Mechanical Design Lead

Veolia; Ireland; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Veolia is looking for an experienced Design Lead to guide multidisciplinary design projects across Ireland in the Water division. This key leadership role involves managing project delivery, mentoring engineers, and overseeing compliance with standards. Applicants should have a Level 8 or 9 qualification in Mechanical Engineering and at least 7 years of design engineering experience in the Water industry. Excellent communication and proven people management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in design engineering within the Water industry.
• Demonstrated experience in leading teams and managing design projects.
• Strong understanding of hydraulic design and process plant layout.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction to design teams delivering water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Manage the full design lifecycle from concept to handover.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to ensure timely delivery of design outputs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team development

Mechanical systems understanding

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Level 8 or 9 qualification in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Design templates and modelling software

Calculation software

Job description

Job Description

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.

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).

Additional Information

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.