Engineer - Grid Connections

AEMO at the Heart of Energy 

We are the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), committed to designing and operating a sustainable energy system that delivers safe, reliable, and affordable electricity and gas. Our mission includes facilitating the transition to a net-zero energy system by 2050, working collaboratively with industry partners to enable power systems to be capable of operating at times at 100% instantaneous renewable generation. 

We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around Character, Commitment, and Connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant mission in the energy sector.

AEMO’s System Design division is responsible for planning the power system in the context of unprecedented transformation. The rapid transition to renewable energy generation and electrification of many sectors (transport, industry etc) has seen sharp rises in proposed transmission connection projects.

In Victoria, AEMO performs some of the responsibilities carried out in other states by transmission network service providers (TNSPs), including: Managing the connection process to the Victorian electricity transmission system and assessing the need for network augmentations

About the Position and Team

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineer within our Victorian Planning and Connections modelling team. You will be at the forefront of an unprecedented transformation to the energy industry, undertaking technical Grid Connections work at AEMO in both PSSE and PSCAD. 

You will work on the connections for renewable energy generation, battery and storage systems, and other new technologies in the Victorian Declared Shared Network. You will identify technical issues and test solutions that can be applied across the National Electricity Market (NEM). You will be working with both internal AEMO staff and external stakeholders in the connections process. 

You will have an understanding of power systems analysis, an interest in the development of the NEM, and connection of generators. 

This role is based in any of AEMO’s offices (Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide) with flexible/hybrid working arrangements. AEMO provides an essential service and actively promotes flexible working arrangements within our team. We have strong team structures, culture, and communication tools in place to ensure all employees remain actively connected to each other and the broader AEMO organisation.

 Position Responsibilities

• Undertake power systems studies in assessing connection applications – PSSE, PSCAD, GPS, model, and data review.
• Work across AEMO, its stakeholders and the broader energy industry to develop innovative approaches for the technical assessment of new technologies and their impact on the power system.
• Work on generator connection projects to understand and address technical problems.
• Work across the full connections process, from connection enquiries through to commissioning.

Position Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering or other discipline relevant to power systems analysis.
• Experience with scripting and/or programming (particularly in Python).
• General understanding of the role and functions of AEMO and the operation of the National Electricity Market.
• Experience in client facing roles requiring well developed interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of types of generation Grid Connections (Wind, Solar, Batteries, etc).
• Experience in power systems analysis and engineering, particularly in the area of electrical power system dynamics and stability concepts and assessment techniques is desirable. (in software such as PSCAD, PSSE V32-V34, DIgSILENT, PowerFactory, SSAT, and Mudpack, as well as other analytical software such as Matlab).
• Electricity industry and regulatory understanding, in particular generator technical requirements is desirable.

In return some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options
• Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more.
• Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year. 
• Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process 

AEMO values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds without regard to age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, parental status, race, or religion. We are dedicated to accommodating applicants' needs during the application or interview process, simply let the us know by emailing us at ******@aemo.com.au

If you would like to know more about working at AEMO, please check out our careers page for more information.