Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Kilkenny / Hybrid
Salary: €70K DOE + benefits

Optimize is proud to be partnering with a leading engineering and infrastructure business in the recruitment of a Design Lead (Mechanical) for their growing operations in Kilkenny.

With a talented team of in excess of 200 professionals and ambitious growth plans across Ireland, our client continues to deliver innovative Water and Wastewater Treatment solutions for a wide range of public and private sector clients.

Due to continued expansion within their Water Division, they are seeking an experienced and motivated Design Lead to join the Mechanical Design Team.
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior engineer or current design lead looking to take ownership of multidisciplinary projects while helping shape the future of critical water infrastructure throughout Ireland.

Reporting directly to the Mechanical Design Manager, you will lead project delivery from concept through to completion, manage multidisciplinary design teams, and drive technical excellence across a diverse portfolio of projects.

The successful engineer will have the following : 

• Degree qualified in Mechanical Engineering (Level 8 or Level 9).
• Minimum 7 years' design engineering experience, ideally within the water sector.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing design projects.
• Strong people management and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Excellent understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulic design, and process plant layouts.
• Proficient with engineering design, modelling, and calculation software.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced project environment.
• Site-based experience would be advantageous.

Key responsibilities will include: 

• Lead multidisciplinary design teams delivering water and wastewater treatment projects.
• Manage the full design lifecycle from concept and feasibility through to detailed design, implementation, and handover.
• Coordinate project resources to ensure designs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships while supporting successful project delivery.
• Review and approve mechanical layouts, equipment specifications, P&IDs, and technical documentation.
• Provide technical leadership to ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and quality requirements.
• Mentor and develop design engineers, helping to build future engineering capability.
• Support resource planning and team performance alongside the Mechanical Design Manager.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice across the design function.

The opportunity provides:-

• To join a growing and successful engineering business with ambitious expansion plans.
• To work on major water and wastewater infrastructure projects across Ireland.
• Hybrid working model and strong work-life balance.
• Opportunity to influence project delivery and engineering excellence.
• Excellent career progression and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborative and supportive team culture.

As Design Lead, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering innovative and sustainable engineering solutions while developing and mentoring engineering talent within the business. You will be a key point of contact for clients, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.

If you're an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer ready to take the next step into a strategic leadership role, we'd love to hear from you.

For additional information and a confidential discussion on this Mechanical Design Engineer position and similar opportunities contact: Alan 056-7786631 / 0858072559 or Alan@optimizerecruitment.ie

Alan is available for a call between 9am and 5.30pm daily (outside of work hours calls / meetings can be arranged upon request). 

Please submit your CV via the link provided, in confidence.

All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence and your CV will never be released without your prior approval.

Job Ref Number: OR-14900

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