We are the people behind Ireland’s electricity grid. We operate the power system with world leading levels of variable asynchronous renewable generation, ensuring that everyone has power when they need it. But that’s not all, we are now transforming the power system for future generations.
And that’s just the beginning of our story. We have a critical purpose. That purpose is to transform the power system to enable our society to reduce our carbon emissions and meet our climate change and net zero ambitions.
Be part of the transformation!
The Team
The Operations and Asset Management Office is central to the delivery of our primary role – the operation, development and enhancement of the power system and the wholesale electricity market. The Office is also responsible for the sustainable implementation of transmission system and market development to meet the future needs of all users of electricity.
We have a variety of roles at levels matching your experience in topics ranging from load flow studies and system analysis to outage management, from implementing and developing technical procedures and specifications to commissioning and testing of transmission infrastructure. We also have opportunities in challenging areas such as HVDC integration and Control centre readiness as well as Grid and Network Code management, technical audits and compliance.
System Operations Function executes the core activity of EirGrid as the Transmission System Operator (TSO) for Ireland. Its primary function is to keep the lights on through meticulous planning and engineering analysis such as loadflow studies, in advance of and during real time operation. The team develops, tests and incorporates the operational systems, tools, system services, standards and operational policies required to operate the power system and to integrate new technologies and innovations in a coordinated and secure manner. The team liaises with the relevant stakeholders to manage planned and unplanned outages, voltage control, generator testing, scheduling and dispatch, risk management and responds to alarms and constraints to ensure the grid remains within operational security standards. It facilitates any reporting post-event along with the associated process audits to demonstrate compliance with the relevant regulations. The team also leads the development of strategies and frameworks to ensure that resilience, business continuity, and emergency response plans are fit for purpose to guarantee Security of Supply to all end users of the electricity system.
System Integrity Function is responsible for ensuring the operational planning, revenue metering and protection of the power system. The team develops the annual and multi-year Transmission Outage Planning (TOP) and Generation Outage Planning (GOP) to assess the viability of requested outages and integrating these outages into programmes, working closely with the relevant stakeholders to ensure that all maintenance and grid enhancements can be accommodated in a timely manner with de-risked interactions. This work requires complex technical analysis such as loadflow studies to validate the safe and secure nature of the proposals. Another role managed by the team is the coordination of all power system protection relays for plant connected to the system, specifying the protection requirements and settings for all equipment to ensure the safe operation of the grid including overcurrent, distance, impedance and busbar protection relays, synchrophasor and disturbance recorders. The team incorporates these into the models and oversees the performance of the grid during and post real-time operation, following up on events with detailed reporting. The Team looks after the design, installation commissioning and operation of revenue metering installations and central systems for all transmission connected customers who participate the SEM. The team also facilitates the safe energisation of new plant and apparatus to the grid for the first time by writing the associated Energisation Instructions (EIs) and Operational Instructions (OIs) to include detailed step by step switching procedures for making switchgear/equipment "live" using proven protection.
System Support and Analysis Function facilitates the end-to-end operational life cycle of grid connections, from Commissioning, Testing and Registration, through performance monitoring and data feed analysis until decommissioning, while managing the associated Tariffs, Imperfections and Derogations processes. The team ensures Grid Code compliance for all new connections to the grid and for validating plant seeking to provide system services, including developing and executing test requirements as per the Operational Notification process. testing in accordance with the Grid Code. The team carry out daily analysis of all aspects related to the performance of windfarms, solar farms, DSUs, batteries and conventional units to identify and address issues that affect system operation including signalling, failed dispatches, trips, frequency response and the provision of ancillary services in line with contracted values and the relevant Grid and Network Codes. The team aggregate, validate and publish market related data pertinent to participant availability, dispatch instructions and meter data, providing assurance and quality control of same. In certain scenarios, the team will consider the capability of the units to comply with the standards set out in the Grid and Network Codes and may propose for a temporary derogation against them if the Regulatory Authorities deem appropriate. The team also execute techno-economic modelling to evaluate and forecast the costs of operating the power system for revenue recovery. Following consultation with the Regulatory Authorities, this is translated into tariffs and use of system charges. Any imperfections arising from dispatch imbalances and system constraints are also analysed and reported on against the budgeted costs.
Interconnection Function is responsible for the management of EirGrid’s interconnectors and the operational readiness activities associated with connecting new HVDC interconnectors and marine assets. It is a multidisciplinary team whose key areas of focus are asset management and commercial operation of the East West Interconnector between Ireland and Great Britain for a safe, reliable asset in line with customer and market requirements. This work involves analytical skills including techno-economic modelling and forecasting, financial, risk and contract management, cyber-security as well as technical engineering for the maintenance, repair and continuous improvement of our interconnectors in line with international standards and regulations. The team participates regularly in working groups with GB and EU stakeholders on topics centred on cross-border market issues and the implementation of related Network Codes. It also progresses the engineering and market requirements and testing associated with the development of new interconnectors, such as the Celtic Interconnector to France, and ensures the necessary policies, processes, operating protocols and agreements are in place to support operations.
Operations Development and Compliance Function is responsible for programme delivery for COAMO, integrating change to support delivery of our strategy. The team are also responsible for management and integration of changes to the Grid Code, Market Codes and arising from operational European Network Codes, as well as Governance, Risk, Compliance and Audit associated with our licence obligations. It is a multidisciplinary team whose key areas of focus are technical and commercial assessment, planning for and oversight of delivery of necessary change to the relevant codes, policies, process and systems arising from strategic programmes, new technologies, regulatory decisions to maintain safe, secure and economic operation of the power system and wholesale electricity market while integrating this change. This work involves analytical skills including techno-economic modelling and forecasting, financial, governance, risk and data management as well as technical engineering for the assessment and implementation of technical changes in our codes in line with regulations and in processes and procedures across the Operations Office. The team engages extensively with external industry stakeholders on technical code changes and on compliance, as well as participating in working groups in Europe to influence change to operational Network Codes and associated implementation.
About you
Successful candidates will have the following:
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Engineering degree or equivalent, with a minimum of 6 years post-qualification experience in power system operations.
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Ability to work collaboratively with customers and with both internal and external stakeholders.
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Be able to guide, persuade and influence others through developed skills of communication and diplomacy.
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Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to work effectively as part of a team while also being able to define and guide his/her own work under minimal supervision.
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Excellent organisational skills and strong track record of delivery
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Ability to develop and progress innovative proposals and solutions.
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Good oral and written communication skills with the ability to communicate technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
- Strong work ethic, excellent organisation skills and attention to detail.
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Demonstrated flexible working approach with ability to prioritise a wide range of demands and activities whilst maintaining a professional and positive focus.
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Comfortable with large data sets, can see through the data and analyse it to find conclusions.
If you believe you have the skills and experience relevant for this position, please upload your CV and a cover letter (in one document).
EirGrid is an Equal Opportunities Employer