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Setting Out Engineer - Job Opportunity at Coffey

Galway, Ireland

Full-time

Mid-level

Posted: June 16, 2025

On-site

€45,000 - €60,000 annually based on the mid-level experience requirements, Irish market conditions for civil engineering professionals, and the specialized nature of water infrastructure projects in the Galway region

Benefits

Opportunity to work with a family-owned company offering greater job security and personal recognition compared to large corporations

Access to nearly 50 years of industry expertise and established client relationships providing stable project pipeline

Professional development through exposure to critical infrastructure projects with significant community impact

Enhanced safety culture with company-wide commitment to highest safety standards reducing workplace risks

Career advancement opportunities within a specialized water infrastructure and civil engineering firm

Involvement in innovative engineering solutions providing cutting-edge technical experience

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive health, safety, quality and environmental management systems ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation across all project phases

Develop and implement critical method statements and risk assessments that directly impact project success and worker safety

Execute precise setting out, levelling and surveying operations that form the foundation for successful project delivery and quality outcomes

Manage complex stakeholder relationships with local authorities, utility providers, and statutory bodies ensuring regulatory approval and project continuity

Drive technical problem resolution with employer representatives, suppliers, and subcontractors maintaining project momentum and client satisfaction

Oversee day-to-day site operations including workforce supervision and subcontractor coordination ensuring productivity targets and quality standards

Lead project planning activities including budget assistance, programme management, and post-construction analysis contributing to organizational learning and future project success

Produce critical project documentation including as-built drawings, technical reports, and site diaries ensuring knowledge transfer and compliance requirements

Coordinate material and plant requisition processes ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost control

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration between planning, construction, design, commercial, and HSQE teams ensuring integrated project delivery

Requirements

Education

A Masters/degree in engineering to support your competency in the role

Experience

4-5 years experience as a Setting Out Engineer

Required Skills

Read and understand the Company's Safety Statement Need to be familiar with the company's HSQE management systems Need to be familiar with current statutory requirements in relation to HSE Legislation Creating Method Statements and Risk Assessments for the works Preparing & Briefing Toolbox talks Quality control in accordance with company procedures, method statements, quality plans and inspection and test plans Liaison with internal (and subcontracted) teams including planning, construction, design, commercial, and HSQE Liaison with 3rd parties including Local Authorities, Utility Providers, Statutory Authorities Check/understand Specifications, Drawings and other Contract Documents Setting out, levelling and surveying the site in accordance with the Drawings and Specification Preparing Labour, Plant & Material Returns Preparing As-built drawings, technical reports, site diary Liaising with purchasing department to ensure that purchase orders adequately define the specified requirements Requisition of materials and plant Day-to-day management of the site, including supervising and monitoring the site labour force and subcontractors Resolving technical issues with employer's representatives, suppliers, subcontractors, and statutory authorities Liaising with foremen planning & reviewing upcoming works Carrying out post-construction analysis to assist with future planning Assisting with creating budgets for the project Need to be familiar with the Form of Contract on the Project Need to be familiar with the program and what implications any overrun will have Planning the work and efficiently organising the plant and site facilities to meet programme deadlines

Certifications

A member of the relevant Professional Institution

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The water infrastructure sector in Ireland is experiencing unprecedented investment driven by the Irish Water capital investment programme, with over €13 billion allocated for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements through 2030. This creates substantial opportunities for setting out engineers with specialized water/wastewater experience as the sector modernizes aging infrastructure and expands capacity to meet growing urban populations. Climate change adaptation and sustainable infrastructure development are becoming central to Irish civil engineering projects, with increased focus on flood management systems, sustainable drainage solutions, and resilient infrastructure design. Setting out engineers with environmental awareness and sustainable construction knowledge are increasingly valuable as projects must meet stricter environmental standards and carbon reduction targets. Digital transformation in construction is revolutionizing surveying and setting out practices, with increased adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM), drone surveying, GPS-based setting out systems, and digital project management tools. Engineers who can bridge traditional surveying skills with modern digital technologies are positioned for significant career advancement as the industry undergoes technological modernization.

Role Significance

Typically manages 5-15 site personnel including laborers, tradespeople, and subcontractors while reporting to project managers and liaising with planning, commercial, and design teams. The role involves coordination with multiple internal departments and external stakeholders, indicating a central position in project delivery teams.

This is a mid-level professional role with significant technical responsibility and limited supervisory duties. The position requires independent decision-making on technical matters, stakeholder management, and assumes senior site engineer responsibilities in the absence of project management. The role bridges junior engineering positions and senior project management roles, indicating strong career progression potential within the organization.

