Principal Engineer, Network Development

Location:
Victoria, Australia

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time

Description:

• Step into a bold new era of growth > Provide strategic & technical advisory support
• Ready to think differently and lead with purpose? This is your opportunity to shape the future of Victoria's Transmission network
• Work where it matters – Be part of a team that's purpose-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and offers the flexibility to thrive

Join us in shaping Australia's cleaner energy future—where your work matters, your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported by genuinely good people who bring out your best. Together, we're building stronger communities and a more sustainable tomorrow.

We're entering an exciting phase of growth, and we're looking for a Principal Engineer, Network Development & Planning to help us lead the way.

As the Principal Engineer within AusNet's Transmission Network Development & Planning team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the Victoria's energy future.

Positioned at the leading edge of Victoria's energy transition, you will drive strategic and technical initiatives that enable efficient, forward-looking investment decisions, delivering a transmission system that is safe, resilient, and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers and communities.

This hybrid role (Office/WFH) is based in Southbank, Melbourne, and sits within our Transmission Network Development & Planning team.

This role will deliver real outcomes, including but not limited to:

• Strategic and Technical Advisory Support: Provide expert guidance to VicGrid and AEMO on Victorian transmission projects and Renewable Energy Zone development, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs
• Policy Influence and Industry Leadership: Influence transmission policy and actively contribute to forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations
• Future Network Readiness: Lead technical planning to manage impacts of inverter-based resources and large emerging loads (e.g. data centres), enhancing system capacity and security for a renewable, coal-free future
• Modelling Insights and Market Interpretation: Translate complex power system and market modelling into actionable engineering insights and support regulatory investment testing (RIT-Ts)
• Asset Renewal & Joint Planning: Support the strategic planning of major transmission station rebuilds and Ausnet's Transmission Revenue Reset. Champion continuous improvement in joint planning processes with AEMO, VicGrid, distribution businesses, and internal teams to deliver integrated, whole-of-system outcomes

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

• Bachelor of Engineering in an appropriate field (e.g. Electrical)
• Extensive industry experience within the electricity industry, with deep expertise in transmission network planning, operations and the National Electricity Rules
• Strategic and analytical thinking to deliver insights that shape long-term planning and investment
• Skilled at building strong stakeholder relationships and leading cross functional initiatives internally and externally to deliver shared outcomes
• Mentorship and team development to develop junior engineers through coaching, technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning
• Strong understanding of economic evaluation methods for network constraints, investment options, and system risk
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated critical thinking with the ability to solve complex problems, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative, future-focused solutions

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