWS (K2)

Data Center - Tik Tok (K2)

As the LSS Project Manager, my scope of works was to ensure all staff safety and key milestone dates were achieved to a high quality of installation and commissioning. Attend all project meetings from Design / Install and commissioning to co-ordinate with all other trade vendors and the client team. Main duties included the design of the fire alarm detection and evacuation system and ensuring the system was completed in line with the regulations and standards, also to assist in the delivery of both the mechanical Gas Suppression system and High Pressure Watermist system through out the project.

Other duties include

  • Directed and supervised all LSS project teams operations, upholding company standards.
  • Recruited high-performing, reliable staff for improved team productivity.
  • Maintained excellent health and safety standards for continued compliance.
  • Facilitated communication and collaboration across departments.
  • Tested individual components and functions of equipment to detect root cause of issues.
  • Minimised unplanned downtime through rigorous testing and maintenance.
  • Planned works and interpreted job requirements to allocate resources.
  • Performed thorough daily visual inspections of mechanical assets to maintain workflows.
  • Optimised organisational processes by effectively managing crew schedules while adhering to contractual restrictions.
  • Prepared business correspondence and technical letters.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with employees, enhancing staff retention figures.
  • Resolved staff and client issues effectively and efficiently, enhancing business performance and growth.
  • Identified and resolved operational issues impacting productivity, performance or profitability.
  • Collaborated with construction administration consultants to schedule field observations.
  • Conducted routine quality audits, verifying progression against specifications and initiating corrective actions to remedy concerns.
  • Conducted critical pre-installation conferences with contractors, subcontractors and key stakeholders, negotiating best-possible project progression.
  • Reviewed plans and specifications during schematic design of pre-construction to identify potential risks, technical constraints and code issues.
  • Coordinated with architects and owners about project requirements, budgets and contractor requirements.

Life Safety System Construction Manager

Exyte
Leixlip, Co Kildare
06.2021 - 06.2022

Intel Ireland

In my role as LSS Construction Manager my duties included -

  • Ensuring safety protocols are adhered to by all site personnel .
  • Generating 6 week look ahead reports and aligning all previous reports with the current work week to meet all milestones required for the client.
  • Carry out detailed review of LSS design, compiling all relevant information and presenting compliant solutions for the LSS systems operation.
  • Collaborate with construction administration consultants to schedule field observations and demonstrations for the client.
  • Liaise with multiple contractors to determine scope of work and project requirements, providing timeframes, updates to facilitate successful working relationships.
  • Report to management of production on conformance with contract schedule and budgetary constraints.
  • Communicate milestone time lines with vendors, consistently monitoring the installation progress to keep project fully operational and to avoid construction delays.
  • Conduct routine quality audits, verifying progression against specifications and initiating corrective actions to remedy concerns.
  • Guide and direct third-party inspectors through project construction, commissioning and closeout.

Project Manager

Wilec Fire and Security
Wicklow, WW
09.2020 - 06.2021

Wuxi Pharmaceutical

In my role as LSS Project Manager I carried out the following -

  • Generated reports detailing project information and predictions.
  • Strengthened employee performance ratings and trained staff on system efficiencies while supervising five electrical contractors to deliver optimal productivity.
  • Established relationships with construction manager and contractors to align priorities, goals, and objectives.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to draft project schedules and plans.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors to achieve optimal performance within budget parameters.
  • Maintained project safety compliance with zero lost-time accidents.
  • Conducted technical and customer meetings to increase communication and strengthen internal and external relationships.
  • Supervised project schedules to meet key milestones at every phase.

In my working day I was required to use BIM software to ensure all design queries and measurements were in line with the original build layout for compliance. Experience using management software "Eida" for creating RFI and submitting permits daily . Over seeing five contractor packages to ensure the highest level in compliance and safety to deliver the project on time and in budget.

Education

Master of Science - Fire Safety Engineering

Ulster University
Belfast
10.2027

Bachelor of Science - Fire Safety Engineering - Distinction

ATU Letterkenny
Donegal, County Donegal
09.2024 - 08.2025

Beng in Fire Engineering - Fire Engineering

SETU Waterford
Waterford
09.2023 - 08.2024

Fetac Level 6 Craft - Qualified Electrician with Merit - Electrical

GMIT
Galway
02.2012

Leaving Certificate - Leaving Certificate

Carlow CBS
Carlow, CW
09.2007

Skills

  • Certified Trained in IS- 3218 & IS 3217 Standards
  • Certified Fire Safety Instructor including fire warden and fire extinguisher trainer
  • Project management on large scale projects
  • Working experience with Eida / BIM/ Cad software packages
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Systems implementation
  • Data management
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Design conformance
  • Inspection reports
  • Scheduling
  • Risk management processes and analysis

Timeline

Bachelor of Science - Fire Safety Engineering - Distinction

ATU Letterkenny
09.2024 - 08.2025

Beng in Fire Engineering - Fire Engineering

SETU Waterford
09.2023 - 08.2024

EMEA Life Safety System Designer

Vantage Data Center
03.2023 - Current

Life Safety System / Electrical Project Manager

DAS Fire
05.2022 - 02.2023

Life Safety System Construction Manager

Exyte
06.2021 - 06.2022

Project Manager

Wilec Fire and Security
09.2020 - 06.2021

Director

Matrix Safety Systems Limited
01.2020 - Current

Master of Science - Fire Safety Engineering

Ulster University

Fetac Level 6 Craft - Qualified Electrician with Merit - Electrical

GMIT

Leaving Certificate - Leaving Certificate

Carlow CBS
Darragh Williamson