Position Description

Our Networks for Net Zero Strategy sets out ESB Networks’ role in enabling the delivery of the Government’s Climate Action Plan and supports the decarbonisation of electricity by 2040, which will enable the achieving of Ireland's net zero ambition no later than 2050.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and it is widely accepted that rapid action is required to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to avert the worst consequences of climate change and protect both current and future generations. Through the rapid growth and development of renewable power, Ireland’s electricity system has been significantly decarbonised over the last decade, which had utilised much of the capacity for generation connections on the distribution system to date, with accelerating progress now needed to continue to build increased momentum towards achieving a net zero society. The scale of demand growth driven by electrification requires investment in capacity for demand, domestic, farming, industrial and commercial connections, across all voltage levels. ESB Networks’ role is to deliver the electricity distribution network that will empower all our customers to decarbonise their energy consumption.

Our vision is to connect a clean electric future together and our customers and stakeholders will be at the heart of this transformation.

We are hiring Planning Standards Engineer within the planning policy and standards team to join our Network Development Team in ESB Networks. Network Development is responsible for planning the medium and long-term reinforcement of the high voltage (HV), medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) distribution network to enable the Climate Action Plan targets and our Networks for Net Zero Strategy with a particular focus on the areas of electrification of heat and transport, connection of large demand customer, connection of renewables and development of policies and standards.

The policies and standards role involves the reviewing and updating of planning standards, this includes the evaluation and enhancement of The Distribution System Security and Planning Standards to enable ESB to meet its commitment to make the network ready for Net zero by 2040. In addition, ensure alignment with all new directives set out by EU legislation. The role includes interaction with various internal, external stakeholders and participation in working groups to develop/embed new polices within ESB. The policies and standards team support other departments within ESB Network Development, and interact regularly with overhead lines, substations, operations, Distribution Markets and System Operator (DMSO) and the Commercial teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Knowledge of Distribution System Security and Planning Standards. Familiarity with the latest policy changes and legislation requirements for System Operators and the impact they have on the distribution system.
• Understand load flow software (Synergi, PSS Sincal, etc.) as these software packages may be required to support and evaluate changes to policies and standards.
• Provide support to network planners (both demand and generation) and verify the compliance of studies outputs with the Distribution System Security and Planning Standard, policies and procedures.
• Project manage innovation-led distribution planning improvement projects from initial scoping and development of terms of reference through to implementation of the recommendations, Project manage service providers with distribution planning projects from initial scoping and development of terms of reference, Approval to proceed documentation through to implementation of the recommendations.
• Preparation, development, and implementation of planning related standards, policies and tools as required through our documentation portal.
• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders within industry to understand what is happening in other jurisdictions and what can be learned from best practice in other utilities.

Experience and Qualifications 

Essential

• Honours Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience (minumum of 5 years) is essential. 
• Full Driving Licence.

• Minimum engineering experience of five years in the area of Power System Analysis at MV and HV with an advanced understanding of distribution network is essential.
• Strong technical capability.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Proven track record of delivery of projects on time and to the highest technical standards.
• Self-motivated with ability to project manage and prioritize own work.
• Ability to work and share knowledge and competencies within a team structure.
• Proven track record of success contributing to the training and development of technical professionals.
• Ability to make quality decisions and judgments, with a logical, yet imaginative approach to problem solving.

Desirable

• Experience in coding languages such as Python, SQL, etc.
• Published Technical Papers at reputable international conferences.
• Active involvement in international engineering organisations such as CIGRÉ, IEEE and IET (e.g. participation in Working Groups).

Location

Location will be ESB Networks’ office in Leopardstown Road - Dublin, Wilton – Cork, or Rosbrien – Limerick, but the role will require a certain amount of travel (often at short notice) both within and outside Ireland.

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 working within ROI, with regular attendance in the office for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is agreed with the manager.

Reporting to

The successful candidate will report to the Network Polices and Standards Manager, who in turn report to the Network Development Manager.

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

€57,000 - €68,000 per annum. 

Closing Date

19th of November, 2025

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