Director of Engineering

EL Engineering; Cork; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

EL Engineering is looking for an experienced Director of Engineering in County Cork, Ireland. In this key role, you will lead our engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, and automation disciplines, ensuring alignment with our growth strategy.

The ideal candidate will possess significant engineering leadership experience, demonstrate strong technical grounding, and have the ability to manage and support teams effectively. Join us to drive the technical excellence that our clients expect.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in an engineering leadership role within a project-based environment.
• Proven experience managing and developing engineering teams.
• Strong technical grounding in mechanical, electrical or automation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering function across mechanical, electrical and automation teams.
• Manage, support and develop a team of senior engineering professionals.
• Develop and implement the engineering strategy aligned with company growth plans.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Technical decision-making

Client management

Team development

Job description

EL Engineering Consultants Ltd is a multidisciplinary engineering solutions provider delivering high-quality, sustainable and energy-efficient projects across the pharmaceutical, medical device and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Since our founding in 2011, we have grown into a dynamic team of over 40 professionals across Project Management, Design, Construction Management, Automation, and Mechanical & Electrical Engineering. From concept through to completion, we work closely with our clients to deliver safe, efficient and reliable engineering solutions that support long‑term value.

Our work is built on trust, collaboration, technical excellence and consistent delivery. We take pride in building strong client relationships and creating an environment where people are supported to take ownership, keep learning, and contribute meaningfully to the success of each project.

Reports to: CEO

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead our multidisciplinary engineering function across mechanical, electrical and automation disciplines.

As a pivotal member of EL Engineering’s Senior Leadership Team, you will help develop and execute the engineering strategy, ensuring the function is structured, scalable and aligned with the company’s wider growth plans.

You will provide leadership across engineering standards, tools, systems and ways of working, while supporting the continued development of our people and strengthening technical relationships with clients.

This role will suit an engineering leader who combines technical credibility with strong people leadership, strategic thinking and practical delivery.

How we work

At EL Engineering, we value teamwork, ambition, respect, integrity, humility and effort. We believe that strong relationships – with our colleagues, clients, suppliers and partners – are central to successful project delivery.

You will be joining a team that values clear communication, practical problem-solving, shared accountability and continuous improvement. We encourage people to bring ideas, ask questions, support one another, and take pride in delivering work that makes a real difference for our clients.

Role responsibilities

• Lead the engineering function across mechanical, electrical and automation teams.
• Manage, support and develop a team of senior engineering professionals and technical leads.
• Develop and implement the engineering strategy in line with EL Engineering’s growth plans.
• Define and improve engineering standards, tools, systems, reporting structures and ways of working.
• Provide senior technical leadership and guidance across projects, ensuring engineering outputs are coordinated, robust and technically sound.
• Build strong technical relationships with clients and act as a senior engineering representative for the business.
• Work closely with project management, construction management and commercial teams to support effective project delivery.
• Support career development pathways for engineers, including mentoring, progression planning and professional development.
• Drive continuous improvement across engineering delivery, including the use of digital tools, AI and internal systems to improve quality and efficiency.
• Help shape a strong, collaborative engineering culture across locations and disciplines.

What you will bring – Essential skills and experience

• Significant experience in an engineering leadership role within a technical, project‑based, consultancy, manufacturing, pharmaceutical, medical device or advanced manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing and developing engineering teams.
• Strong technical grounding in one or more engineering disciplines, ideally mechanical, electrical or automation.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and influence technical decision‑making across projects.
• Strong client‑facing, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience at Engineering Director, Associate Director, Head of Engineering or similar senior leadership level.
• Experience developing engineering strategy, tools, standards, systems or technical governance.
• Exposure to digitalisation, AI, engineering platforms, process improvement or international project delivery.

What success looks like

• Build a strong, clear and well‑structured engineering function across mechanical, electrical and automation disciplines.
• Develop trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, contractors and suppliers.
• Provide clear leadership, direction and support to engineering teams and technical leads.
• Improve how engineering work is planned, delivered, reported and reviewed across projects.
• Establish practical tools, standards and processes that improve quality, consistency and efficiency.
• Support and mentor engineers in a constructive and collaborative way.
• Help create clearer career development pathways for engineering talent.
• Strengthen EL Engineering’s technical reputation with clients.
• Contribute to the company’s digitalisation and continuous improvement journey.
• Help identify opportunities to improve how we design, deliver and manage projects.

Equal opportunities and inclusion

EL Engineering is committed to building an inclusive workplace where people are treated with respect and given equal opportunity to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We know that not every candidate will meet every requirement listed. If your experience is relevant and you believe you could succeed in this role, we would be pleased to hear from you.

If you require any reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.