Specialist Lead, Substation Engineering

 
Vacancy Number:  28080
Category:  Engineering - Electrical
Job Type:  Full-time
 

The High Voltage Substation Delivery department in ESB Engineering & Major Projects is the centre of engineering for ESB’s Transmission & Distribution businesses, as well as providing consultancy services in T&D technology for external clients.  

 

The High Voltage Substation Delivery department is a key part ESB Engineering & Major Projects and is responsible for the design of high voltage transmission and distribution assets for ESB Networks. This includes both conceptual and detailed engineering design, design safety management (Project Supervisor Design Stage), 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. 

  • 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. 

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

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

  • Establish, maintain, and continuously develop HV Projects substation 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  

  • PSDP or CDMC competency or experience.  

  • Site Working experience 

  • Full Driving licence 

 

 

Desirable 

  • PSDP Competency   

  • Site Working Competency  

 

 

Qualifications 

Essential 

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

 

Location 

This role is based in Dublin office but travel to project locations as required, is a key requirement of the role

The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least two anchor days per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual. 

 

Reporting to 

38 kV, GIS or AIS Section Manager in High Voltage Substation Delivery , Networks Engineering.  

 

 

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 

12th 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.