The late Professor John Fieldhouse had a keen interest in engineering and automotive mobility with an emphasis on brake technology. He had a lot to offer and teach, yet he was an eager learner too. In addition to social and world affairs which we often discussed to no end, we spent many hours discussing brake related matters. From NVH to how a trailer is or is not balanced to friction to chassis and hardware to electronics, emission, AI, and more. John also was eager to introduce me to talented engineers like Deaglán Ó Meachair.
Deaglán Ó Meachair was born in Dublin, and raised in Wicklow, Ireland. The youngest of 4 siblings, and parents who were both teachers. His early childhood was a mix of sporting activities, outdoor pursuits, music, and of course school. For secondary school, he traveled towards the city to attend a fully Irish language school. Deaglán’s father was keenly interested in practical technology. From programming computer games on BBC Micros to learning the basics of soldering amateur radio antennae, his childhood was one where exploring how things worked was a normal day. While automotive topics flourished much later, by the end of his first decade he could tackle many practical DIY tasks around the home, even successfully, at times!
He went to primary school in Wicklow, the town he grew up in. His secondary school was in Dublin, followed by studying at University of Limerick, all in Ireland. Deaglán studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Limerick, Limerick City. As he was engaged academically by physical sciences and mathematics, but had a strong tradition of practical skills, engineering felt like the right choice, and Mechanical Engineering seemed the broadest spectrum. The University of Limerick’s program was unique in Ireland at the time in mandating an internship as part of the degree program. The chance to ‘try his hand’ as early as possible was decisive in selecting which university to attend.
As an undergrad he developed a strong interest in automotive engineering, and specifically German automotive engineering. When planning his internship, Deaglán learned enough German to apply to well-known car companies for an internship placement. He was successful in attracting offers, and was able to begin his career in the fascinating VW headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany. After his internship, he later returned to VW to write his dissertation. At the time, VW Group had acquired numerous car companies, including Bentley Motors. After graduation, he began his full time career in Rolls Royce and Bentley -- which split into two distinct companies 3 weeks after he joined -- in Crewe, UK as a chassis graduate engineer.
He started on a graduated development scheme, which meant over the first 2 years, moving around a number of company departments as well as other engineering disciplines, such as Purchasing, Finance and Supplier Quality Assurance. Eventually returning to his “home department” of chassis, to take a role in steering development. There, he got a chance to explore both vehicle lateral dynamics and new mechatronics systems as electric power steering was just staking its claim.
While working for Bentley, he had a chance to return to Germany for a 1-year placement at Audi, to focus on new steering technology developments. This felt like a step into a bigger world, into the heart of an elite team developing technology for a new global platform with multiple powertrain variants, ADAS infrastructure and Software defined vehicle systems. His passions for vehicle efficiency and mechatronics were fully realized during this time as this period informed many of Deaglán’s future thinking and ambition as an engineer.
Upon returning to Bentley, he took over the steering development department, as they embarked upon an ambitious era to bring two separate vehicle platforms to market, which would form the basis for every single product to be renewed within 5 years. Technological ambition was central to their engineering plans, and many of the innovations he had worked on in Germany would be realized in these new platforms.
At the same time, the global financial system was about to go into distress. Before any of their work saw the light of day, the automotive industry was buffeted by recession. Sales of current products were significantly impacted, and many suppliers struggled to stay afloat. For Deaglán, one key supplier was heading for receivership, and needed substantial financial and operational support to keep their doors open and developmental efforts moving forward. This meant that their ambitious technical plans took on a new dimension, as he had to reach much deeper into the supply chain to deliver this system. Looking back now, this period forced Deaglán to deal with multiple uncertainties and have strategic flexibility in how he could help his team achieve the required outcomes.
Once these programs were delivered and stable, he had the opportunity to move from steering to braking systems. Deaglán saw this as a huge opportunity to develop both the mechatronic and efficiency, especially with the advent of regenerative braking systems. Having seen how high performing technical teams could operate, he made technical ambition a central tenet of his philosophy. The team delivered new technology and supported multiple product developments, but also started to create unique IP, took on distinct research projects, published papers to multiple conferences and contributed to development of industrial standards.
