Position Description

Our Networks for Net Zero Strategy sets out ESB Networks’ role in enabling the delivery of the Government’s Climate Action Plan and supports the decarbonisation of electricity by 2040, which will enable the achieving of Ireland's net zero ambition no later than 2050.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity and it is widely accepted that rapid action is required to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to avert the worst consequences of climate change and protect both current and future generations. Through the rapid growth and development of renewable power, Ireland’s electricity system has been significantly decarbonised over the last decade, which had utilised much of the capacity for generation connections on the distribution system to date, with accelerating progress now needed to continue to build increased momentum towards achieving a net zero society. The scale of demand growth driven by electrification requires investment in capacity for demand connections, domestic, farming, industrial and commercial, across all voltage levels. ESB Networks’ role is to deliver the electricity distribution network that will empower all our customers to decarbonise their energy consumption.

Our vision is to connect a clean electric future together and our customers and stakeholders will be at the heart of this transformation.

We are hiring Powers System Engineers/Network Planners to join or Network Development Team in ESB Networks. Our Network Planners are responsible for planning the medium and long-term reinforcement of the high voltage, medium voltage and low voltage distribution network to enable the Climate Action Plan targets and our Networks for Net Zero Strategy with a particular focus on the areas of electrification of heat and transport; connection of large demand customer; connection of renewables and development of policies and standards.

The roles involve the power system analysis of the LV, MV, 38 kV and 110 kV distribution network to determine medium and long-term strategic investment requirements, the optimum method of connection for new customers and interaction with various internal and external stakeholders.

Network Planners work closely with other functions within ESB Networks in the design and delivery of network plans. The role requires engagement with customers, the transmission system operator, and other stakeholders to ensure development is well founded, and meets requirements.

• Power System Analysis of the 110 kV, 38 kV, MV and LV distribution network and 220 kV bulk supply points in accordance with defined planning standards based on future scenarios.
• Use load flow software (Synergi, PSS Sincal, etc.) to carry out studies to assess the impact of embedded generation, RES, flexibility, demand customer connections & reinforcement options on the distribution system and to determine the Least Cost Technically Acceptable connection method.
• Complete Study Documents, Investment Appraisals & Technical Approvals as required and ensure that each CAPEX proposal has all supporting documentation for the business cases in place.
• Ensure all connection applications are processed in line with CRU-approved policies and ESBN Distribution Planning and Security of Supply Standards
• Verify the accuracy and outputs of other team members studies in line with the agreed verification and approval procedure as appropriate.
• Respond to customer queries and disputes on the proposed customer connection method as required.
• Project manage innovation-led distribution planning improvement projects from initial scoping and development of terms of reference through to implementation of the recommendations.
• Preparation, development, and implementation of planning related standards, policies and tools as required.
• Engage with a broad range of stakeholders within industry to listen to what is happening in other jurisdictions and what can be learned from best practice in other utilities.

• Strong technical capability.
• 5+ Years relevant experience required
• Honours Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent work experience is essential.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Proven track record of delivery of projects on time and to the highest technical standards.
• Self-motivated with ability to project manage and prioritize own work.
• Ability to work and share knowledge and competencies within a team structure.
• 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.
• Full clean drivers license
• Minimum engineering experience of five years in the area of Power System Analysis with broad understanding of distribution network, working in any of the areas listed below, preferably including at least two years of experience at an advanced level (checking/verifying work of junior staff, training staff and developing work processes, tools and templates). Experience in two or more of these areas is an advantage, however applicants with specialised / expert knowledge in one area will also be considered.
  • System Planning and Grid Connection Studies
  • Transmission and Distribution System Master Plans
  • Power Quality Measurements and Studies
  • Development of Policies and Standards for Electricity Distribution System Planning

Desirable

• Prior experience in a Network Planning role
• Can prepare Investment Appraisal documents setting out the drivers and methodology for assessing suitability and preference of technical and financial options using defined criteria.
• Proven experience of analysing networks using modelling software to determine network parameters under various conditions.
• Can perform financial analysis using lifetime cost projections for various connection proposals and network reinforcement proposals.
• Experience in coding languages such as Python, SQL, etc.
• Published Technical Papers at reputable international conferences.
• Active involvement in international engineering organisations such as CIGRÉ, IEEE and IET (e.g. participation in Working Groups)
• Experience of any of the following specialised power system studies software packages: PSS SINCAL, Synergi

Location

Location will be ESB Networks’ office in Leopardstown Road - Dublin, Wilton – Cork, or Rosbrien – Limerick, but the role will require a certain amount of travel (often at short notice) both within and outside Ireland.

The successful candidate will report to one of the Network Development Team Leaders, who in turn report to the relevant manager in Network Development Group.

• 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

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.