Cormac Boyle is the Director of Cloud Engineering and Infrastructure at ESO.
Cormac graduated in May 2012 with a Computer Science degree from Queen's University Belfast. Since then, Cormac has worked in FinTech (First Derivative, Citi and Allstate), Amazon, and most recently, ESO.
Cormac sat down with Sync NI to answer our Tech Trailblazer QA and reveals why he always wanted to work in the tech industry and why working in tech gives you the chance to contribute to projects that can have a significant impact on society.
What does your typical day look like?
There’s no such thing as a “typical day” for me. Given the breadth of my role, each day brings new priorities, so routine is never guaranteed. My work is global, so I spend a lot of time on calls, but I also value face-to-face interactions with colleagues in the office. I hold one-on-one meetings regularly, and I take pride in seeing my team members continuously learn and grow under my leadership. ESO offers me a great work / life balance, allowing me to volunteer with my local SVDP on Monday evenings and play five-a-side soccer on Wednesday nights.
What are you currently working on?
As the Director of Infrastructure and Cloud Engineering, I lead the Cloud Operations, Database Operations, DevOps, and Site Reliability Engineering teams. With multiple environments spread across various clouds, my teams are responsible for setting the standards that guide our engineering teams in building within those clouds. Currently, I'm deeply engaged in a Cloud Modernization project that’s particularly exciting to me because it impacts the entire team.
What inspired you to join this company in particular?
Everyone in the company has the same goal. We want to make a difference and support ESO’s mission of improving community health and safety through the power of data.
READ MORE: Tech for Good - ESO celebrates five years in Belfast with roundtable event
Did you always want to work in the tech industry?
Yes, I’ve always been captivated by how the tech industry works. When I realised that technology is the key to driving change, I chose to study Computer Science.
What’s your favourite part about your work?
The people at ESO are amazing and most importantly, I love what I do. Working with engaged individuals whom I can learn from and who get things done is the most enjoyable aspect of my work.
What would you say to other people considering a job in the tech industry?
Working in tech gives you the chance to contribute to projects that can have a significant impact on society. Whether you're developing apps that improve lives or working on cutting-edge AI, the potential to innovate and make a difference is huge.
The tech industry evolves rapidly, so be prepared for continuous learning. Whether it's mastering new programming languages, staying updated on emerging technologies, or adapting to new tools. You'll also be tasked with finding solutions to complex challenges, so a mindset geared towards creativity and critical thinking will serve you well.
How do you see this technology impacting on our lives?
Technology is profoundly reshaping almost every aspect of our lives, and its influence on critical sectors like emergency services is only set to grow. At ESO Belfast, our technology is designed to not only enhance the efficiency of frontline workers but to transform how care is delivered under immense pressure.
In Northern Ireland and Belfast, where services face significant challenges, the potential for our solutions to improve response times, streamline workflows, and ultimately save lives is immense. As we continue to innovate, I believe we’ll see ESO’s technology become an integral part of building safer, more resilient communities across the region.
READ MORE: ESO marks five years in Belfast with two new site leads
Who inspired you to work in this field?
No single person inspired me to pursue a career in IT, but my father played a significant role in shaping my curiosity. He was a teacher, but he was always fixing things and tackling DIY projects around the house. I was constantly watching, helping, and learning from him.
Those early experiences of figuring out how things worked were likely the start of my inspiration. Throughout my career, I've had many leaders who have inspired, encouraged, and guided me. Their positive influence has been crucial in getting me to where I am today.
What do you consider to be the most important tech innovation or development in recent years?
One of the most important tech innovations in recent years is the development and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the form of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI. These technologies, like OpenAI's GPT series, have revolutionized how we interact with machines, automating tasks that were once thought to be exclusively human domains - such as creative writing, coding, and complex decision-making.
What tech gadget could you not live without?
I won’t go with the typical answer like my phone. I’d be lost without my electric car charger - I love taking weekend road trips.
For more information on ESO and current roles visit: eso.com/careers
