Power Systems Engineer

 

 

Senior Engineer
Department : System Design 
Division : System Planning 

 Reference number : 10042

Power System Engineer

Be part of an independent organisation that spans all aspects of the Australian energy industry, and that attracts the brightest people who are ready to make a meaningful impact. This exciting role plays a critical part in enabling secure operation of the power system as Australia transitions away from traditional synchronous generation, and towards firmed renewables and net zero emissions by 2050.

About The Role

As the Power Systems Engineer within the System Security Planning team, you will be responsible for leading complex power system analysis projects that ensure Australia’s electricity system can operate securely and reliability, both today and over the coming decade.

This role suits a relatively experienced engineer; and sits within a diverse and highly collaborative team of skilled staff who are located all across Australia. Together, the team conducts detailed reviews of power system stability, operability and reliability; leveraging these studies to quantify emerging system needs, develop new operational strategies, and trigger real-world investment decisions.

Reporting directly to the Manager System Security Planning, you will provide high-quality technical input and expertise on power system matters; scope and execute detailed power system studies both independently and with guidance from a Principal engineer; lead the delivery of larger projects that include supervision of other engineering staff; coordinate directly with subject matter experts across industry; produce high-quality reports suitable for publication; and use your findings to advocate for action, both to internal management and external stakeholders audiences.

In addition to AEMO’s system security functions, the System Planning division more broadly is also responsible for delivering AEMO’s flagship Integrated System Plan (ISP), supplemented by a range of engineering and economic advisory services. You will have opportunities to gain practical experience across the full suite of these critical functions.

What you will be doing

• Plan future infrastructure across the NEM, including that needed to deliver a secure and reliable power system with growing quantities of renewable and distributed energy resources. 
• Assess future requirements for power system security, including system strength, inertia, frequency control, and other essential power system services. 
• Coach and direct junior staff on network analysis functions to deliver high quality outcomes – including necessary peer review and technical support.  
• Prepare clear, concise, and high quality written and verbal communication, including reports, stakeholder presentations, information packs, briefing papers, and contributions to key planning documents (such as the ISP).  
• Work effectively across multiple concurrent projects, with changing external pressures and priorities; highlighting associated risks to management and stakeholders.   
• Independently undertake simulation and analysis of the electricity transmission network using specialised computer simulation tools, and use these to identify network capability and emerging limitations.   
• Interpret and justify simulation outcomes, draw conclusions, and provide robust recommendations on network adequacy and investment options.  
• Develop and implement procedures for AEMO in conjunction with senior staff, management, and external stakeholders to ensure a consistent approach and clarity of process.   
• Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging across teams, and defendable positions externally. 

What you will bring to the role 

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering with a discipline relevant to power systems and at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.  
• Accreditation as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or Registered Professional Engineer (RPEng) is highly desirable.  
• Demonstrated experience in electricity transmission network analysis and the interpretation of analysis performed by others.  
• Understanding of the key commercial and legal issues impacting on large scale infrastructure projects.  
• Demonstrated experience in leading work packages and leveraging junior staff to achieve timely delivery of specified outcomes.  
• Understanding of electrical engineering principles, specifically relating to electricity transmission and generation.   
• Proficiency in automation of processes and programs with an object oriented programming language (Python, C++, Visual Basic etc.) is desirable. 
• Experience in power systems analysis simulation applications such as PSSE V32-V34, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Mudpack and PSCAD, as well as other analytical software such as MATLAB.   
• Experience in electrical power systems dynamics, stability concepts, and assessment techniques.  

We are AEMO

At AEMO, our core values aren’t just ‘words on a wall’ – we are a purpose-based organisation at the centre of our energy future, and we stand for integrity, inclusiveness, empowerment, and excellence.

As we continue to innovate and work on some world-first, ground-breaking projects, we need to attract the brightest people and provide opportunities to contribute, stretch and grow. We actively encourage you to bring your whole self to work, so that together we can do better, be better, and love our work. For this reason, inviting difference and leading inclusively is a core part of our culture. We challenge ourselves to take bold actions to improve the experience for all our people, with a current focus on gender, flexibility, (dis)ability and our First Nation peoples.

As the Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO’s role is to design and operate a sustainable energy system that provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity and gas today, and to enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians.

All Australian governments are now committed to a net-zero economy for Australia by 2050, the first step of which is a net-zero energy system. We are collaborating with industry and other stakeholders to engineer electricity grids that can handle 100 per cent instantaneous renewable generation by 2025.

AEMO plays a significant role in the east coast gas market, which has recently expanded to assessing if there is enough natural gas for customers, including electricity generators. The transition to a renewable energy system is occurring at a world-leading pace. It is an exciting, momentous time to be part of this mission!

Some of our employment benefits 

• Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options
• Professional development via projects, assignments, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and formal learning
• A full health and wellbeing program, discounted health insurance, gym membership and other concessions
• Free salary continuance insurance and annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility)
• Up to 4 days volunteering leave per year
• A comprehensive and professional Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Special performance awards

If you would like to know more about working at AEMO, please check out our careers page for more information, or apply now.

  

For more information on the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) please refer to www.aemo.com.au or visit one of our social media channels below.