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System Protection Performance Specialist - Customer Connections

 
Vacancy Number:  28264
Category:  Business
Job Type:  Full-time
 

Position description

The role of System Protection Performance Specialists- Customer Connections is to ensure that the protection on the network operates to the required distribution standard. Ensures that parameters are set in line with Conditions Governing standards and Protection policies. The role encompasses a range of technical power system studies, including but not limited to the connection of various generation, synchronous and non-synchronous, to the system. Knowledge of low carbon technologies and their impact on the power system is desirable. Assistance with the training and development of junior staff is part of this role. In addition, SPP-Customer Connections is responsible to investigate protection operations, system faults and advise operations & delivery on protection issues. The role will require becoming expert in the range of protection relays and software systems in use on the Distribution Network.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Assessment of site safety prior to engaging in witnessing activities and coordinating the work schedule with contract commissioner as appropriate. Review site-specific risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for projects.
  • Witness functional verification of EGIP/G10 protection scheme designs and confirm compliance with approved design standards, elementaries, specifications.
  • Good understanding of protection schemes particularly voltage based, current based, Static and Dynamic Frequency protection and earth fault functions.
  • Co-ordination of HV setting requests and of embedded generation protection settings.
  • Review the customer generation connection applications and settings.
  • Witness the contract commissioner testing of customer generation sites EGIP/G10/MEC0 connections against network protection policy and sign off.
  • Resolve customer queries regarding generation interface protection requirements and any other queries.
  • Assist System Protection specialists in investigations of faults / mal operation of protection equipment.
  • Application of protection settings to 38kV and MV feeder and transformer cubicles.

 

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

  • Advanced Level 6 Electrical Craft Certificate/A suitable Level 7 or higher qualification in Electrical, Electrical Services, Electronics, Mechanical or other suitable alternative qualification with a sizeable electrical theory content.
  • Full Clean Irish/EU Driving Licence
  • Self-motivated with ability to project manage and prioritize own work.
  • Ability to work and share knowledge and competencies within a team structure. Excellent communication and report writing skills.
  • 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.
  • Familiar with substation Primary and secondary component. Understanding of network topology, power flow, protection settings.

 

Desirable

  • Site work experience in MV or HV substations including commissioning.
  • Knowledge of Health and Safety Legislation and compliance requirements.
  • Familiarity with key ESBN business systems, including SAP/ ARM.
  • Familiarity with ESBN technical & safety related policies/ procedures.
  • Experience of any of the following specialised power system studies software packages: PSS/E, PSS SINCAL, Power Factory, ETAP, CAPE, SynerGee, EMTP-ATP, CDEGS, PSCAD.
  • Experience in handling OEM proprietary softwares for protection relays which include Siemens DIGSI, ABB CAP505/540, Micom S1, Toshiba, Reclosers Nulec & NOJA

 

 

Location

The position is based from the nearest ESB Networks Office, with full‑time travel required to sites nationwide.

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 Protection & Earthing, Network Assets, Asset Management.

 

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 programs
  • 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

€55,000 to €70,000 per annum

 

Closing Date

21st April 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.
 

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