Position: Substation Design Engineer
Location: Kilkenny
Contract: Fixed Term - Full time
Salary: €50,000
Are you ready to be a vital part of a dynamic and innovative utilities service company? As a leading company in the Energy and Telecoms Industries, Gaeltec Utilities is driven by a collective vision: creating a cleaner, brighter living for our future. Our journey is one of continuous growth and success, we are seeking a candidate who possess a high level of commitment and passion for their role within the company.
In return we offer a good working environment, competitive compensation package, progression opportunities, Employee Assistance Programme, personal development and Cycle to Work Scheme.
Overview of role:
We are seeking a Substation Design Engineer to lead the technical delivery of high-voltage substation projects (38kV to 400kV) across Ireland. This role requires involvement from tendering through to detailed design and construction, ensuring compliance with Irish Grid Codes, EirGrid/ESB standards, and EU directives. The ideal candidate will have strong technical and commercial awareness, and experience working in the design of transmission and distribution subsations/projects.
Key Responsibilities:
Tendering & Proposal Support:
· Review tender documents and client specifications (e.g. from ESB Networks).
· Prepare concept designs, single line diagrams, and material take-offs to support bid packages.
· Work with the Bid Coordinator to provide accurate technical inputs for costing.
· Attend pre-bid meetings and contribute to technical clarifications and value engineering.
Design & Engineering Execution:
· Lead the electrical design of HV/MV substations (AIS and GIS) including:
o Primary design, lightning design, earthing design, and cable routing.
· Supervise and coordinate outsourced design consultants and engineering service providers, ensuring adherence to project requirements, quality standards, and schedules.
· Prepare and review technical specifications for major equipment: power transformers, switchgear, CTs/VTs, and perform calculations for major materials (ie. Busbar, cables, etc.).
· Perform system studies: short-circuit, load flow, CT and VT suitability calculation and earthing.
· Ensure compliance with Irish Grid Code, IEC standards, and relevant health & safety (HSA) regulations.
· Coordinate with civil, structural, and control and protection/telecom design teams to ensure interface alignment.
· Review supplier documentation, manage FATs, and provide technical oversight during installation and commissioning (with limited visits to site).
Essential Skills & Knowledge Requirements:
· Degree in Electrical Engineering (Level 8 or above).
· Minimum 7–10 years of experience in substation design.
· Familiarity with EirGrid /ESB specifications (desirable) and TSO/DSO procedures.
· Chartered Engineer (CEng) or working toward chartership (Engineers Ireland), preferred
but not essential.
· Proficient with AutoCAD, Revit, ETAP/DigSILENT, EPLAN and Microsoft Office Suite.
· Strong communication skills with experience in client-facing and interdisciplinary roles.
· Full drivers licence.
For more information on the Gaeltec team, please visit our website
Gaeltec Utilities are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a diverse working environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From €50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee assistance program
* On-site parking
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person