The Protection, Automation and Control Systems (PACS) team in ESB Engineering and Major Projects (EMP) is responsible for delivering applied standard configurations and schematic designs for protection and control intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) to ESB Networks and to our various national and international stakeholders.

We are looking for a Specialist Lead, Distribution Protection, with at least seven years’ experience, to lead the production and delivery of our distribution and industrial protection design solutions for various projects at voltages from 10 kV to 38 kV. The Special Lead, Distribution Protection, will provide technical guidance on best practice in distribution protection application engineering within the ESB group.

Key Responsibilities

The Specialist Lead, Distribution Protection, is required to:
Develop standardised device configurations to achieve specified application performance; and applied standard protection and control schematic designs; for a range of multifunctional distribution protection intelligent electronic devices (IEDs).
Provide technical guidance, mentoring and leadership of the distribution protection project engineers within the team in all aspects of distribution protection IED design development work.
Create standardised distribution protection IED acceptance test plans and procedures.
Develop and maintain detailed technical specifications, technical schedules, price schedules and other documents required for distribution protection IED tender enquiries; and conduct technical review of submitted tenders.
Conduct distribution protection design reviews, stakeholder training and development, and stakeholder management.
Provide specialised technical leadership, expertise, knowledge and support to all distribution protection stakeholders.
Perform consistently at a high level of delivery, meeting clients' requirements, delivery dates and the commercial performance of projects regarding controlling costs and financial contribution.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

A minimum of seven years’ post-qualification experience creating detailed designs in either substation secondary systems design, or protection and/or control application engineering.
Experience in the development of protection IED specifications and the technical evaluation of tender submissions.
A strong work ethic with a clear focus on delivery to safety, time, quality, and cost objectives.
Strong commercial and project management capability.
The ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
A flexible approach to work, especially where necessary to deliver excellent customer service.
Excellent communication and report writing skills.
A proven track record of success contributing to the training and development of technical professionals.

Qualifications

Essential

A minimum of a Level 8 (NFQ) qualification in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience.
Full Irish driving licence and access to a car.

Location

This position will be based in ESB EMP offices in Dublin or Cork, and travel to project locations and testing facilities, as required, is a key requirement of the 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 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

The Specialist Lead, Distribution Protection, will report to the Senior Transmission and Distribution Protection Specialist, Transmission and Distribution 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 - €84,000 per annum

Closing Date

7th May 2026

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 / UK >>>> prior to commencement of employment.

Specialist Lead, Distribution Protection

Benefits

Job Description