In 2018, he returned to Ireland, and struck out on his own as a braking consultant. This was a decision based primarily on family, but has opened up a huge vista of opportunity. Deaglán continues to find this work to be extremely diverse, rewarding, challenging, and confidential.
As a relatively young steering engineer, Deaglán worked on a novel mechatronic concept vehicle, which was presented to the Group Board in Germany as part of an annual research showcase. Based on the initial positive reception, he returned a year later with an improved version, and an implementation plan for production.
While working in Germany, he had the opportunity to contribute to his first internal standards, based on the new technology that he was helping to develop. This experience allowed him to later push his own team to make similar efforts, and demonstrated the importance of knowledge sharing in engineering.
His first experience of chairing a technical session coincided with the inaugural EuroBrake conference in 2012. At the same time, he submitted his first patent application on braking technology
In 2013, he returned to EuroBrake to present his first technical paper.
In 2017, Deaglán received the award of “Inventor of the Year” from his employer, for his work on fostering innovation culture.
Deaglán believes it to be a privilege to be able to work in the industry he is most interested in, and values the opportunity to involve himself in defining the fundamental elements of personal mobility. Engineering is never “finished” and there is always a new approach or optimization that can be applied. No two problems are the same, and the social context for this work is constantly evolving.
Innovation is at the heart of engineering. Deaglán believes the fundamental value of an engineer is to shape the world around them, and find new ways of doing things. Furthermore, knowledge hoarded is knowledge lost, so finding ways to share engineering ideas is central to ensuring those ideas have value.
Amongst the individuals who influenced his career, he can name:
Keith Sharp – his department manager, and eventual direct supervisor. He was intelligent, adaptive and diligent, and saw value in coaching performance from his team. He afforded Deaglán the time, space and opportunity to develop from a young upstart to a passable leader.
Mirko Reuter – a young engineer whose ambition and creativity inspired Deaglán to aim higher, and realize the value of the platform he stood on
Michael Lingg – an excellent, approachable braking industry leader, with exceptional interpersonal skills and distinct stewardship of his topics. His approach to developing high performing teams and individuals instilled in Deaglán his own values.
To balance personal-professional life, Deaglán sets strict finish times, physical separation of spaces and devices, and personal values. However, when a 2010 new product launch required refinement challenges, he spent most available weekends in the engineering workshop developing solutions for the press fleet which ultimately were implemented in launch cars.
Deaglán is proud of his achievements such as:
Launching two new platforms during global financial crisis
First regenerative system, developing patents.
Clients on 4 out of 5 continents.
Repeat business from existing clients.
At various points in his career, Deaglán had to work in new countries and cultures. Finding a shared goal or aspiration is a great way to bridge gaps and establish rapport. Striking out on his own, he faced many new challenges. Principal among them was learning how to engage potential clients and win work. Up to then, work had always found him in large organizations. Asking others for help and guidance was instrumental in his eventual success.
He believes the automotive engineering future will likely still have a firm hold on him, while seeing an increasing interdependence on transport, energy, and the environment. Some of his specific goals are: working with American clients; co-developing innovations with clients and building efficiencies outside the “use phase” of our transport system. “Opportunities multiply as they are seized” – Sun Tzu. We’re more adaptable than we know. Choosing to start a journey is often the most difficult hurdle to overcome. His advice to others is to be ambitious. Ask for help. Share your knowledge.
Deaglán coaches Rugby Union for kids, and plays Touch Rugby both nationally and internationally. By volunteering in society, outside his comfort zone of engineering, he gets to work across many different disciplines and generations. He feels like getting multiple of the time he invests in.
John Fieldhouse talked miles a minute about Deaglán Ó Meachair before I even had a chance to meet Deaglán and get to know the talented engineer he is. At times I remember John’s excitement about some of his favorite technical people around the world. As far as his praise for Deaglán went, I often think, did he say enough?!
Editor's note: We are seeking to highlight the professional journeys of individuals who have made significant contributions to Brake Technology or Business. Referrals are encouraged.
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