Electrical Design Engineer - Substations

McGregor Boyall; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

McGregor Boyall is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer for HV/MV substations in Ireland. You will design electrical systems, protection schemes and control wiring, producing detailed drawings and using CAD tools to support tender, design, construction and handover stages.

The role requires a Level 8 degree and 3–5 years in HV/MV substations, with hybrid/remote options available. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, constructible solutions aligned with IEC standards.

Qualifications

• Level 8 degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
• 3–5 years in electrical design for HV/MV substations.
• Experience with HV substations (38kV+) is highly advantageous.
• Familiarity with Irish electrical standards and grid codes.

Responsibilities

• Design HV/MV substation electrical layouts and protection circuits.
• Create panel drawings using EPLAN or equivalent CAD software.
• Prepare AutoCAD equipment layouts and installation drawings.
• Conduct protection studies and configure protection devices.
• Ensure designs meet IEC standards and safety requirements.
• Collaborate with project teams through tender to handover.

Skills

HV/MV switchgear experience

Protection & control systems

EPLAN / SEE Electrical / ELCAD

AutoCAD drafting

Education

Level 8 Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

EPLAN

SEE Electrical

ELCAD

Job description

Electrical Design Engineer – Substations

• Location: Ireland
• Salary: €85,000–€90,000
• Working Arrangement: Hybrid / Remote Considered

About the Opportunity

We are currently working with a specialist electrical engineering business operating across the power infrastructure, utilities and critical infrastructure sectors. Due to continued growth and an expanding project portfolio, they are looking to appoint an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to join their engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer with a background in High Voltage (HV) and Medium Voltage (MV) substations, particularly someone with hands‑on experience in electrical design, protection and control systems. The successful candidate will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, supporting projects from initial tender and design stages through to construction, commissioning and final handover.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce basic and detailed electrical designs for HV/MV substations, including CTs, CVTs, LVAC, LVDC systems, logic diagrams and trip tables.
• Design electrical control and protection circuits for HV/MV switchgear.
• Develop detailed control and protection panel drawing packages using EPLAN or equivalent electrical CAD software.
• Produce equipment installation and layout drawings using AutoCAD.
• Carry out protection studies using ETAP software.
• Generate signal lists and assist with the configuration of protection and communication devices.
• Review technical specifications, client requirements and scopes of work, identifying design gaps and potential technical issues.
• Produce tender, design, construction and as-built drawings for HV/MV equipment and systems.
• Prepare material take-offs, equipment requisitions and technical documentation to support procurement.
• Liaise with suppliers, clients, project teams and internal engineering departments to ensure technical requirements are met.
• Support design reviews, ensuring electrical installations are practical, safe and constructible.
• Monitor technical submittals, equipment approvals and procurement activities.
• Support site teams with technical queries, installation requirements and design clarifications.
• Assist with the preparation of O&M manuals and final project handover documentation.
• Ensure all design activities comply with relevant IEC standards, Irish electrical regulations and applicable safety requirements.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Level 8 Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent relevant industry experience.
• 3–5 years' experience in electrical design within the HV/MV power or substation sector.
• Experience designing HV substations (38kV and above) would be highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of HV/MV switchgear, protection and control systems.
• Experience specifying and designing LVAC and DC systems associated with HV substations.
• Good knowledge of numerical protection relays.
• Familiarity with applicable Irish electrical engineering standards, distribution codes and grid codes.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and experience with electrical design software such as EPLAN, SEE Electrical, ELCAD or similar.
• Knowledge of relevant IEC standards.

Please note: Candidates must have the appropriate permission to work in Ireland.