Onshore Cable Specialist Engineer
The Generation Engineering Delivery department in ESB Engineering and Major Projects leads engineering support for ESB’s generation business. The Generation Cables department is responsible for the design and project management of high voltage underground grid cable connections for large scale thermal and renewable generation projects including offshore wind projects
This role will act as the lead engineering authority for the onshore underground section of the export cable system connecting major ESB and JV offshore wind farms in Ireland and the UK to the onshore grid. Active projects include Oriel and Five Estuaries. This role covers the full lifecycle of the onshore cable route - from early design and consenting through construction, commissioning, and handover into operations. You will ensure that all underground high‑voltage (HV) cable engineering activities meet project requirements, industry standards, and regulatory obligations while optimising safety, reliability, constructability, and long‑term asset performance.
Key Responsibilities
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Technical Leadership: Lead the design, specification, and engineering assurance of the underground HV export cable system including cable selection, thermal rating, jointing, terminations, and civil works interfaces.
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Route Engineering & Civil Interface: Oversee development of the onshore cable route, including trench design, ducting, crossings, HDD sections, landfall interfaces, and coordination with civil engineering teams.
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Standards & Compliance: Ensure all engineering deliverables comply with relevant standards (e.g. IEC, CIGRE) and statutory requirements. Provide expert guidance on all aspects of cable system design, rating, earthing and bonding.
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Supplier & Contractor Management: Lead technical engagement with cable manufacturers, installation contractors, and specialist consultants. Review and approve technical documentation, method statements, FAT/SAT procedures, and installation quality plans.
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Construction & Installation Support: Provide senior engineering oversight during trenching, duct installation, cable pulling, jointing, testing, and commissioning. Resolve technical issues on site and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
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Risk & Interface Management: Identify and manage technical risks across interfaces with offshore cable systems, substations, grid connection points, and civil works. Ensure seamless integration of the onshore section with the overall export system.
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Asset Performance & Lifecycle Considerations: Contribute to long‑term reliability planning, including thermal performance modelling, failure mode analysis, maintenance strategies, and operational constraints.
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Safety to have highest priority in all aspects of work.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
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Extensive experience (typically 7+ years) in HV underground cable engineering for transmission or large‑scale renewable projects.
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Strong understanding of cable system design, installation techniques, thermal modelling, interface management, HV testing and commissioning.
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A good knowledge of standards applicable to HV Cables (e.g. IEC, CIGRE)
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Ability to work on own initiative, meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
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A flexible approach to work and strong ability to prioritise work.
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Good interpersonal, problem solving, communication and technical report writing skills.
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A strong work ethic with a clear focus on delivery to ESB’s’ Net Zero by 2040 Strategy’
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Strong commercial, project management and design review capability.
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Hold a full driving licence and have own car.
Desirable
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Chartered Engineer Status
Qualifications
Essential
Degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
Desirable
Active involvement in international engineering organisations such as CIGRE, IEEE and IET (e.g. participation in Working Groups)
Location
The position will be based in ESB Engineering & Major Projects’ offices at The Sidings, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, D02 E7K8.
Smart Working at ESB is designed to make ‘in-person’ time together as purposeful as possible while also enabling the effective use of digital tools and hybrid arrangements to preserve our commitment to flexibility. The successful candidate may work flexibly within the jurisdiction where they have been employed, with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration at least two days per week. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business.
Reporting to
Generation Cables Group Team Lead in Generation Engineering Delivery and the Project Package Manager.
Why Work with Us?
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Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
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Career development through mentoring and training
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Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
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Sports and Social Clubs
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Networking opportunities
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Credit Union
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Generous Pension
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Access to staff well-being programmes
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Generous parental leave entitlements
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Strong values-based and inclusive culture
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Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
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Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
Salary
€71,000 - €84,000 per annum
Closing Date
20th 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:
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Accountable and Ethical
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Collaborative
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Growing and Adaptive
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Proactive
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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.