AddressAs the Western Renewables Link (WRL) Principal Project Engineer you will be joining a transformational sector delivering a major energy infrastructure project! This is a Melbourne based position in stunning new CBD offices. Hybrid working with excellent culture and benefits. You will be part of the critical Western Renewables Link project to unlock Victoria's renewable potential & provide clean affordable energy to all Victorians. Seeking an experienced engineer in defining requirements, designing project scope and coordinating business activities.
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.
Victorian Network Services & Delivery is a department within AEMO’s System Design Division with the key objective to delivery Victorian electricity transmission projects in the long term interests of consumers.
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.
About the role This role will work alongside and coordinate internal and consultant Engineering teams and work closely with the AusNet and Subcontracted Engineering teams in the development of the WRL project to deliver AEMO’s green energy transition goals.
The AEMO WRL Project team, in collaboration with the Victorian Government, provide governance, support and oversight of work by the Project Proponent (AusNet) to deliver the WRL Project. You will be working closely with key stakeholders, including the WRL Project Director, WRL Principal Program Manager, and AEMO's planning and engineering departments.
What you will be doing
- Coordinate with internal engineering teams for the development and change management of primary and secondary functional specifications for the WRL Project.
- Perform, or subcontract the performance of, design reviews & quality assurance of designs developed by AusNet & Ausnet contracted engineering.
- Support the WRL project team to meet agreed quality, time and deliverable targets.
- Participate in the planning, scoping, procurement, management and review of technical consultant contracts.
- Identify Project Engineering risks and issues, put forward mitigation measures and take action as required.
- Participate in Engineering communities to share lessons learned and professional support across projects.
- Provide regular status reports and communications on the project, impacts and issues to stakeholders including senior management. Escalate through appropriate channels where required.
- Lead and coordinate the activities of junior staff and contractors/consultants & demonstrate behaviours that align to AEMO values and culture.
The Principal Project Engineer role entails extensive communication with a diverse range of stakeholders, including managing challenging interactions and prioritises Project Engineering over design to maintain focus without being immersed in heavy detail.
This position will transfer to VicGrid in 12-18 months and be part of a growing infrastructure development and delivery organisation, with a pipeline of work that extends beyond 2050. If you think you have transferable skills, an appetite to learn and would be a great fit, we'd love to hear from you.
What you will bring to the role
Education/Requirements
- Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent) and 10+ years of relevant industry experience in a Project Engineering role.
Experience and Knowledge
- Demonstrated experience in the delivery of large electricity transmission and/or distribution infrastructure projects. Victorian experience will be highly regarded.
- Demonstrated experience assessing and advising on complex issues across criteria that include cost/benefit and value for money.
- Demonstrated experience in electricity transmission network design, review and Quality Assurance.
- Ensure compliance with relevant Codes, Australian & international Standards and best industry practices.
- Understanding and knowledge of the physical operation of electricity transmission systems and markets
- Demonstrated experience in leading multi-disciplinary work packages across staff/consultants/contractors to achieve timely delivery of outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation and problem-solving capability.
- Ability to prepare and delivery high quality communications suitable for other technical experts, senior management and external stakeholders (both written and verbal).
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
If you would like to know more about working at AEMO, please check out our careers page for more information.
