Protection Maintenance Specialist

 
Vacancy Number:  27956
Category:  Engineering - Electrical
Job Type:  Full-time
 

The Protection Maintenance team in Transmission & Distribution Engineering provides a highly technical protection service. This involves development and implementation of maintenance policies/standards, monitoring the network and identification/specification of maintenance requirements across HV substations and Generation assets. 

 

Key Responsibilities

Working on a national basis, at times largely dictated by operational constraints, key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Leading the training and development of junior staff
  • Assessment of site safety prior to engaging in commissioning activities and to coordinate the work schedule with site staff as appropriate.
  • Commissioning primary, secondary and associated equipment forming part of Transmission/Distribution Networks and Generation plant.
  • Commissioning and maintenance testing of protection relays.
  • Respond and mobilise at short notice to critical system faults.
  • Carry out detailed fault investigations and provide specialist protection support to network and power station operators.
  • Functional verification of protection scheme designs and checking compliance to approved design standards.
  • Coordinate, plan, and deliver commissioning projects.
  • Provide oversight and technical support to project teams and stakeholders.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

  • Proven track record of project management / co-ordination, delivery of projects on time and to the highest technical standards.
  • Ability to prioritize own work and the work of others.
  • Knowledge and experience of operational procedures and the operation of substations and/or power stations.
  • Detailed understanding of typical protection philosophies as applied to Power stations and Transmission Networks.
  • Thorough knowledge of schematics, cubicle wiring and functional testing techniques.
  • Fully adept in commissioning and maintenance methodology of complex protection schemes.
  • A high level of experience in the use of Omicron CMC356 and the development of relay test plans.
  • Capability to communicate and provide technical guidance to stakeholders effectively.
  • Self-motivated and be capable of working on their own initiative without direct supervision.
  • Show a high level of commitment and flexibility.
  • As travelling to sites is feature of this role, it is essential to have appropriate Drivers License.

 

Desirable

  • Excellent communication and report writing skills

  

Qualifications

 Essential

  • A minimum of 10 years relevant experience in the electricity generation and/or HV transmission sectors

 

Desirable

  • Either a 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience is essential.

 

Location

Site work throughout Ireland will be a feature in this role. Driver’s license is a must to apply for this role. 

 

Reporting to

The successful candidate will report to the Protection Maintenance Team Leader within Network System Services, Transmission & Distribution Engineering.

 

Why Work with Us?

  • Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
  • 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 -  €84,000 per annum

 

Closing Date

27th March 2026

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law. 

Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie.  

About ESB

Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.