Principal Engineer, Grid Connection

We are seeking a seasoned power systems engineer to provide advanced technical expertise and leadership across the grid connection lifecycle of Vena Energy's Australian renewable energy projects. This role champions technical excellence, drives innovation, and ensures seamless integration of cutting-edge renewable technologies into the grid. You will lead and mentor a high-performing team, delivering robust engineering solutions that meet evolving grid requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Technical Leadership

• Support the development and implementation of the grid connection strategy, modelling methodologies and compliance approaches across all project phases.

• Support the delivery of advanced power system studies including NER compliance studies, s system strength (Withstand SCR) tuning assessments, power quality assessments & harmonic filter design and protection coordination studies.

• Oversee the development, validation, and application of RMS and EMT models for technologies such as solar PV, wind, BESS, hydrogen, and hybrid plants.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, network service providers, AEMO, EPC contractors, and OEMs.

• Contribute to the negotiation of Connection Agreements from throughout the Development phase.

• Represent Vena Energy in industry forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations.

• Keep abreast of National Electricity Rules requirements and changes, as well as any state-based or local grid connection requirements.

Software & IT

• Apply advanced proficiency in power system analysis tools including PSSE & PSCAD (with gridmo), and PowerFactory (with Python scripting).

• Contribute to the IT strategy for the team to ensure optimal execution of grid connection studies.   

• Project Delivery & Technical Execution

• Prepare generating system sizing and Connection Enquiry and Application to Connect submissions with the NSPs. 

• Act as a technical reviewer for all grid connection deliverables (e.g., modelling & tuning, studies, hold point reports etc).

• Review the PSS/E NEM snapshots based on various operational scenarios and inclusion of RUG packs for use in the R0 and R1 grid connection studies.

• Undertake all power system modelling and studies (in-house) during the R0 phase to achieve NER 5.3.4A/B approval and Offer to Connect execution.

• Undertake all power system modelling and studies (in-house) during the R1 phase to achieve AEMO Registration.

• Support the development of GPS Compliance Assessment and R2 Model Validation Test Plans with inputs from EPC contractors, OEMs, NSPs and AEMO.

• Prepare and compile Hold Point reports during the R2 phase for submission to the NSPs and AEMO to obtain unconstrained operation.

• Prepare and compile the R2 Model Validation report following completion of hold point testing.

• Undertake harmonics assessments in PowerFactory for s compliance and have an advanced knowledge of harmonic filter design.

• Support the negotiation of Generator Performance Standards (GPS) with NSPs and AEMO with in-depth power systems analysis and modelling as well as NER s5.2 knowledge, skills and experience.

• Support ongoing compliance of generating systems and apply updates as required. 

• Support the scoping, contract negotiation and financial management of external consultants when work is outsourced. 

Internal Support & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support the education of internal stakeholders on asynchronous generator technology such as the differences between grid following and grid forming, design considerations for generating systems etc.

• Manage project timelines, resources, risks, and deliverables across multiple concurrent engagements.

• Support business development activities including bid preparation, tenders (e.g., CIS, LTESA etc) and off-take negotiations.

• Support site selection via provision of grid connection advice. 

People Leadership & Development

• Mentor and support the professional development of senior and mid-level engineers within the grid connection team.

• Foster the 3 C's within the grid connection team: Connection, Collaboration and Communication. 

• Contribute to recruitment, resourcing & budget planning, and capability development within the grid connection team.

• Participate in daily standups and monthly team meetings. 

Prerequisites:

• Bachelor of Engineering (Power Systems focus)

• Minimum 10 of working experience experience in power systems engineering, specializing in grid connection of asynchronous generators.

• Highly skilled user of PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS/e for grid connection studies.  

• Expert understanding of NER Chapter 5 Schedule 5.2.

• Broad power systems analysis expertise relevant to asynchronous generating systems.

• Experienced in GPS compliance test plan development and conducting hold point testing. 

• Confidence to independently tackle complex engineering problems.  

• Recognized industry expert in grid connection standards, modelling, and compliance.

• Track record of leading complex negotiations with AEMO, NSPs, and OEMs.

• Proven technical leadership in technical teams and cross-functional project delivery.

• Effective communicator with technical diplomacy and conflict resolution skills

• Capable of managing multiple projects and responding to urgent tasks

• Experienced mentor with strong reporting and presentation abilities

• Adaptable to evolving grid connection requirements

Are you ready to engineer a greener future?