Darshan Makwana: powering ahead in Ireland’s energy sector

Growing a global career in energy networks

Electrical engineer Darshan Makwana shares his passion for his profession, how life in Ireland has shaped his career and outlook, and why every challenge is just “grand” thanks to the support he’s found at Mott MacDonald.

Give us a brief summary of your role

I’m based in our Dublin office, working within the energy networks team. My work is very varied and covers everything from preparing and reviewing system drawings and developing technical concepts for project designs through to engaging with clients.

I also work closely with our multidisciplinary teams to ensure that our electrical infrastructure designs are safe, efficient and built to last. For me, it’s all about delivering high-quality, reliable and safe solutions that help tackle the complex energy challenges we face today.

Why did you choose your career path?

I’ve always been fascinated by how energy powers our world and keeps society moving. Electrical engineering is a field that is constantly evolving, which makes it both challenging and exciting. I wanted a career where I could use both my technical problem-solving skills and creativity to make real-world impact. Knowing that my work contributes to more reliable, sustainable and efficient energy networks, especially at such a critical time for energy transition, is what keeps me motivated and passionate about what I do.

What inspired you to join Mott MacDonald, and how has your career journey evolved since then?

I first joined Mott MacDonald in Mumbai in India because I wanted to learn from the best in the industry. I knew the company had a great reputation for solving big, complex problems and I wanted to build a strong foundation as an engineer.

After three and a half years there, I moved to Ireland to get my master’s degree at University College Dublin. My brother was already living in Dublin, which made the move a bit easier, but it was still a big change from India. It took a while to get used to the unpredictable weather, the fact that strangers say hello to you and the overall slower pace of life. I love the Irish way of seeing the positives in everything – whatever happens, it’s usually “grand”! I say that myself all the time now too.

I’m now back at Mott MacDonald in the Dublin office. Moving from a graduate role in India to being an engineer here in Ireland has been a fantastic adventure and I’m now working towards gaining my chartership with Engineers Ireland.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

Because Mott MacDonald is employee-owned, you really feel like you’re part of a team where your voice matters. The company trusts me to take charge of my project work and that makes me want to do my absolute best. Instead of just doing what I’m told, I feel comfortable speaking up, suggesting new ideas or pointing out potential issues before they become problems. This trust makes my role feel like a partnership and gives me the confidence to make the right decisions for our clients every single day.

What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

My days are a mix of individual technical work and busy team collaboration. I spend a lot of time on complex calculations, such as checking protection settings or equipment sizing, to make sure our designs are safe and reliable. I also work with other teams, including civil and mechanical engineers, to make sure everything fits together perfectly. Because I’ve worked in a different country, I’m always looking for ways to bring what I learned in India to my work here, while continuing to learn and apply the standards used in Ireland. Opportunities to excel come from taking on the toughest technical challenges and always asking my senior colleagues for feedback so I can keep on improving.

What does being part of a global team mean to you and how does it influence your work?

Being part of a global team feels like having a massive support network around me. Even though I’m based in Dublin, I know I can reach out to experts all over the world. It’s amazing because we all have different experiences, but we’re all working toward the same goals. This global connection makes my work better because I’m always learning how things are done differently in other countries and bringing that wider perspective to my projects. Whenever I hit a tricky problem, I know I’m not on my own, there’s always someone who can help me find the right solution.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

It’s the culture here that makes the difference. From day one, I’ve felt supported by my team and my managers. They are genuinely interested in my progress and have been really helpful, particularly as I work towards chartered engineer status. The company also offers a lot of flexibility, which helps me balance work with enjoying my life in Dublin. Whether it’s through formal training or just having a supportive environment where diversity is celebrated, I feel like my input, comments and previous experience are valued. It makes me feel like I’m not just an employee, I’m someone who is being actively supported to be the best engineer I can be.

What advice would you give to someone starting their career at Mott MacDonald?

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Engineering is always changing, so you have to be ready to keep learning every day. Reach out to the people around you because everyone at Mott MacDonald is very willing to mentor you and share what they know. Take ownership of your own growth early on and try to learn something new from every project you work on. If you’re enthusiastic and focus on doing great work, you’ll find that Mott MacDonald gives you everything you need to build a really successful career.