Power Systems Engineer

Power Systems Engineer

FWG45003

Canberra, ACT; Sydney, NSW

A well-established renewable energy consultancy with a strong track record in Australia and across the Pacific is looking to hire a Power Systems Engineer for their engineering division’s design & power systems team. The team designs grid-connected and off-grid solar and battery systems and studies their impact on the grid. This role is not a typical Power Systems Engineer role. You will need a sense of adventure, a willingness to travel internationally, the ability to think from first principles, the ability to communicate clearly in an environment of uncertainty, and a good sense of humour. Technical details can be scarce in the Pacific Islands, so you’ll need to be creative in finding solutions or making solid assumptions for your analysis. NER Chapter 5A work is the technical due diligence reviews of connection applications prepared by others, not preparing the applications. Therefore, if you wish to prepare NER Chapter 5 applications, this role is not for you. Their culture is defined by people who are clever, curious and caring. They have a relaxed, fun vibe and people enjoy each other’s company; and look forward to seeing each other on Monday mornings. This is not a long hours consulting culture and the people who work there value the flexibility they have.

Responsibilities

- Review connection infrastructure and connection studies to determine risks during project development and due diligence assignments for solar and BESS projects between 2MW – 1 GW.

- Perform load flow studies in PSS/E and Sincal to inform feasibility assessments for solar and BESS projects between 2MW – 1 GW.

- Perform connection studies for distribution network-connected solar and BESS farms in accordance with NER Chapter 5A and DNSP requirements (steady-state/load flow, dynamic/transient stability, protection, power quality, frequency injection).

- Travel to Pacific Island Countries for on-the-ground assessment of network and generation infrastructure.

- Develop and test load flow, dynamic/transient, and protection models of electricity networks in the Pacific in DIgSILENT PowerFactory.

- Advise Pacific Island utilities and governments on grid upgrades required for increased renewable energy integration.

Requirements

- Degree in electrical or power systems engineering, preferably with a Master or PhD in electrical power or power systems engineering.

- Registered as a professional or chartered engineer with Engineers Australia.

- Experience in power systems modelling and competent with PSS/E, PSS Sincal, PSCAD and DIgSILENT PowerFactory.

- Preferably experience of Python scripting for the software packages above.

- Experience liaising with equipment OEMs and Australian DNSPs.

- Knowledge of the Australian grid connection application processes and studies required.

- Knowledge of the approximate costs of various network augmentations typically required to remediate grid impacts of new generators.

- Knowledge of the common practices and network topologies at Australian DNSPs.

- Knowledge of the relevant Australian and international standards, regulations (NER in particular), DNSP and AEMO requirements, and industry best practice.

- Experience conducting load flow analysis, using both power factor and voltage droop voltage control methods.

- Experience conducting power quality, protection coordination and dynamic/transient studies, in accordance with DNSP requirements.

- Experience of substation design to AS2067.

- Ability to comply with NSP requirements at minimal capital expenditure.

- Knowledge of general MV protection specification and sizing.

- Excellent written and verbal communication, including strong report writing skills.

- Excellent interpersonal skills.

- Australian citizenship or permanent residence.

About Freshwater Group

Freshwater Group is a best practice renewable energy recruitment business that focuses on all renewable and low carbon emission, energy efficiency and disruptive clean technology businesses as well as energy infrastructure, storage, and management. Freshwater Group: Great People Better Outcomes

Freshwater Group is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity. We encourage applications from candidates with culturally diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion.

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