Satellite-based IP communications technology player VT iDirect is to create 30 specialised engineering jobs at a new engineering and innovation centre in Killarney, Co Kerry, over the next five years.
VT iDirect established its presence in Ireland in 2014 after it acquired the intellectual property from collapsed local start-up Altobridge.
The new operation will join a chain of development centres operated by iDirect in Canada, Singapore, the UK and the US.
Altobridge’s small-cell technology, which focuses on 2G and 3G for cellular backhaul, has been integrated into iDirect’s technology, which serves a fast-growing market for VSAT operators.
‘We are thrilled to be opening a new engineering and innovation centre right in the heart of Ireland, a country that is rich in talented, highly-skilled technical engineers’
– MARY COTTON, VT IDIRECT
VT iDirect is capitalising on the need for mobile operators to extend their services into new geographic areas.
Exceptional engineering talent
The new engineering roles that will be created at the facility will focus on software, firmware, hardware, radio frequency and systems engineering technologies.
“Satellite connectivity requires some of the best engineers in the world lending their unique set of skills to help solve highly critical challenges,” said Mary Cotton, CEO, VT iDirect.
“And as the demand for satellite continues to accelerate around the globe, the continued expansion of engineering resources will be required in order to further its development.
“At iDirect, we are always looking for exceptional engineering talent, and we are thrilled to be opening a new engineering and innovation centre right in the heart of Ireland, a country that is rich in talented, highly-skilled technical engineers.”
IDA Ireland chief executive Martin Shanahan described the investment by iDirect as a unique technology project in a regional location.
“It will be a valuable addition to the telecommunications sector in Ireland, and will be well positioned to respond to continuous growth in demand for satellite technologies in the EMEA region,” Shanahan said.
“The availability of appropriate technology talent and skills in the south-west was an important consideration for the company and points to Co Kerry being an excellent location for other companies in the sector.”
Killarney image via Shutterstock
