Lead Mechanical Engineer

Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations
About Kirby Group Engineering
Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK, Europe and South Africa, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.
Lead Mechanical Engineer – Data Centre Project
We’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer to take full ownership of mechanical engineering and commissioning delivery on a major data centre project in Milan. This role sits right at the centre of the project — technically, operationally and commercially.
If you enjoy complexity, accountability and leading engineers in an environment where mistakes are expensive and success is visible, you’ll feel at home here.
As Lead Mechanical Engineer, you are responsible for planning, managing and coordinating all mechanical engineering and commissioning activities on the project.
You lead the mechanical engineering function end to end — design, procurement, installation, testing, commissioning and handover — while mentoring engineers and maintaining standards under pressure.
Take full responsibility for mechanical engineering delivery on the project
Lead and manage the mechanical project engineering team, assigning engineers to work packages
Own the design management process, either directly or through appointed leads
Own the commissioning process, ensuring systems are buildable, testable and ready when required
Drive EHS compliance, promoting safe systems of work and leading by example on site
Oversee procurement from a technical perspective, including RFQs, technical evaluations, equipment selection and delivery tracking
Control quality from design through installation and commissioning, including ITPs, test packs, FATs, SATs, walkdowns and system handover
Coordinate closely with Electrical and CSA counterparts to ensure clear system boundaries and responsibilities
Manage system trackers, technical submittals, RFIs, deviations and change from a technical standpoint
Lead commissioning activities, flushing, balancing, pressure testing and certification
Identify risks early, own mitigation plans and escalate when required
Engage in programme development, commissioning sequencing and look‑ahead planning
Support business development through strong client, designer and contractor relationships
Mentor project and graduate engineers, building capability across the team
Provide clear, structured reporting to senior engineering and business leadership
The Project
This is a large‑scale, mission‑critical data centre build in Milan.
It’s fast, complex and highly coordinated. Engineering decisions matter, sequencing matters and leadership matters.
If you’ve worked on data centres, pharma or advanced industrial projects before, you’ll understand the pace and precision required.
Who We Are – Kirby Group Engineering
Kirby is one of Europe’s leading mechanical and electrical engineering contractors, delivering complex projects across data centres, life sciences, industrial and advanced manufacturing sectors.
We self‑deliver, we take responsibility, and we are trusted on projects where failure is not an option.
While Kirby is well established across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, Italy is a strategic growth market for us. This project is part of that expansion.
Strong senior‑level mechanical engineering experience on large, complex projects
Experience in data centres, pharmaceutical, industrial or mission‑critical environments
The ability to lead engineers without micromanaging them
Confidence working with clients, designers and site teams
You don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room. Why Join Kirby Group Engineering?
A flagship data centre project in Milan
Real ownership of mechanical engineering delivery
Strong backing from a proven European engineering contractor
Long‑term career opportunity as Kirby grows in Italy
A culture that values engineering judgem