Principal Engineer

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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 committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, with core values of character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this transition in the energy sector.

Division: Operations

Department: Systems Capability

Reference number: 12602

Engagement type: Permanent

About The Role

The Operational DER Management team, within AEMO Operations, is responsible for integration of distributed energy resources (DER) into AEMO's operational and technical functions. With more than half the National Electricity Market now supplied by DER in some periods, Australia is leading the world in DER integration. The team's goal is to ensure measures are in place to securely, safely and efficiently operate the power system with up to 100% renewable distributed resources in the coming years. We seek a collaborative, innovative, and hard-working individual to join us.

You will develop processes and tools to integrate DER into AEMO's operational processes via the Integrating Price Responsive Resources (IPRR) mechanism. This mechanism will allow aggregated consumer energy resources, demand response, and independent small generators/batteries to be scheduled and dispatched in the NEM.

You will work within a team to develop methodologies and processes needed to assess and validate the capabilities of new Voluntarily Scheduled Resources. This will involve leveraging large, complex DER datasets, developing new methodologies, and creating automation approaches.

Reporting to the Manager – Operational DER Management (within Systems Capability, Operations), this role can be based at any of our office locations across multiple states.

What You Will Be Doing

• Develop novel methodologies to assess the capability of participants to nominate and aggregate small resources to participate in dispatch as Voluntarily Scheduled Resources (VSRs), supporting AEMO's implementation of the IPPR mechanism.
• Quantitative analysis of large, complex datasets.
• Development of improved tools and automation.
• Collaborate and liaise with other AEMO teams and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Tertiary qualification in electrical engineering, data science, computer science, software development or similar.
• Data science and data analysis skills, particularly with large, complex datasets.
• Programming skills and experience in platforms such as R, Python, Grafana, or similar.
• Experience working with power system datasets (e.g., PMU and waveform data, DER device interval data and metering data).
• Quantitative analysis skills, including problem solving, modelling, and the ability to prepare high-quality reports and summaries of analysis.

Benefits

• 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.
• Up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process

We are committed to 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 accessibility requirements during the application or interview process, please email talent@aemo.com.au.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Engineering and Information Technology

• Utilities

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Perth, Western Australia, Australia