Design Lead (Mechanical Engineering)

Veolia Group; Kilkenny; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

VHI cover

Pension

Education assistance

Job summary

Veolia Kilkenny is seeking a Design Lead (Mechanical Engineering) to head multidisciplinary design projects across Ireland’s Water division. You will lead the team, drive delivery from concept through detailed design to handover, and ensure technical excellence while mentoring engineers.

Reporting to the Mechanical Design Manager, you will partner with clients, plan resources, and promote continuous improvement and innovation within the design function.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering (Level 8/9).
• 7+ years in design engineering, ideally in Water.
• Experience leading teams and managing design projects.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Site experience is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to design teams delivering water and wastewater projects.
• Manage full design lifecycle from concept to handover.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to meet client and programme requirements.
• Review and approve mechanical layouts, specs, and P&IDs.
• Mentor and develop design engineers and plan resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Mechanical design

Project delivery

Communication

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Design templates

Modelling software

Calculation software

Job description

Background

Veolia is Ireland's leading environmental services company. We provide a comprehensive range of energy, waste and water solutions and are dedicated to carbon reduction, protecting the environment and building the circular economy. We offer all employees a benefits package as standard which includes full VHI cover, pension and education assistance. When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.

Design Lead (Mechanical Engineering)

Contract Duration/Type: Permanent

Location: Kilkenny

Hybrid/Onsite: Hybrid

Working Pattern (Time/Hours): Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 17:30pm

Overview of the role

We have a talented and diverse team of approximately 200 people and continue to expand our workforce to meet ambitious growth plans. Due to continued success and growth across our Water division, we are seeking an experienced and motivated Design Lead to join our Mechanical Design Team. The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary design projects across the island of Ireland, ensuring the delivery of innovative and sustainable Water and Wastewater Treatment solutions. Reporting to the Mechanical Design Manager, this is a key leadership position responsible for managing project delivery, guiding design teams, and ensuring technical excellence across all stages of design. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping our design capability and mentoring our next generation of engineers, while contributing to the delivery of industry-leading infrastructure.

Day to day of the role

• Provide leadership and direction to design teams delivering water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Manage the full design lifecycle - from concept and feasibility through detailed design, implementation, and handover.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure timely delivery of design outputs that meet client, budget, and programme requirements.
• Act as the key point of contact for clients, supporting strong relationships and successful project outcomes.
• Review and approve design documentation including mechanical layouts, equipment specifications, and P&IDs.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight to ensure designs comply with relevant standards, codes, and project quality requirements.
• Mentor, coach, and develop design engineers, supporting their professional and technical growth.
• Work closely with the Mechanical Design Manager to plan resource allocation and manage performance across the team.
• Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the design function.

Required skills for the role

• Level 8 or 9 qualification in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in design engineering, ideally within the Water industry.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing design projects.
• Proven people management and team development skills.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulic design, and process plant layout.
• Experience with design templates, modelling, and calculation software.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs under pressure.
• Practical site experience (Desirable).

Right to work

Please note: If you are an EU/EEA national, you will be asked to show proof of right to work in Ireland. If you are a non-EU/EEA national, you will require current and valid permission to work and reside in the Republic of Ireland. Information on legislation and guides to the procedures in relation to obtaining greencard permits, work permits, spousal/dependant permits is available on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website.

Additional Information

Veolia is Ireland's leading environmental services company. We provide a comprehensive range of energy, waste and water solutions and are dedicated to carbon reduction, protecting the environment and building the circular economy. We offer all employees a benefits package as standard which includes full VHI cover, pension and education assistance