Specialist Lead, Substations Engineering

Networks Engineering, ESB Engineering & Major Projects are responsible for the design of high voltage transmission and distribution substations assets for ESB Networks. This includes both conceptual and detailed engineering design, design safety management, project programming and commercial management. Collaboration with a range stakeholders is a key function of this role including Networks Project Delivery and other external delivery services and contingent labour providers.

The Specialist Lead Substation Engineer will use their significant experience in design and project delivery to delivery multi discipline projects. They will be required to have strong project management and technical design background, detailed knowledge of internal safety procedures and excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Key Responsibilities

The Specialist Lead Substation Engineer is required to

- Apply previous experience to deliver high‑quality designs and safety coordination across a diverse portfolio of electricity transmission and distribution development projects.

- Provide overall leadership and delivery of HV substation designs, including chairing design meetings and ensuring all programme deliverables meet budgetary, quality, and scheduling requirements.

- Hold overall responsibility for safety as Project Supervisor Design Stage (PSDP) on large‑scale projects, including the preparation and review of design risk assessments and project Health & Safety plans for both design and construction teams.

- Undertake the role of Lead Engineer, managing HV project design support across both internal and external delivery teams including EPC project delivery models.

- Establish, maintain, and continuously develop Networks Engineering template designs and libraries, ensuring consistency and efficiency across projects.

- Develop, implement, and continuously improve standardised HV Projects processes, incorporating feedback from project reviews, lessons learned, and best practice.

- Provide technical leadership, guidance, and day‑to‑day management of specialist workstreams, including approval of key outputs, mentoring and development of team members, technical scoping and costing, commercial considerations (including customer and renewable connections), project programming (design, construction, testing, and inspection), design review, training, and client interfacing.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

- A minimum of seven years’ experience in substation design.

- Proven ability to work in a team to a high level of performance.

- A strong understanding of all elements of substation tendering and tender evaluations, scoping, planning, design, costing, construction and commissioning.

- A strong work ethic with a clear focus on delivery to ESB’s safety, time, quality and cost objectives.

- Strong commercial and project management capability.

- The demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

- A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to delivery excellent customer service.

- A proven track record of success contributing to the training and development of technical professionals.

- Strong stakeholder management skills

- Site Working experience

- Full Driving licence

Desirable

- PSDP Competency

- Site Working Competency

- Precommissioning experience

Qualifications

Essential

Either 3rd Level Engineering qualification or equivalent work experience is essential

Location

This role is based in The Sidings, Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2, or East Gate, Little Island, Cork. Travel to project locations (nationwide) as required, is a key requirement of the role.

ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working.

The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the jurisdiction, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, on at least two days per week.

General

It is not anticipated that a staff member still on probation (either new entrant probation or a probation from a previous promotion) will be eligible to apply for a promotional vacancy.

Typically, an individual must have completed their probation and should have at least two years’ experience in their current role before being eligible to apply for a promotion.

An application from a staff member who does not meet the above criteria must have the approval of both the senior line manager and the HRM within the BU before progressing to application

Note: For staff currently on non-monthly pay frequency, any promotion to Bands 5 and above will result in a change in pay frequency to monthly.

Reporting to

Section Manager in either High Voltage Substation Delivery, or External Design and Contracting, Networks Engineering.

Location

This role is based in The Sidings, Grand Canal Dock Dublin 2, or East Gate, Little Island, Cork. Travel to project locations (nationwide) as required, is a key requirement of the role.

ESB is committed to offering flexibility in ways of working and we call that Smart Working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible and remote ways of working.

The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the jurisdiction, with attendance at base for in-person collaboration, on at least two days per week.

General

It is not anticipated that a staff member still on probation (either new entrant probation or a probation from a previous promotion) will be eligible to apply for a promotional vacancy.

Typically, an individual must have completed their probation and should have at least two years’ experience in their current role before being eligible to apply for a promotion.

An application from a staff member who does not meet the above criteria must have the approval of both the senior line manager and the HRM within the BU before progressing to application

Note: For staff currently on non-monthly pay frequency, any promotion to Bands 5 and above will result in a change in pay frequency to monthly.

Why Work with Us?

- Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future

- Progressive, hybrid working model

- Career development through mentoring and training

- Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities

- Sports and Social Clubs

- Networking opportunities

- Credit Union

- Generous Pension

- Access to staff well-being programmes

- Generous parental leave entitlements

- Strong values-based and inclusive culture

- Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

- Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€71,000 to €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

04th October 2026

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

- Accountable and Ethical

- Collaborative

- Growing and Adaptive

- Proactive

- Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our People Promise

Notes

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland / UK prior to commencement of employment.