Global tech company iDirect is to create 30 skilled positions at a new engineering and innovation centre it is to establish in Killarney, in a move backed by the IDA.

VT iDirect Inc provides satellite-based IP communications technology and is a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. The new jobs will be engineering roles that will focus on software, firmware, hardware, radio frequency and systems engineering technologies.

iDirect CEO Mary Cotton said: “Satellite connectivity requires some of the best engineers in the world lending their unique set of skills to help solve highly critical challenges. And as the demand for satellites 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.”

iDirect established its presence in Ireland with its 2014 acquisition of intellectual property from locally based Altobridge. The IP acquired from the small-cell company focused on 2G and 3G solutions for cellular backhaul, and is now integrated into existing iDirect solutions that enable the cellular backhaul market — a fast-growing market driven by the need for mobile operators to extend their services into new geographical areas to capture greater revenue.

In Association with

With existing technology development centres located in Ottawa, Singapore, Cranfield as well as Herndon in the US, iDirect was persuaded to invest in Ireland due to it being a country rich in skilled ICT professionals.

Martin Shanahan of the IDA said: “This is a unique technology project in a regional location like Killarney. 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.

"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. I wish the company every success here.”

Photo: Amy Cahoon, VP of HR, VD iDirect, and Tim Moriarty, senior engineer, with IDA CEO Martin Shanahan (right)