HV Cables Specialist

Job Title: HV Cables Civil Specialist
Working days: Monday – Friday
Anticipated start date June 2026
Duration 24 months

NESFircroft continue to support an industry leading DNO based in Ireland, actively looking for a HV Cables Civils specialist to lead on design delivery and technical support of high‑voltage underground cable projects, up to 400 kV, for key clients based in Ireland .This work makes a direct contribution to the security and resilience of the electricity network and supports the delivery of Net Zero 2040.

Position Description
The HV Cables Civil Specialist will be responsible for developing and approving high quality civil engineering design solutions to meet project requirements, progressing technical standards, and ensuring compliance with safety standards and statutory obligations. This includes acting as Designer under PSDP where assigned.

The role includes the delivery of end to end civil engineering services, from feasibility through detailed design and construction support, for electricity infrastructure projects across ESB Networks. The successful candidate will provide specialist technical input to project work packages, lead the resolution of complex engineering challenges, and advise project teams on appropriate, safe, and commercially sound engineering solutions.
This includes accountability for managing technical risk, interfaces, and design assurance, and for ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with programme, cost, and quality requirements. The role also includes a responsibility to support technical knowledge sharing and the mentoring of junior staff across the Group

Key Responsibilities
• Lead the delivery of high‑quality civil engineering design solutions for HV underground cable projects across all project stages, from feasibility and optioneering through detailed design and construction support.
• Verify and technically approve civil engineering deliverables produced by the HV Linear Assets Delivery team, using the review process to provide guidance, challenge and mentoring to develop engineering capability.
• Act as the subject matter expert and technical authority for HV cable civil works, including trenching, duct systems, joint bays, HDD, tunnelling and complex crossings in constrained environments.
• Provide specialist technical leadership and support to project teams through project conception, scoping, estimating, programming, design development and contract delivery.
• Manage and control technical risk, interfaces and design assurance for cable civil works, ensuring solutions are safe, buildable, compliant and commercially sound.
• Undertake and complete civil engineering design reviews for FIDIC Yellow Book (Design & Build) HV cable projects, providing Employer technical assurance that Contractor designs comply with the Employer’s Requirements, statutory obligations, ESB standards and safety requirements.
• Promote and lead a strong safety management culture across all activities, demonstrating visible leadership and personal ownership of safety
• Build, manage and influence strong working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, EirGrid, statutory bodies, ESB Procurement and delivery partners.
• Support the delivery of technically complex civil engineering contracts by managing technical inputs to commercial risk, scope definition, change control and cost certainty.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential
• A minimum of 10 years relevant post‑qualification experience in civil cable design is required.
• The technical expertise required to support the delivery of a portfolio of high voltage (HV) Linear Assets  projects.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate, influence and negotiate with internal stakeholders across ESB.
• Strong knowledge and experience of the Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) and the Construction Regulations.
• Effective communicator with the ability to summarise complex information clearly for stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic, multi‑disciplinary environment.
• A proven track record of managing significant projects, or critical aspects of large projects, with a high degree of specialist expertise and technical competence.
• Full driving license and access to a car

Desirable
• Experience with FIDIC Conditions of Contract, including EPC, Design & Build, and Multi‑Direct Contracting on large projects.
• PSDP Competency HV1/ HV2 (or CDMC equivalent).
• Level 9 Master Degree in Engineering

Qualifications
Essential
• A Level 8 Engineering Degree or an equivalent qualification, or demonstrable equivalent work experience, is essential.
• Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland or equivalent internationally recognised engineering body.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients