Senior Professional Design Engineer, Telecoms

Position Description
Telecommunications are transforming our lives in the way we live and work and are essential to the remote management of systems and assets. ESB's Networks Telecoms group has over one hundred staff providing the critical operational telecom networks needed to deliver the broadband and data circuits required to control the distribution, transmission and generation systems.

Networks Telecoms deliver this by operating and managing the largest private Telecoms Network in Ireland and are among a leading group of European utilities building our own private LTE (Long Term Evolution) Network. These initiatives are a critical part of our move to Smart Networks and the digitisation of ESB.

This role is pivotal in supporting the transformation and digitisation of ESB Networks Telecoms, ensuring the long-term reliability and optimisation of critical infrastructure. The successful candidate will take a holistic, long-term view of the HV programme portfolio, shaping direction, governance, and priorities to align with organisational strategy.

The Senior Design Engineer is an exciting opportunity to lead and shape the operational telecoms design activities for all our programmes of work; whether it is to help connect renewable generation and low carbon technologies onto the electricity network or modernising our telecoms infrastructure and expanding smart grid connectivity with our private cellular LTE network.  

The role requires an individual to independently drive the entire telecoms solution design process end-to-end; from requirements gathering and options analysis through to the preparation of detailed design documentation and commercial proposals. 

Our designers facilitate collaboration with all stakeholders internal and external to ESB and maintain close interaction with subject matter experts, technology service owners, and delivery teams throughout the design lifecycle to deliver the optimal design and ensure all design milestones are achieved efficiently and on schedule. Additionally, they have critical role in maintaining safety through good design: assisting the designated telecoms PSDP (Project Supervisor Design Process) contact person during non-regular works projects, ensuring that all safety documentation and safety file content related to design are current, complete and compliant with relevant legislation and duty-holder obligations. The role also includes development of design risk assessments and generating comprehensive design packs.  

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead end-to-end solution design from requirements gathering to bid submission and take on the activity of a solution architect for all projects, especially complex projects with multiple technologies, systems and stakeholders.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps, commercial and operational models, and design pack content for delivery teams. 
• Communicate and present proposals and business cases to customers and senior leadership. 
• Contribute to the development of content for design packs to delivery teams. 
• Assist and support the Design Team Manager in the planning and coordination of team tasks across design workstreams. 
• Production of and reviews telecoms Scope of Works & costs for Capital Approvals, design risk assessments, providing the required information.  

• Travel nationwide to conduct site surveys and visits as needed for project meetings and design scoping.  

• Ongoing commitment to develop technical and leadership competencies.  
• Support with design team development and knowledge transfer within the team.

Experience & Qualifications 
Essential 

• Level 7/8 Engineering qualification.
• Full clean EU driving licence.
• Minimum of 5-7 years relevant experience is essential.
• Strong stakeholder management skills. 
• Ability to act independently and take initiative.  
• Demonstrate experience in a technical, design process or project management functional area. 
• Strong analytical and documentation skills for producing technical proposals.  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Proven communication skills, both written and verbal, to business and technology audiences. 
• Experience working collaboratively with a geographically dispersed group as well as centralised office based teams. 
• Holds Technology and Network architecture knowledge in Telecoms (1 of or selection) – Utility grade multiplexers and teleprotection services, microwave and polling radio systems, cellular LTE and Optical DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems. Layer 3 routers, IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching) and MPLS/TP (Multi-Protocol Label Switching/Transport Profile) architectures, Utility fibre network design.  

Desirable  

• Chartered Engineer or active in route pathway in obtaining a professional title, i.e. CEng. 
• Telecoms and/or Networking Certifications, i.e. CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), MPLS/TP, Wireless Microwave, Cellular LTE. 
• Leadership Skillsets/Training. 
• Level 9 Postgraduate upskilling – Designer accreditations and further learning. 
• PSDP/PSCS (Project Supervisor Design Process/ Project Supervisor Construction Stage) and Designer role training/certification and role demonstration.  
• Demonstration of interest in Mentoring pathway with ESBN.
• Knowledge of relevant policies, standards, procedures, design standards including Health & Safety legislation. 
• Experience in the preparation and production of documentation such as design Scope of Works, costing estimates and /or business cases and design packs. 
• Experience pulling together complex commercial bid proposals.
• Experience in scheduling work and deliverables – MS Project.
• Experience in Project Management Methodologies and Strategic Planning. 
• Extensive IT and digital skills including MS teams and MS power app’s.  

Location 
Networks Telecoms is based in ESB Networks, Leopardstown Rd, Sandyford, Co Dublin, however flexible arrangements will be considered for this role. 

Travel within Ireland will be a requirement of this role.

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least one anchor day 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 
The successful candidate will report to Design Team Manager, Telecoms Strategy & Business Support, Networks Telecoms. 

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 
€59,000 - €70,000 per annum   

 
Closing Date 

8th January 2026

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