Mechanical Design Lead

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Pension

Education assistance

VHI health cover

Job summary

Veolia in Ireland seeks an experienced Design Lead to oversee mechanical design for water and wastewater projects across the island of Ireland. You will lead diverse design teams, guide projects from concept through handover, and ensure technical excellence and client satisfaction.

You will mentor engineers, coordinate resources with the Mechanical Design Manager, and drive continuous improvement in design practices within a collaborative culture.

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

Design leadership

People management

Mechanical design

Water/wastewater

Project management

Hydraulic design

Process plant layout

Engineering software

Communication

Site experience

Education

Mechanical Engineering degree (Level 8/9)

Tools

Modelling software

Calculation software

Job description

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.

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.