Principal Engineer - Network Assessment

Division: System Design

Department: Onboarding & Connections

Reference number: 13190

Engagement type: Permanent

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 transition 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.

The Onboarding and Connections Group manages AEMO’s end to end process for connecting and registering generators into the National Electricity Market.

Shape the future of the grid by leading complex connection and network assessments across a major renewable energy portfolio. Hybrid working across Bris, Syd, Melb, Perth or Adel | Great benefits. Strong understanding of VIC and SA transmission networks. PSCAD and PSSE expertise with strong power system analysis skills.

About The Role

With more than 160 GW of new generation expected to connect over the next 30 years, this role will play a key part in integrating a diverse mix of technologies including wind, hydro, solar, battery storage and hydrogen.

Working closely with network service providers, developers, investors, manufacturers, consultants and internal teams, you will lead PSCAD wide area assessments across Victoria and South Australia, helping ensure new generation, storage and large inverter-based load connections can be securely integrated into the power system.

You'll apply your expertise in power system behaviour to assess new generating plant, deliver high quality modelling studies and technical assessments, and provide engineering advice to support connection applications and performance standard negotiations under the National Electricity Rules.

As a technical leader, you will maintain PSCAD assessment models, share knowledge across the team, mentor engineers, and help strengthen network assessment capability. You'll also build strong industry relationships, contribute to technical forums and working groups, and help shape the future of Australia's energy transition.

What You Will Be Doing

You will support the connection of large and technically complex energy projects, providing engineering assessments, technical analysis and advice from application through to commissioning.

Working closely with clients, network businesses and internal stakeholders, you will resolve technical issues, assess performance standards, and support power system stability, system strength, registration and commissioning activities. Your work will be guided by sound engineering judgement and robust technical analysis.

You will also contribute to industry and regulatory discussions, and communicate complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders, helping deliver successful project outcomes and support the integration of renewable energy and storage across the NEM.

We're looking for a technically strong power systems engineer with experience using PSCAD and PSSE, a solid understanding of Victorian and South Australian transmission networks, and knowledge of generator connection processes and NER Chapter 5 requirements. Experience in power system planning, system performance, network assessments or utility environments will be highly regarded.

This role sits within a fast paced technical team managing a large portfolio of connection projects, so success will require strong prioritisation skills, sound technical judgement and the ability to manage competing deadlines. You'll also play an important leadership role by mentoring engineers, supporting capability development, and guiding team members through network assessment and connection studies.

What You Will Bring To The Role

Education

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering or other discipline relevant to power systems analysis.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience developing and mentoring engineers through technical leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Sound understanding of Victorian and South Australian transmission networks.
• Experience with generator connection processes and power system performance assessments.
• Ability to influence technical outcomes across diverse stakeholder groups.

Benefits

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

At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requireme nt s to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us a t [email protected]