Principal Engineer - Future System Studies (2 Positions)

AEMO at the Heart of Energy 

AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner.  AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians.  Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. 

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 Future Energy Systems department sits within AEMO’s System Design division and has accountability for evolving an engineering roadmap to 100% instantaneous renewables and implementing a number of strategic technical projects identified within it. This includes providing a holistic view of the engineering needs of the changing energy system, helping prioritise approaches that resolve the most pressing technical issues, and initiating action across industry to enable the NEM to realise its potential to manage 100% instantaneous penetration of renewables.

About the role 
Due to growth we have an exciting opportunity for two Principal Engineers within our Future System Studies team. You will be at the forefront of an unprecedented transformation to the energy industry, providing expert technical leadership across AEMO, the Australian energy industry, and internationally. 

You will lead the development of advanced analysis and investigations focusing on emerging power system security issues to improve the design and future operation of the power system. The incumbents will identify technical issues and develop novel solutions that can be applied across the NEM, coordinating problem solving across AEMO and the energy industry. You will lead the refinement of power system design principles, establishing new insights and approaches to emerging power system phenomena. 

The positions will see you build technical knowledge and capability within AEMO and across industry, mentoring and coaching AEMO staff and stakeholders. Leading strategic technical projects, you will have extensive and in-depth experience in power systems analysis, engineering, design, and operation of electricity transmission systems.

We are looking for highly motivated individuals who bring an applied knowledge of power system design and operation, and a desire to apply this knowledge to help accelerate the transition of the NEM power system.

What you will be doing 

• Provide specialised key analytical input related to the investigation of emerging power system phenomena, system planning, and the specification and design of system standards and services.
• Lead complex power System Studies using advanced power system tools such as PSS/E and PSCAD/EMTDC.
• Lead and carry out specific forward-looking investigations associated with inverter-based resource (IBR) integration.
• Provide expert technical advice on system security and reliability issues associated with the ongoing changes in the NEM.
• Manage and lead major cross-functional projects covering technical investigations, system planning, specification of technical services, and associated stakeholder engagement.
• Mentor and coach team members, supporting successful project outcomes and staff development.
• Maintain knowledge of latest international trends in power system planning and design to inform development of the NEM.
• Prepare high quality documentation, and present at both internal and external forums.
• Proactively expand AEMO’s position and reputation as the trusted technical advisor to Market Bodies, Government Agencies and other stakeholders.
• Support the Manager in delivery of team accountabilities, including acting Manager as required.

What you will bring to the role

 Education/Certificates

• Electrical Engineering degree with a power system and/or power electronics focus.

Experience and Knowledge

1. More than 10 years’ relevant experience in power system design and operation, with an understanding of electrical power system dynamics and stability concepts and assessment techniques.
2. Experience of power systems analysis simulation applications including PSS/E and PSCAD/EMTDC.
3. Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, specifically relating to electricity transmission, distribution and generation, and system restoration.
4. Demonstrated ability to review and finalise high quality technical documentation and reports.
5. Demonstrated ability to analyse, interpret and summarise complex data and reports.
6. Proactive and self-driven, outcomes focused in working towards strategic objectives. 
7. Demonstrated experience of managing projects and people to achieve delivery of a task/project within agreed timeframe. 
8. Excellent communication skills, with a proven ability to listen actively, negotiate effectively, to influence others, and build strong, lasting relationships.
9. A willingness to think outside the box, to consider the opinions of others, and adapt your views and positions in the face of new evidence.
10. A desire to work in a fast-paced environment, adapting quickly to change, and to apply fit-for-purpose approaches that delivery timely outcomes rather than pursuing perfection.
11. Strong knowledge and understanding of Power System and Electricity Market Systems with the aptitude to apply this knowledge to representative problems and situations.

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.