Principal Engineer

Division: System Design 

Department: System Planning 

Reference number: 12641 

Engagement type: Permanent

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 now 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.  

Lead engineering assessments & power system analysis for major infrastructure investment. Excellent culture & generous bonus. Hybrid, flexible & remote working options – able to be based out of Bris/Syd/Melb/Adel. Strong technical background / Significant stakeholder engagement experience. Be at the forefront of Australia's journey to a more sustainable energy future

About the role 

Principal Engineers within the System Planning department are responsible for leading complex power system analysis projects that quantify emerging system needs, and trigger network investment decisions over the medium-to-long term. Principal Engineers also lead model and methodology development to better represent the future energy system and assess the integration challenges that may exist for a system with high levels of renewable integration.

The Network Planning Principal Engineer in particular will focus on leading the development of futuristic constraint equations to assess power system limitations across the National Electricity Market through the energy transition. In addition, the Network Planning Principal Engineer will frequently lead engineering and power system advisory services to Government and other stakeholders.

Principal Engineers provide subject matter expertise and quality assurance, both internally and externally, across major pieces of technical analysis. They will be responsible to deliver compelling, evidence-based advice to management and stakeholders to influence change and inform investment decisions.

What you will be doing

• Lead the delivery of high-quality power system modelling and analysis projects, providing expert recommendations on network adequacy, system reliability, and investment planning.
• Provide strategic, technically sound engineering advice to support AEMO's power system planning, balancing uncertainty, stakeholder needs, and data limitations.
• Scope and manage complex cross-functional projects, including methodology development, technical assessments (e.g., system strength, inertia, voltage control), resource coordination, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
• Develop advanced system modelling tools (e.g., constraint equations) to support market simulations and future system reliability assessments for the National Electricity Market.
• Represent the team as a key technical advisor across industry forums and working groups, while building strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Mentor junior staff, contribute to team planning and risk management, and support the Manager in leadership tasks, including acting in their role when required.

What you will bring to the role

Education / Certificates

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. electrical engineering, mathematics, physics) with ideally 7+ years' experience in power system planning, design, or operation, and strong expertise in system stability and dynamics.
• Chartered (CPEng/RPEng) or actively working towards professional engineering accreditation.

Experience & Knowledge

• Strong experience in system-wide power system modelling and using insights to inform planning and operational decisions.
• Proficient with tools like PSSE, PSCAD, DIgSILENT, and MATLAB; experience with automation using Python or similar is desirable.
• Skilled in defining functional requirements for system services, control schemes, and regulatory or market design changes.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams, deliver complex studies, and produce high-quality reports and publications.
• Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills and ability to adapt to emerging challenges.
• Solid understanding of AEMO's role, the NEM, and Australia's energy regulatory and investment frameworks.

In return some of our benefits to you 

• 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 us