Senior/Principal Engineer

Join to apply for the Senior/Principal Engineer role at Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

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 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.

Division: System Design

Department: Onboarding & Connections

Reference number: 12536

Engagement type: Permanent

Bring your agility and pragmatism to help deliver different energy systems in an essential, complex environment and evolving the way we work. Flexibility to be based either in Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Adelaide. Be at the forefront of Australia's journey to a more sustainable energy future Focus on what matters and be yourself in our inclusive, high-trust environment.

About The Role

Join AEMO's System Design division and play a key role in shaping the future of Australia's energy landscape. As the energy sector undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation, driven by the rapid shift to renewables and electrification of transport, industry, and more – we're seeing an exciting surge in transmission connection projects.

Our Onboarding and Connections team leads the end-to-end process of connection and registering new generators into the National Electricity Market (NEM). With over 160 GW of new generation expected to come online in the next 30 years, we're looking for a Senior/Principal Engineer to help bring this vision to life.

In this pivotal role, you'll work on integrating a mix of technologies, from wind, solar, hydro, battery storage, and hydrogen. You'll collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders, including network service providers, developers, investors, manufacturers, consultants, government bodies, regulators, and industry experts.

What You Will Be Doing

• Take the lead in managing large-scale, technically complex projects from inception to commercial operation. Offer expert support and guidance to regional teams, ensuring seamless project delivery across the board.
• Build and enhance collaborative relationships with clients by proactively addressing project challenges. Focus on delivering practical solutions and continuous improvement in technical processes.
• Ensure all decisions are grounded in solid data, clearly documented, and made with transparency and pragmatism at their core.
• Offer high-level technical advice and lead decision making across key areas such as performance standards, power system stability, system strength solutions, registration, and project commissioning. Use solution-orientated approaches to problem solving.
• Support the growth of technical staff and stakeholders through hands on mentoring, coaching, and knowledge sharing, helping to build a culture of continuous learning and excellence.
• Contribute to regulatory advancements that support the integration of large-scale renewable energy projects into the Australian electricity market, helping to drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

What You Will Bring To The Role
Education / Certificates

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

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven leadership in delivering medium to large-scale, technically complex projects with a pragmatic, outcome driven approach.
• Strong expertise in power system modelling tools (e.g. PSSE, PSCAD) with the ability to interpret and apply study results effectively.
• Well-developed experience in managing generator connection processes and resolving performance issues within the National Electricity Market (NEM).
• Skilled in navigating complex stakeholder negotiations, balanced technical, commercial, and reputational considerations.
• Solid understanding of the electricity industry, including NEM operations, generator behaviour, network constraints, and the commercial/legal aspects of large-scale infrastructure projects.

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.
• 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 requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing talent@aemo.com.au.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Engineering and Information Technology

Industries

• Utilities

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