Microgrid Development Manager

We are unique

Essential Energy is an organisation that values your voice, empowers your autonomy, recognises the strength in diversity, and prioritises your well-being while offering attractive remuneration and benefits. Take pride in having a meaningful impact on regional, rural and remote communities while being a pivotal player in the energy industry's future.

About the role

We're looking for a dynamic and future-focused Microgrid Development Manager to lead the transformation of our energy network through the deployment of innovative microgrid and non-network solutions. This role will drive the strategic development of technologies such as standalone power systems, solar public lighting, and network batteries, enabling Essential Energy to deliver energy in smarter, more sustainable ways.

You'll shape the frameworks, policies, and systems that support scalable innovation, while ensuring technical excellence and commercial viability across all initiatives.

This role will be based within the Essential Energy footprint with the ability to work from home in a hybrid work environment.

About You

You're a strategic thinker with a systems mindset and a passion for solving complex energy challenges. You bring deep technical expertise, a strong understanding of asset management, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams through change. You're motivated by impact-on customers, communities, and the future of energy-and thrive in environments where innovation and collaboration are key.

About your skills

• Proven ability to lead innovation and deliver scalable energy solutions
• Strong commercial and risk management capabilities
• Skilled in systems engineering and governance frameworks
• Ability to influence and engage across internal and external stakeholders
• Advanced analytical and strategic planning skills
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities
• Experience in uplifting organisational capability and driving cultural change

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or demonstrated capability through relevant experience and/or qualifications

Desired experience

• Experience in developing and deploying microgrids, batteries, and other non-network solutions
• Leadership in asset management and strategic planning
• Familiarity with AS ISO 55001:2014 and asset management practices
• Knowledge of the Australian electricity regulatory environment
• Experience in policy development, industry engagement, and process automation
• Postgraduate qualifications in Business, Commerce, or Asset Management (desirable)

Why Essential Energy

Essential Energy provides employees with a broad range of employee benefits through our corporate partnerships with organisations such as Qantas, Optus, nib and Mildura Health Fund. You will also gain access to our Health and Wellbeing programs including fitness passport. Visit our employee benefits page for more information.

We are proud to be recognised as a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for All Women.

An energy network doesn't just keep the lights on… it's a living network that needs to adapt to new and emerging energy generation technologies while still meeting the energy needs of customers.

It requires innovation, commitment, and collaboration to bring people together to solve the energy delivery challenges of the modern world.

Your potential will be realised, and you'll feel a real sense of purpose and satisfaction knowing you have a pivot role to play in delivering the energy of the future to the people who need it today.

For further information please contact Cory Urquhart - Head of Network Strategy and Future Networks on

Applications close on Thursday 16 October 2025 at 11:55pm

Passionate people. Global thinking. Regional heart.

Building a better energy future.

Essential Energy is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourages applicants to apply regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

As an organisation, our aim is to champion inclusivity in the workplace and celebrate the difference in all our employees.

At Essential Energy, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to Essential Energy (including alternate formats of application forms or alternate ways for accessibility). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact or call us on