Lead Connections Planning Engineer

Location: Victoria, Australia

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

About us

When you choose AusNet, you'll join genuine people working together, making Real Progress

At AusNet, we're the link between renewable energy sources and local communities, playing a key role in the clean energy transition and providing essential energy to every Victorian family.

Help us lead the way, while enriching your career with real people who encourage you to bring your best and make real impact – for your career, our communities, and Australia's cleaner energy future.

A great opportunity has become available for a Lead Connections Planning Engineer to join us and take the lead, proactively planning the electricity sub-transmission network (66kV) of AusNet to accommodate the rapidly growing pipeline of embedded generators, storage and large load connections into the future.

About the role

This is a key role combining your network planning expertise with your grid connections knowledge

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading the network planning activities associated with the development of D-REZs (Distribution Renewable Energy Zones) to accommodate embedded generators, storage and large loads (e.g.: data centres, electrolysers, fleet electrification loads like truck charging, etc.) in AusNet's sub-transmission network
• Undertaking comprehensive network planning processes to assess network capabilities (long & short-term), assess emerging limitations & issues such as network security, capacity, reliability, system strength, quality of supply, etc and initiate actions to address them
• Developing strategies and identifying opportunities that maximise the utilisation of our sub-transmission network (e.g. increasing load and generation connections)
• Ongoing monitoring of 66kV generator (>1.5MW) compliance and initiation of necessary action to address non-compliances
• Producing network investment plans and proposals for the regulated sub-transmission network
• As a registered professional engineer, provide mentoring and coaching to other engineers within the team

About you

You don't need to tick every box; however, we are looking for a good combination of:

• Degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience in the energy industry, preferably within utilities
• Advanced technical knowledge and robust experience in electricity network planning
• Strong knowledge and experience in end-to-end grid connection process including GPS (generator performance standards), R0, R1 and R2 processes, engineering studies and network requirements associated with grid connection of embedded generators, storage and large loads
• Strong understanding of Chapter 5 and Chapter 5A of the NER (National Electricity Rules) and its application to network design, customer and generator performance standards
• Strong knowledge in power quality, system strength, power system stability and control
• Expert in using electricity network analysis tools or relevant software (such as PSSE, PSCAD, PowerFactory and/or Sincal) and interpreting results.
• Experience and knowledge in run back schemes design and harmonic allocation
• Critical thinking and the ability to problem solve and find new and unique solutions

You are self-motivated, a natural problem solver, forward planner and someone who is passionate about looking into how we can future proof our service to the Victorian market.

If this sounds like the role for you, please apply now

A real place to belong.

We celebrate unique voices, refreshing perspectives and diversity in our team. Engage and connect through our social club, family day, wide range of events or by joining one of our Employee Network Groups.

We believe in more than just competitive pay. Here's what sets us apart:

• Flexibility: whether this is hybrid work, flexible hours, or part time arrangements, we'll work with you to help balance work and life
• Leave: more than typical personal leave and a generous 14 weeks of paid parental leave, with no minimum service
• Community giving: a paid day to volunteer with our social impact partner, Foodbank, or for a cause that matters to you
• Perks: we offer all the other perks you've come to expect like purchased leave, income protection insurance, novated leasing, corporate discounts, private health cover discounts and more

As an industry in transformation, we're excited by the possibilities ahead. So, if you're passionate about our purpose and committed to making real progress, bring your energy and join AusNet. Together, we can shape a new way forward