Cable Design Engineer

Vacancy ID: VN3984

Business Unit:

Job Location: Tralee Engineering Office

Description

As part of the growing Engineering Team here at TLI Group we are currently recruiting for a Senior Electrical Engineer with a focus on High Voltage Cable Design Engineering.

The purpose of the role is to deliver engineering design for MV and HV (20kV – 400 kV underground cable (UGC)) systems forming part of grid connections to the Irish transmission system (EirGrid) and distribution system (ESB Networks). The role covers feasibility, concept, planning, and detailed design, ensuring compliance with Irish and international standards, functional specifications, and project‑specific constraints.

Package:

Competitive rates of pay.

23 Days annual leave.

Maternity Benefit

Flexible working

Sick pay after completion of probation.

Take part in our “Career Pathway Programme”, where there is an emphasis on training & career development.

Opportunity to progress your career within a growing company.

Voluntary Pension available on completion of probation.

Employee membership for our LAYA EAP Programme – 24/7 Mental Wellbeing Support & Employee Assistance Programme.

Health Insurance Discount.

Life Assurance Payment.

Standard industry training provided.

Key Responsibilities

Cable System Engineering

Perform cable rating studies (IEC 60287, project‑specific functional specifications) including ampacity, thermal performance, derating, HDD sections, crossings, and constrained urban environments.

Develop cable system design, including:

Cable sizing and material selection (10/20/33/38/110/220/400 kV)

Sheath bonding concepts, earthing system coordination, accessory selection.

Cable pulling calculations, sidewall pressure checks, installation feasibility.

Civil & Route Design

Lead route selection, constraints mapping, and feasibility analysis considering:

Existing utilities, Irish Rail, TII restrictions, environmental designations (SAC/SPA/NHA), heritage, watercourses, and road classifications.

Produce cable trench layouts, joint bay locations, cross‑sections, HDD profiles, and reinstatement details to EirGrid/ESBN and TII specifications.

Define wayleave widths, access track requirements, and construction sequencing relevant to UGC installations.

Standards & Compliance

Ensure full compliance with:

EirGrid Functional Specifications (e.g. CDS‑GFS‑00‑001 series: cable materials, civil works, installation).

IEC standards relevant to HV cable design (e.g., IEC 60287, bonding/earthing guidance).

ESB Networks distribution/connection specifications where applicable (20/38 kV works feeding into HV assets).

HSA Code of Practice for avoiding danger from underground services.

Planning Support

Prepare planning design packages: trench drawings, route reports, constraints analysis, cross‑sections, environmental inputs and substation‑interface info.

Provide technical input to EIAR/PECR scoping, route justifications, and alternatives assessments (as required by Irish planning processes).

Interfacing & Coordination

Interface with internal Substation, Civil, OHL design teams as well as external Planning / Environmental consultants for integrated grid connection design.

Liaise with EirGrid/ESBN engineers during design reviews and Stage Gate processes

Support client/TSO/TAO queries during design reviews, tendering, and construction readiness.

Lead / participate in stakeholder and client‑facing project meetings (e.g. Renewable developers, Local Authorities, ESB Networks, GNI, Iarnród Eireann, landowners etc)

Procurement & Construction

Input into TLI Group tendering, procurement and construction departments,

Prepare material take off sheets for construction projects,

Attend / witness cable FATs, installation and in-situ testing activities

Deliverables

Typical deliverables include:

Cable rating reports (thermal/ampacity analysis).

Cable route feasibility studies and constraints reports.

Planning design drawings (trench details, joint bays, HDD, reinstatement).

Detailed design packages for tender & construction.

Bills of quantities, technical schedules, and procurement specifications.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Skills

Degree in Electrical Engineering (Level 8 or higher).

Chartered Engineer (CEng) with Engineers Ireland or equivalent (or working toward).

Strong understanding of HV power systems, UGC thermal design, and cable installation engineering.

Proficient in cable modelling software (e.g., CYMCAP or equivalent).

Proficient in CAD/GIS tools

Experience

3+ years (Engineer) or 7+ years (Senior Engineer) in HV cable design for MV and HV networks.

Proven experience delivering Irish MV & HV grid connection projects at feasibility, planning, and detailed design stages.

Familiarity with:

EirGrid/ESBN design standards and functional specifications.

HDD design constraints, trench design, joint bay optimisation.

Working within multidisciplinary grid delivery teams.

Desirable Competencies

Experience with substation interface design (sealing ends, fibre, protection/metering boundaries).

Knowledge of deep/micro‑bore tunnelling in constrained environments.

Ability to prepare cost estimates, risk assessments and method statements.

Strong stakeholder and client‑facing communication skills.