Philip obtained his engineering degree from Munster Technological University (at the former Cork Regional Technical College) in 1994. Since then, he has worked in Ireland, the UK, and Eastern Europe, in the areas of engineering design, project engineering, factory commissioning, and pharmaceutical validation. He currently works in Process Safety.

Philip registered as an IChemE Chartered Chemical Engineer in 1999, and is registered also as a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineers of Ireland and as a European Engineer with FEANI.

Philip was previously Secretary of the All Ireland Member Group committee, and currently volunteers as a Professional Review Interviewer.