Principal Design Lead – Marine & Coastal
Location:
Cork, Ireland |
Discipline:
Structural/Geotechnical Design
Work Model:
Hybrid |
Seniority Level:
Principal
Lead the Future of Coastal Engineering
At
Ayesa
, we engineer change. With our Marine & Coastal team shaping global infrastructure—from
Dubai Port
to the
Dublin Port Masterplan
—we're on a mission to redefine the boundaries of sustainable, resilient marine design.
We're looking for a
Principal Design Lead
with deep expertise in
structural or geotechnical engineering
to lead high-impact coastal projects and mentor the next generation of engineering talent. Based in
Cork
, this is your opportunity to take the lead on industry-defining work that makes a lasting difference.
What You'll Be Doing
Structural & Geotechnical Design Leadership
• Lead and deliver structural or geotechnical design packages from concept to construction
• Ensure alignment with project specs, Eurocodes, BS 6349, and industry standards
Project Management
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, with full accountability for quality, scope, schedule, and budget
• Deliver integrated solutions across ports, harbours, dredging works, and marine structures
Technical Innovation
• Develop and refine high-performance design methodologies
• Integrate geotechnics, modelling, hydraulics, and marine ecology into holistic solutions
Mentorship & Team Leadership
• Guide, support, and coach junior engineers to grow their technical and professional skillsets
• Promote a collaborative, knowledge-sharing culture across the team
Client-Facing Expertise
• Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders
• Translate technical complexities into actionable, value-based insights
Risk & Quality Oversight
• Review all design outputs for accuracy, risk mitigation, and compliance
• Continuously improve internal design and QA processes
What You Bring
Qualifications:
• Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering (Master's preferred)
• 8+ years of proven success in structural or geotechnical design—ideally in marine/coastal contexts
Technical Skills & Experience:
• Extensive hands-on experience with
marine/coastal structures
, permitting, and coastal process design
• Proficiency in
numerical modelling
and marine infrastructure inspection
• Solid command of
Eurocodes
,
BS 6349
, and international design standards
• Strong report writing, stakeholder engagement, and project delivery capabilities
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and foster junior talent
Soft Skills:
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving and prioritisation abilities
• Excellent communicator and mentor
• Driven by technical excellence and client satisfaction
· Proficient in relevant codes such as BS 6349, Eurocodes, and marine guidance.
· Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
· Ability to mentor and coach junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and development.
· Thorough understanding of codes, standards, and regulations governing structural and geotechnical engineering practices.
· Exceptional problem-solving skills and adeptness in managing project priorities and deadlines.
What's in It for You
• Competitive Salary + Performance-Based Bonuses
• Flexible Hybrid Work Model
• 37.5 Hours Per Week | Core Flex: 10am–4pm (Mon–Thu), 10am–3pm (Fri)
• Chartership Support & Career Development Pathways
• Continuous Learning Culture
• Generous Annual Leave (with additional loyalty days)
• Income Protection & Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Work with a company at the forefront of
sustainability
and
digital innovation
• Recognition Awards, Wellness Initiatives & Regular Socials
We're Inclusive by Design
Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.