Design Lead (Mechanical Engineering)

Veolia | Ireland; Kilkenny; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia is seeking a Design Lead (Mechanical Engineering) in Kilkenny. The role leads the mechanical design team across Ireland, guiding multidisciplinary projects from concept through handover, and mentoring engineers to deliver innovative water and wastewater treatment solutions.

The position reports to the Mechanical Design Manager and focuses on technical excellence, client liaison, and resource planning within a hybrid work model.

Qualifications

• 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).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team development

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mechanical design

Hydraulic design

P&IDs review

Education

Level 8/9 Mechanical Engineering degree

Tools

Modelling software

Calculation software

Job description

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).

Here at Veolia, we're proud to be known as an equal opportunities employer. We know how important it is to be fully committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive place to work for every one of our colleagues.

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 work permits, is available on the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation website.