Home Jobs Site Engineer
Back to Jobs

Site Engineer - Job Opportunity at Coffey

Athenry, Ireland
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: June 7, 2025
On-site
€45,000 - €55,000 per year based on mid-level engineering position in County Galway with specialized water infrastructure focus. Salaries in this region typically range 10-15% below Dublin rates but offer better cost of living ratios. The specialized nature of water/wastewater engineering and the company's established market position suggest compensation at the higher end of this range.

Benefits

Family-owned company culture providing job security and long-term career stability in an industry known for high turnover
Nearly 50 years of operational excellence demonstrating company resilience and established market position
Exposure to innovative engineering solutions and cutting-edge infrastructure projects enhancing professional development
Professional construction management experience valuable for career advancement in the civil engineering sector

Key Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive Health, Safety, Quality & Environment (HSQE) management systems implementation, directly impacting project success rates and regulatory compliance across critical infrastructure projects
Drive strategic liaison coordination between internal teams (planning, construction, design, commercial, HSQE) and external stakeholders (Local Authorities, Utility Providers, Statutory Authorities), ensuring seamless project delivery and risk mitigation
Execute high-precision site setting out, levelling and surveying operations that form the foundation for successful project completion and quality assurance
Manage comprehensive technical documentation including As-built drawings, technical reports, and site diaries that serve as critical deliverables for client satisfaction and future project references
Oversee day-to-day site operations including supervision and monitoring of site labour force and subcontractors, directly impacting project timelines and budget performance
Resolve complex technical issues with employer's representatives, suppliers, subcontractors, and statutory authorities, demonstrating problem-solving capabilities essential for project success
Lead strategic planning activities including liaison with foremen, post-construction analysis, and budget creation that directly contribute to company profitability and project efficiency
Manage contract implications and variation orders, requiring deep understanding of commercial aspects that affect project costs and timelines

Requirements

Education

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

Experience

Minimum 2 years' road experience [SLG preferable but not essential]

Required Skills

Read and understand the Company's Safety Statement Familiar with the company's HSQE management systems Familiar with current statutory requirements in relation to HSE Legislation Creating Method Statements and Risk Assessments Preparing & Briefing Toolbox talks Quality control in accordance with company procedures Setting out, levelling and surveying Preparing Labour, Plant & Material Returns Preparing As-built drawings, technical reports, site diary Liaising with purchasing department Day-to-day management of the site Planning the work and efficiently organising the plant and site facilities

Certifications

A member of the relevant Professional Institution
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The Irish construction and infrastructure sector is experiencing significant growth driven by government investment in water infrastructure upgrades and climate resilience projects, creating strong demand for experienced site engineers with water/wastewater expertise. This trend is expected to continue through 2030 as Ireland addresses aging infrastructure and EU environmental compliance requirements. Digital transformation in construction management is accelerating, with increasing emphasis on Building Information Modeling (BIM), digital site monitoring, and integrated project management systems. Site engineers who can adapt to these technologies while maintaining traditional engineering fundamentals are becoming increasingly valuable. Sustainability and environmental compliance requirements are becoming more stringent in Irish construction projects, particularly for water infrastructure. Engineers with strong HSQE backgrounds and environmental awareness are positioned for premium opportunities as companies prioritize regulatory compliance and ESG commitments.

Role Significance

Typical team structure would involve supervising 5-15 site personnel including foremen, skilled tradespeople, and subcontractors, while reporting to a Project Manager or Contracts Manager. The role serves as a critical link between senior management and operational teams.
This is a mid-level engineering position with significant operational responsibility and leadership potential. The role combines technical execution with site management duties, indicating a position that bridges junior engineering tasks with senior project oversight responsibilities. The temporary assumption of Project Manager duties demonstrates trust in the role holder's capabilities and advancement potential.

Key Projects

Water treatment facility construction and upgrades requiring specialized knowledge of water/wastewater systems and regulatory compliance Road infrastructure projects including SLG (Surface Layer Group) works involving complex coordination with traffic management and utility providers Civil engineering projects requiring extensive stakeholder coordination with Local Authorities and Statutory bodies

Success Factors

Strong technical competency in surveying, setting out, and quality control procedures ensuring project delivery meets specification requirements and regulatory standards Exceptional communication and liaison skills enabling effective coordination between diverse stakeholder groups including internal teams, subcontractors, regulatory bodies, and clients Comprehensive understanding of HSQE management systems and statutory requirements, critical for maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance in complex infrastructure projects Project management capabilities including planning, resource coordination, and budget awareness that directly impact project profitability and timeline adherence Problem-solving abilities and technical issue resolution skills essential for managing the complex challenges that arise in infrastructure construction projects

Market Demand

High demand driven by Ireland's National Development Plan 2021-2030 allocating €8.6 billion to water services infrastructure, creating sustained opportunities for site engineers with relevant experience in water and civil engineering projects.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

HSQE management systems knowledge is absolutely essential as safety compliance is non-negotiable in construction projects, and regulatory violations can result in project shutdowns, legal liability, and significant financial penalties Site setting out, levelling and surveying skills form the technical foundation of the role, as accuracy in these areas directly impacts project quality, compliance with specifications, and overall project success Stakeholder liaison and communication abilities are critical for project success, as infrastructure projects involve complex coordination between multiple parties, and communication failures can lead to delays, cost overruns, and regulatory issues

Beneficial Skills

Water/wastewater engineering knowledge enhances value given Ireland's focus on water infrastructure investment and the company's specialization in this area Contract administration and commercial awareness skills are increasingly valuable as the role involves understanding variation implications and cost impacts Digital construction management tools and BIM familiarity will become increasingly important as the industry continues digital transformation

Unique Aspects

Specialized focus on water/wastewater infrastructure during a period of significant national investment in water services, providing exposure to high-value, strategically important projects
Family-owned company structure offering potential for closer mentorship relationships and clearer career progression paths compared to large corporate environments
Nearly 50-year operational history demonstrating company stability and established client relationships in a sector where reputation and track record are crucial for project awards
Emphasis on innovative solutions and engineering ingenuity suggesting an environment that encourages creative problem-solving and professional development

Career Growth

Progression to Senior Site Engineer typically occurs within 2-3 years with strong performance, while advancement to Project Manager level generally requires 5-7 years of experience with demonstrated leadership and commercial awareness.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Site Engineer with expanded project oversight and team leadership responsibilities Project Manager role managing multiple concurrent infrastructure projects Contracts Manager position with commercial and contractual responsibility Principal Engineer specializing in water infrastructure or civil engineering design

Company Overview

Coffey

Coffey is a well-established family-owned specialist in water infrastructure and civil engineering with nearly five decades of operational history since 1974. The company has built a strong reputation for delivering critical infrastructure projects with emphasis on innovative solutions, engineering excellence, and adherence to high safety and quality standards.

As a family-owned business operating for nearly 50 years, Coffey holds a solid position in the Irish water infrastructure and civil engineering market. Their longevity and specialization suggest strong client relationships and proven project delivery capabilities, positioning them well in Ireland's expanding infrastructure investment environment.
With projects based in Athenry, County Galway, the company operates in Ireland's western region, an area experiencing growth due to government regional development initiatives and EU structural funding. This location provides access to both rural infrastructure projects and proximity to major urban centers.
Family-owned company culture typically emphasizes long-term relationships, employee development, and stability. The strong focus on safety and quality standards mentioned in the company description suggests a professional environment that prioritizes proper procedures and continuous improvement.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.