
Design Lead - Mechanical Engineer - Hybrid
Kilkenny
Description
Overview 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. Reporting to the Mechanical Design Manager, this is a key leadership position responsible for leading the engineering design process, performing technical calculations, making critical design decisions, and developing mechanical system solutions across all stages of project delivery. 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. Responsibilities Daily Responsibilities Develop mechanical engineering design solutions, including system concepts, process flow arrangements, and equipment configurations for water and wastewater treatment facilities Perform engineering calculations including hydraulic analysis, pump sizing and selection, pipe sizing, pressure loss calculations, equipment duty specifications, and system performance modelling Responsible for leading and managing a team of Design Engineers and Senior Design Engineers, providing technical guidance, performance management, and professional development Select and specify mechanical equipment including pumps, valves, actuators, mixers,screens, compressors, and ancillary mechanical systems based on process requirements and performance criteria Develop technical specifications for mechanical equipment, pipework systems, materials, and installation requirements Prepare design basis documents, technical memoranda, and calculation packages to support design decisions Undertake options analysis and feasibility studies to determine optimal mechanical solutions Apply engineering judgement to solve complex technical problems and optimize system performance, efficiency, and maintainability Liaise with the BIM team by providing marked-up sketches, design intent drawings, redlines, and clear technical instructions on what needs to be produced Develop P&IDs (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams) showing process flows, equipment arrangements, and control philosophy 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 (civil, electrical, process, controls) to ensure integrated design solutions Coordinating design activities across the project design team to ensure timely delivery of design information and technical documentation Act as the key point of contact for clients on technical design matters, supporting strong relationships and successful project outcomes Ensure timely delivery of design outputs that meet client, budget, and programme requirements Review and approve engineering calculations and technical submissions from the design team Review and approve design documentation including mechanical layouts, equipment specifications, P&IDs, and technical reports Ensure designs comply with relevant standards, codes (e.g., EN, ISO, BS), and project quality requirements Conduct design reviews at key project stages to verify technical adequacy and constructability Drive continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing within the design function Qualifications Requirements Level 8 or 9 qualification in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent) Minimum of 10 years' experience in mechanical design engineering, ideally within the Water, Process, or Infrastructure sectors Proven ability to perform engineering calculations including hydraulic analysis, pump selection, pipe sizing, and system design Strong technical knowledge of mechanical systems for water/wastewater treatment including pumping systems, pipework networks, valves, actuators, and process equipment Experience developing technical specifications and design basis documentation Demonstrated experience in leading design teams and managing design projects Proven people management and team development skills Ability to develop design concepts and communicate technical intent through sketches, mark-ups, and schematic diagrams Strong understanding of process plant layout, equipment arrangement, and constructability considerations Familiarity with design calculation software, hydraulic modelling tools, and engineering analysis methods Knowledge of relevant design standards and codes (EN, ISO, BS, etc.) All CV’s are treated in the strictest confidence #LI-BW1
About PM Group

PM Group