Underground Cables Specialist

Position Description 

The Underground Cables Specialist role within the Underground Networks team is responsible for ensuring we maintain a resilient network, by closely managing and monitoring our MV and HV Underground Cables and their associated ancillary equipment.  

The role involves the provision of specialist support to colleagues in ESB Networks, Contractors, Suppliers, and many other external stakeholders including Local Authorities and CRU. 

This a data driven technical role. It includes fault investigations, writing standards and business procedures, researching policies amongst other utilities, reporting on asset performance and asset health, and ensuring adherence to ESB standards of cable material, design and construction and maintenance. 

The Cables Specialist also provides, and supports, the development of innovative network cable design solutions as ESB Networks Asset Management supports the provision of a resilient network than will meet the demand of increased renewable connections to the network along with enabling our customers to transition toward the electrification of heat and transport in the home.  

Key Responsibilities

• Develop standards, specifications, policies, and procedures for the full lifecycle management of underground cables from 400 kV to LV. 

• Identify risk associated with Underground Cables in relation to public safety, staff safety, environmental, legal/regulatory, reputation and continuity. Support Underground Networks Asset Manager in assessing and appropriately mitigating risks on an ongoing basis. 

• Perform due diligence reviews of cable system designs for Contestable Developments where appropriate, to ensure compliance with Specifications and Quality expectations. 

• Assume technical ownership of key Cable Frameworks including cables, accessories, clamps, monitoring systems and more. Support the tender process for these framework contracts at all voltage levels and technically evaluate tender submissions.  

• Attendance at Factory Acceptance Testing. 

• Establishing and fostering strong working relationships with suppliers on behalf of the Asset Owner to ensure security of the supply chain for critical infrastructure. 

• Support ESB Networks data driven strategy to report on asset performance in a comprehensive and concise manner using the available data, and/or putting a system in place where data may be improved. 

• Provide guidance to System Planners where Network improvements are needed, to scope the Cable System Design element of improvements and reinforcements on the Distribution Network. 

• Support the introduction of Special Bonding on selected 38kV circuits. 

• Support ESB Networks Project and Customer Delivery organisation in fault investigations, material/type fault issues and cable design/standard enquiries. 

• Progress innovative underground cable technology solutions in collaboration with the TSO and at industry collaboration forums and research institutions to meet the challenging targets set in ESB’s Net Zero 2040 Strategy. 

• Support the development of underground cable submissions to the CRU in ongoing Price Review 6 process (both ongoing reporting and the future preparation of PR7 submissions). 

• Govern Fluid Filled Cable replacement programmes and incident management 

• Mentor underground network team colleagues and represent underground networks asset manager at meetings/events where required. 

Experience and Qualifications

Essential 

• Honours Level 8 Engineering Degree in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering or equivalent
• 7 years design / construction / operational experience in Power Utility industry 
• Strong report writing skills

Desirable 

• 7 years experience in Cable System Design or Cable System Maintenance, Asset Management, with demonstrated leadership in either managing an engineering team or fulfilling a key specialist role in one of these areas
• Masters Level 9 Engineering Degree in Electrical / Electronic Engineering or equivalent. 

Location  

Leopardstown or another ESB Depot for example Finglas or Limerick decided in consultation with the applicant alongside smart working arrangements.  

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 

Manager, Underground Networks, Asset Management, Network Assets 

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 

04th November, 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: 

• Accountable and Ethical 

• Collaborative  

• Growing and Adaptive 

• Proactive 

• 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 prior to commencement of employment.