Senior energy engineer

We work at the forefront of energy and climate policy development and implementation. Governments and agencies rely on our deep expertise and proven strengths in analysis to develop and implement policies and strategies for tackling the energy and climate challenges facing society. We enable better decision-making by providing independent research and objective analysis. Clients in the private sector also draw on our expertise and capabilities to help them identify and leverage sustainable business practices as a source of business advantage.

The role

You will work as part of our energy team on a range of challenging and stimulating consultancy assignments. Examples of the team's recent and ongoing assignments include:

• Renewable transport – we manage the implementation of Ireland’s Renewable Fuel Transport Obligation, which is a key element in Ireland’s strategy to decarbonise the transport sector.
  
  
• Decarbonisation targets for Ireland – we are advising the Irish Government on approaches for setting emissions reduction and energy efficiency targets for the public sector, and on methodologies for quantifying emissions and tracking individual public bodies’ progress towards the targets.
  
  
• Online software platform for tracking emissions – we are advising on the development of a pioneering online software platform for reporting energy and emissions data.
  
  
• Modelling decarbonisation scenarios – we develop and implement models for identifying and quantifying energy decarbonisation pathways incorporating different low-carbon technologies.
  
  
• Renewable transport – we evaluated the real-world environmental performance of seventeen alternative-fuel buses, including hybrids, electric buses, fuel cell hydrogen and compressed natural gas vehicles. Our work informed the Irish Government’s short-to-medium term procurement strategy for public bus fleets, as well as longer-term policy development in this area.
  
  
• Energy storage - we are advising several private sector clients with respect to the development of energy storage facilities (batteries, hydrogen, etc.).
  
  
• Sustainability criteria for bioenergy – we recently completed several assignments related to the development of a sustainability framework for biomass in Ireland.
  
  
• Development of policy interventions for climate action – we regularly advise Government on the development of policy measures to decarbonise Ireland’s energy system. We evaluate the costs, benefits and risks associated with different policy options. Recent assignments have focussed on district heating, building retrofit and solar PV.
  
  
• Energy security – we support Government as it seeks to mitigate impacts on Ireland's energy security arising from the international geopolitical environment.

The work is technically demanding and strategically relevant, and your analysis will influence decisions at both corporate and national levels. Beyond the technical work, you will:

• Work closely with experienced colleagues, with increasing responsibility for project quality, schedule and budget.
• Develop your commercial skills and contribute to managing client relationships and networks.
• Support the continued growth of the firm by contributing to service development and business development activities.
• Contribute to the firm’s technical competence and quality standards.
• Follow a structured CPD path towards Chartered Engineer status (if not already achieved).
• Contribute to related consultancy assignments in environmental protection and risk management.

For more experienced applicants: responsibilities will be broadened to reflect seniority, including greater leadership of assignments, deeper client engagement and additional opportunities to shape the development of our services.

Person specification

Essential attributes:

• A good honours degree (Level 8 or higher) in engineering — preferably mechanical, chemical or energy systems engineering. If you are an exceptional candidate from another discipline, then we will also consider your application..
• At least five years’ experience in role(s) directly relevant to sustainable energy or climate action.
• Strong analytical capability, attention to detail and excellent numeracy.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver work effectively.
• Strong relationship-building skills and good commercial awareness.
• Confidence, sound judgement and the ability to innovate.
• Professional integrity, discretion and reliability.
• Clear and precise communication skills, including a proficiency in understanding, writing and speaking English that is equivalent to a C1 (or higher) on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• High competency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Permission to work in Ireland: you must have relevant documentation confirming that you are lawfully entitled to work in Ireland.

Desirable attributes:

• Experience preparing high-quality written deliverables.
• Experience in programming or model development, e.g. Excel, VBA, Matlab, Octave, R.
• Full driving licence.

Reward & remuneration

We offer an attractive and competitive remuneration package, aligned with your level of experience and competence. For candidates with substantial experience, the package will be adjusted accordingly. Long-term members of the team may also be offered the opportunity to participate in the ownership of the business, reflecting our commitment to shared success.

Professional development

Professional development is central to Byrne Ó Cléirigh’s strategy. We invest in high-calibre individuals who embrace continuous learning, and we support our people in developing deep expertise and strong professional credentials. You will have opportunities to grow your skills, broaden your experience and contribute meaningfully to areas of strategic importance.