Engineer (systems Performance)

 

Who is AEMO?

We are 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 also 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.

About the role

The Operations Department is central to fulfilling AEMO’s obligations in the National Electricity Rules for the operation of the power system that supports the National Electricity Market (NEM). Within the Operations Department, the Systems Capability Division is responsible, through close collaboration with asset owners and users, for managing the networks AEMO operates.

The Systems Performance team plays a key role in enabling the transition of the power system to operate with a diverse range of technology under evolving operating conditions and challenges.

Focus areas in frequency control:

• Design and specification of new frequency control markets such as Fast Frequency Response
• Integration of new technology providers such as Virtual Power Plants and hybrid facilities
• Development of new tools and technologies to better monitor and predict frequency response behaviour

Focus areas in performance standards:

• Ensuring the capabilities of generating units are supporting secure operation of the system.
• Analysing major system events

This position provides technical input for the monitoring of frequency performance, and development of ancillary services within the NEM. This is an area of rapid change and new technology so offers candidates the chance to contribute to the energy transition in a significant and tangible manner. Effective frequency monitoring and services development contribute to the effective introduction of new generation connections, and to the effective operation of the NEM generation fleet. This in turn supports AEMO in meeting its obligations under the National Electricity Rules.

This position is available across multiple office locations. Including – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide & Perth, with flexible work from home arrangements. This is an initial 18 month fixed term contract. 

What you will be doing 

• Investigate the frequency performance in the NEM, to provide recommendations and reporting on frequency performance, under direction of a technical lead.
• Investigate frequency events, to provide analysis used to support possible actions or improvements to address frequency performance issues and non-compliances, under direction of a technical lead.
• Write, contribute to, or review technical reports ensuring all reports are of a high technical standard and suited to the intended audience.
• Liaise with AEMO internal teams and NEM participants to provide advice, facilitate information exchange, query resolution and in the delivery of project outcomes.

What you will bring to the role 

• Electrical Engineering degree with a power system and/or power electronics focus, or suitable equivalent.
• Demonstrated professional experience in the area of power systems or suitable equivalent.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, specifically relating to electricity transmission, distribution and generation.
• Good written and verbal communications skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with data handling, analytical and programming and an interest in developing further skills in this area
• Desirable to have experience with frequency controls/services, and/or power plant/system operations
• Desirable to have knowledge of the National Electricity Rules applicable to frequency control
• Desirable to have previous experience with project management and stakeholder engagement

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, private health discounts 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)

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.

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