Principal Engineer - 2 Positions

Exciting opportunity for 2 Principal Engineers in the Victorian Connections team. Be at the forefront of Australia’s journey to a more sustainable energy future. Able to be based in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney (CBD & Norwest), Adelaide & Perth. Lead the development of advanced analysis and assessments for the connection of renewable energy generation, battery and storage systems and other new tech! Hybrid & flexible working, excellent company culture and generous benefits.

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, supporting AEMO’s mission of designing a sustainable energy system that provides affordable, safe, and reliable energy for all Australians.  The rapid transition to renewable energy generation and electrification of many sectors (transport, industry etc) has seen sharp rises in proposed transmission connection projects.

About the Position and Team
We have an exciting opportunity for two Principal Engineers within our Victorian Connections team. You will be at the forefront of an unprecedented transformation to the energy industry, providing expert technical leadership across AEMO and the energy industry. 

You will lead the development of advanced analysis and assessments for the connection of renewable energy generation, battery and storage systems, and other new technologies. You will identify technical issues and develop solutions that can be applied across the National Electricity Market (NEM), coordinating problem solving across AEMO and the energy industry. 

As Principal Engineer you will build the technical knowledge and capability within AEMO and across industry, mentoring and coaching AEMO staff and stakeholders. Leading connection and augmentation projects, you will have extensive experience in power systems analysis, engineering, and the development of electricity transmission systems. 

This role can be 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

• Develop a coordinated vision and framework for the integration of a variety of generation and storage technologies into the NEM.
• Direct and review studies – 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.
• Lead complex generator connection projects, and conceptualise, develop, and implement innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
• Provide technical mentoring and coaching to Victorian Connections technical staff.
• Providing technical leadership while representing AEMO at internal and external forums
• Provide input to joint planning activities with other NSPs and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Engage with original equipment manufacturers of both synchronous and asynchronous generation equipment to understand innovation in technology, including grid forming and new technology for NEM.
• Proactively expand AEMO’s position and reputation as the trusted advisor to Developers, Market Participants, Government Agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Be an active member of professional working groups to raise AEMO’s profile and inject key technical matters into the international forum of engineering and energy systems.

Position Requirements

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering or other discipline relevant to power systems analysis.
• Significant experience in power systems analysis and engineering, with expertise in electrical power system dynamics and stability concepts and assessment techniques.
• Extensive experience in modelling generator and power system behaviour, resolving generator and system performance issues, and providing technical solutions. Expert in converter design and theory.
• Experience with new generation grid connections (Wind, Solar, Batteries, etc).
• Experience of power systems analysis simulation applications such as PSCAD, PSSE V32-V34, DIgSILENT, PowerFactory, SSAT, and Mudpack, as well as other analytical software such as Matlab.
• Experience defining technical requirements for power system augmentations including primary plant, secondary plant, and special control schemes.
• Understanding of the key commercial and legal issues impacting large scale infrastructure projects.
• Electricity industry and regulatory understanding, in particular generator technical requirements.
• Experience in client facing roles requiring well developed interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• General understanding of the role and functions of AEMO and the operation of the National Electricity Market.
• Experience liaising with government agencies, writing /reviewing policies, planning/construction of power system assets, and familiarity with the National Electricity Rules (NER) is highly 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.