Principal/Specialist Engineer

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 achieve 100% renewable generation capability by 2025. 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.

About the role

With more than 160 GW of new generation to connect in the next 30 years, you will be instrumental in connecting a range of technologies, including onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro and solar generation; battery and storage systems, and hydrogen plants. On a day-to-day basis, your stakeholders will span across network service providers, generation developers and investors, equipment manufacturers, technology developers, consultants, Governments, regulators and policy makers. Your primary focus as a Specialist Engineer is to provide strong technical support related to OEM modelling, inverter-based loads, system strength matters with a focus on outcomes in accelerating connections to the NEM.

Reporting to the Technical Solutions Manager Onboarding and Connections, this role can be based across all states.

What you will be doing

• Take lead role in modelling and engage with external and internal stakeholders to accelerate the connection process and address technical issues.
• Take lead role in small signal stability and impedance-based stability tool related discussions and tasks. Support the O&C Connection teams and collaborate with stakeholders including AEMO Operations, OEMs and NSPs.
• Provide technical support on Inverter-based Load (IBL) modelling and actively engage in discussions related to NER Schedule 5.3 requirements.
• Be the Subject Matter Expert on System Strength, where tasks include rule change and technical matters related to the System Strength Impact Assessment Guideline. Work with AEMO colleagues to coordinate with policy stakeholders such as the AEMC and AER.
• Provide specialist technical advice on the integration of emerging technologies, modelling interconnectors, and streamlining of the connection processes.
• Deliver mentoring, coaching and expert guidance and frameworks for technical staff and key project stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement and development of technical staff.

What you will bring to the role

• Well-developed generator plant and inverter-based load modelling experience in relation to the NEM connection process in assessing and resolving performance issues.
• Understanding of the NER, the NEM, and the Rule change framework.
• Experience in facilitating working groups and negotiating the resolution of technically complex issues across internal and external stakeholders with competing objectives and a variety of commercial and reputational drivers.
• Extensive demonstrated technical experience in working on establishment or reform projects that require stakeholder engagement and negotiation, as well as NER change management and implementation
• Ability to communicate technical/engineering concepts to the non-technical audience in a clear and easy to understand language.

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, religion and our First Nation peoples. 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