Shaping the Future of Engineering

Tom O'Hare first experienced the thrill of engineering at a dairy farm in rural Northern Ireland.

Raised by a family that embraced new equipment and technology, Tom developed an early passion for machinery and tools, driving him to become a renowned engineer in non-destructive testing (NDT). His story is one of passion, perseverance, and the desire to pass on his knowledge to future generations of engineers.

Humble beginnings: from farm life to engineering

Growing up in Armagh, Northern Ireland, Tom worked with his brothers on their family's dairy farm. His parents, forward-thinking in their approach, brought in new technologies and equipment to improve the farm's productivity. This environment sparked Tom's early interest in machinery. The precision and complexity of machine parts moving together in harmony mesmerized him. But his father had one condition: if Tom wanted to operate the equipment, he had to learn how to fix it.

"I learned a lot from the local engineer to show me how to do things. And then I ended up taking over and doing most of those things myself on the farm," Tom recalled. This hands-on experience with maintaining and repairing farm tools laid the groundwork for his future; engineering was the natural path when he was ready to choose a career.

Early career aspirations and educational foundations

Tom's passion for engineering grew as he pursued his education. Although his parents emphasized the importance of traditional academics, Tom found himself drawn to the hands-on aspects of his studies. After excelling in subjects like metalwork, he decided to pursue an engineering diploma.

Before enrolling in university, Tom chose to attend a technical school that provided invaluable opportunities to apply the knowledge he gained as a machine-inspired farm kid to real-world scenarios. Treated as a peer rather than a student, Tom found himself inspired by the opportunities his lecturers posed.

"They challenged us to do things we didn't know were possible," Tom explained. This immersive learning, combined with industrial experience, opened his eyes to the broader impact engineering could have on various industries around the world.

During his university years, Tom's thirst for knowledge and for tactile learning led him to night classes in plumbing and welding. Through welding courses, he discovered non-destructive testing (NDT). His early exposure to this methodology, which is focused on reducing maintenance costs, managing risk, and predicting performance, set the stage for his future in aerospace engineering.

NDT is a critical element of developing aircraft components because it allows engineers to evaluate each part's integrity and safety without causing damage to them. Due to the high performance and safety standards required in aviation, NDT helps ensure that materials and parts such as wings, fuselages, and engines will perform as designed, while detecting potential for failures or weaknesses early. The complex nature of this testing aligned perfectly with Tom's engineering and metalworking passions.

A passion for engineering and aerospace

Tom's transition into the aerospace industry began in the 1980s, primarily influenced by the connections he made throughout his education and early career.

"When it came time to change careers, I went to lecturers I knew who had familiarity with the industry," he said. These mentors encouraged him to pursue further certifications, such as Eddy Current, Radiography, Ultrasonic licenses and Foreign Part Management certification. This opened doors to aerospace opportunities.

Over the years, Tom has witnessed significant shifts in engineering, particularly in the rise of automation and the increasing reliance on data.

"Automation has already made processes such as scanning much more efficient," he observed. "We still need qualified technicians to review that [data]…It all has to be controlled and well managed. There's a lot of different platforms that will use AI. But who's the controller? Who's managing them? And who standardized them?"

Due to the need for quality talent, one of Tom's great passions is educating the next generation of engineers. He has lectured at colleges and universities, sharing his expertise and inspiring students to pursue careers in engineering.

"I realized I had a lot of knowledge to share," he said. "I like to give people a broad outline of what we need to do and give them the space to try and grow into that and come back and ask me questions. I don't like to give them fixes right away…you learn more by making mistakes."

At Spirit, Tom continues to teach employees, helping them develop the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly automated industry. Spirit has supported his educational pursuits, encouraging him to continue mentoring internally and lecturing at Belfast Metropolitan College and the University of Ulster.

The future of engineering: automation and AI

Looking ahead, Tom sees automation and AI as the future of NDT and engineering.

"We don't have a choice," he said, reflecting on the ways technology has already impacted his field. While automation has already significantly improved efficiency, Tom sees opportunities to evolve the field further. "We need to use AI and machine learning to impact other processes, like de-risking inspections."

Tom was recently elected as the Vice President of the British Institute of Non-Destructive Testing (BINDT), an honor that illustrates his knowledge and tenure as an industry-leading engineer. In this role, Tom can help shape the industry's future. He is particularly passionate about ensuring that automation is regulated and has strict quality standards. He also aims to address challenges related to retention and training in the engineering field, advocating for more comprehensive and flexible approaches to education and certification.

Passing the torch: advice for aspiring engineers

Tom offers practical advice for anyone considering a career in engineering: "I would say become a member of an institute to help with professional and personal development. Get experience in different industries to figure out what makes you happy."

Despite his many professional responsibilities, Tom remains deeply connected to his rural roots. Today, he maintains a small farm outside of Belfast and still enjoys working with tools and machinery, never losing the love for hands-on work that he developed as a young boy.

Tom O'Hare's journey from the farm to aerospace engineering showcases how a deep-rooted passion can grow into a rewarding and innovative career. His story highlights the importance of skilled technicians, continuous learning, and the need for mentorship to inspire future generations. As Tom continues to shape the future of NDT and engineering, his advice to embrace challenges, seek diverse experiences, and foster curiosity offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a career in engineering.

Tom's work and dedication exemplifies how engineering can transform industries as well as the lives and careers of those willing to explore it.

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