Key Projects

Water treatment plant construction and upgrade projects requiring precise setting out of complex mechanical and electrical systems Wastewater infrastructure development including pumping stations, treatment facilities, and extensive pipeline networks Municipal water distribution system upgrades involving coordination with existing utilities and public road works Environmental remediation projects requiring specialized containment and monitoring systems Coastal and marine infrastructure projects taking advantage of Galway's location for port and marine facility development

Success Factors

Technical precision in surveying and setting out operations is absolutely critical as errors can result in costly rework, project delays, and safety hazards. The ability to work with tight tolerances while maintaining productivity under pressure distinguishes successful setting out engineers from average performers. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential for navigating complex relationships with local authorities, utility providers, and statutory bodies. The ability to communicate technical information clearly to non-technical stakeholders and maintain positive relationships despite project challenges directly impacts project success and career advancement. Comprehensive understanding of health, safety, and environmental regulations is non-negotiable in the current regulatory environment. Engineers who can proactively identify and mitigate risks while maintaining productivity are highly valued as companies face increasing liability and regulatory scrutiny. Adaptability to new technologies and digital tools is crucial for long-term career success as the construction industry undergoes rapid technological transformation. Engineers who embrace BIM, GPS systems, and digital project management tools will have significant advantages in career progression and job security.

Market Demand

High demand driven by substantial government investment in water infrastructure, aging infrastructure replacement needs, and limited pool of experienced setting out engineers with water/wastewater specialization

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Precision surveying and setting out capabilities are absolutely fundamental to this role as accuracy directly impacts project success, safety, and cost control. Errors in setting out can cascade through entire projects, making this technical competency the most critical skill for role success and career advancement. Health, safety, and environmental management expertise is essential given the regulatory environment and company liability exposure. The ability to create effective method statements, conduct risk assessments, and maintain safety culture is not just important for compliance but directly impacts project profitability and company reputation. Stakeholder management and communication skills are critical for navigating complex relationships with multiple parties including local authorities, utility providers, and statutory bodies. The ability to resolve technical issues collaboratively while maintaining project momentum directly impacts career progression and project success. Project planning and coordination abilities are essential for managing complex infrastructure projects with multiple moving parts, tight deadlines, and budget constraints. Understanding contract implications and programme management is crucial for progression to senior roles.

Beneficial Skills

Digital technology proficiency including BIM, GPS systems, and digital project management tools will become increasingly important as the construction industry modernizes. Early adoption of these technologies provides competitive advantages and positions engineers for senior roles in technology-forward organizations. Commercial awareness and understanding of contract administration, variation management, and cost control principles are valuable for career progression toward project management and senior roles. Engineers who understand the business aspects of construction projects are more likely to advance to leadership positions. Environmental engineering knowledge and sustainability expertise are increasingly valuable as infrastructure projects must meet stricter environmental standards and carbon reduction targets. This knowledge is particularly relevant for water infrastructure projects which often have significant environmental components. Leadership and team management skills become increasingly important for career advancement, particularly given the role's responsibility for site supervision and coordination of multiple stakeholders. Strong leadership capabilities are essential for progression to senior engineering and project management roles.

Unique Aspects

The role combines traditional civil engineering skills with specialized water/wastewater infrastructure knowledge, creating a unique skill set that is highly valued in the current Irish infrastructure investment environment. This specialization provides competitive advantages in a sector experiencing significant growth and limited experienced personnel.

The position offers temporary assumption of project management responsibilities, providing valuable leadership experience and accelerated career development opportunities that are often unavailable in larger organizations with more rigid hierarchical structures.

Working with a family-owned company with 50 years of experience provides access to established industry relationships, proven project delivery methods, and institutional knowledge that can significantly accelerate professional development compared to newer or larger, more impersonal organizations.

The location in Galway offers unique advantages including lower cost of living compared to Dublin, proximity to major infrastructure projects, and access to Ireland's growing technology sector which increasingly requires specialized infrastructure support.

Career Growth

3-5 years to senior site engineer level, 5-8 years to project manager level with continued professional development and expanded project experience

Potential Next Roles

Senior Site Engineer with expanded project management responsibilities and larger team oversight Project Manager responsible for complete project delivery including commercial and client relationship management Contracts Manager focusing on commercial aspects, contract administration, and multi-project oversight Specialist roles in water infrastructure consulting or design engineering leveraging technical expertise

Company Overview

Coffey

Coffey is a well-established family-owned civil engineering contractor with nearly five decades of experience in water infrastructure and civil engineering projects. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering critical infrastructure projects on time and within budget, with particular expertise in water and wastewater treatment facilities, pipeline networks, and related civil engineering works. As a family-owned business, Coffey likely offers more personalized career development and closer working relationships compared to large multinational contractors.

Coffey appears to be a specialized regional contractor with strong market position in Ireland's water infrastructure sector. The company's 50-year history and family ownership suggest financial stability and established client relationships, particularly with Irish Water and local authorities. Their specialization in water infrastructure positions them well for the current investment cycle in Irish water services.

Based in Galway, Coffey is well-positioned to serve the western regions of Ireland where significant water infrastructure investment is occurring. Galway's status as a major urban center and the surrounding rural areas requiring infrastructure upgrades provide a strong local market base, while the company's established reputation likely extends throughout Ireland for specialized water infrastructure projects.

Family-owned companies typically offer more personal attention to employee development, greater job security, and closer working relationships between management and staff. The emphasis on safety culture and quality standards suggests a professional work environment that values employee wellbeing and technical excellence. The company's longevity indicates stable management and consistent business practices that support long-term career development.

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Setting Out Engineer - Job Opportunity at Coffey

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Certifications

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

Coffey

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence