Specialist Lead, Distribution Protection

Electricity Supply Board; Leinster; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Parental leave entitlements

Staff well-being programmes

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

ESB is seeking a Distribution Protection Specialist Lead within the PAC Systems team of ESB Engineering and Major Projects (EMP). The role involves developing standardised PAC IED configurations and providingTechnical leadership for substation protection design across projects from 10 kV to 38 kV.

You will mentor engineers, perform homologation testing, and manage tender technicals and reviews, reporting to the Senior Protection Specialist. Hybrid working with sites in Dublin/Cork is offered.

Qualifications

• Seven years’ post-qualification experience in detailed substation secondary systems or PAC application engineering.
• Experience developing PAC IED specifications and evaluating tenders.
• Strong knowledge of power system protection principles and associated software tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop standardised PAC IED configurations and schematic diagrams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to distribution protection engineers.
• Conduct homologation testing to confirm performance against DSO requirements.
• Prepare technical specifications, schedules and tender documents for PAC projects.
• Lead design reviews, stakeholder training and relationships across ESB teams.
• Offer technical leadership and support to distribution PAC stakeholders.
• Ensure delivery against client requirements, timelines and budget.

Skills

Protection design

PAC IED engineering

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Deliver results

Mentoring

Education

Level 8 NFQ in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Vacancy Number: 29127

Category: Engineering - Other

Job Type: Full-time

The role of the Distribution Protection Specialist Lead in the Protection, Automation and Control (PAC) Systems team in ESB Engineering and Major Projects (EMP) is vital and integral to ensuring that standardised PAC intelligent electronic device (IED) configurations, settings templates and schematic drawings, are available for use by the distribution substation delivery functions in both ESB EMP and ESB Networks, for projects at voltages from 10 kV to 38 kV. They will support the Senior Transmission and Distribution Protection Specialist in all aspects of the role to ensure design excellence. They will provide technical guidance on best practice in distribution and industrial PAC application engineering within the ESB group.

Key Responsibilities

The Distribution Protection Specialist Lead is required to:

• Develop standardised configurations using featured functionality, parameterisation and programmable logic to achieve the application performance specified by the Distribution System Operator (DSO) for a range of multifunctional PAC IEDs used in specified applications on the distribution network; and the associated applied standard PAC schematic diagrams.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring and leadership of the distribution protection project engineers within the team in all aspects of distribution PAC IED design development work.
• Conduct comprehensive homologation testing of the standardised PAC IED configurations that they have developed, in conjunction with the Senior Commissioning Specialists in either ESB EMP or ESB Networks, to confirm compliance with DSO-specified performance requirements.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical specifications, technical schedules, price schedules and other documents required for distribution PAC IED tender enquiries; and conduct technical review of submitted tenders.
• Conduct distribution PAC design reviews, stakeholder training and development, and stakeholder management.
• Provide specialised technical leadership, expertise, knowledge and support to all distribution PAC 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

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

A minimum of seven years’ post-qualification experience creating detailed substation secondary systems designs, or in PAC application engineering.

• Experience in the development of PAC IED specifications and the technical evaluation of tender submissions.
• A detailed knowledge of power system protection principles, protection devices and their associated software applications.
• 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

A minimum of a Level 8 (NFQ) qualification in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience is essential.

Full Irish driving licence and access to a car are essential.

Location

This position will be based in either The Sidings, Grand Canal Quay, Dublin 2, or 6 Eastgate Ave, Little Island, Co. Cork,. Travel to project locations and testing facilities, as required, is a key requirement of the role.

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.

General

It is not anticipated that a staff member still on probation (either new entrant probation or a probation from a previous promotion) will be eligible to apply for a promotional vacancy.

Typically, an individual must have completed their probation and should have at least two years’ experience in their current role before being eligible to apply for a promotion.

An application from a staff member who does not meet the above criteria must have the approval of both the senior line manager and the HRM within the BU before progressing to the shortlisting phase.

Note: For staff currently on non-monthly pay frequency, any promotion to Bands 6 and above will result in a change in pay frequency to monthly.

Reporting to

The Distribution Protection Specialist Lead will report to the Senior Transmission and Distribution Protection Specialist in 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
• 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

Closing Date

1st October 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:

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 .

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, [e-mail].

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.