Title:  Lead Connections Planning Engineer

• Plan ahead for connections and get involved in network planning for Distributed Renewable Energy Zones
• Bring your expertise to us > Make an impact and be part of the shift to renewable energy
• Careers with Purpose > Collaborative > Inclusive > Flexible Work Environment 

When you choose AusNet, you’ll join genuine people working together, making Real. Progress

At AusNet, we’re the link between renewable energy sources and local communities, playing a key role in the clean energy transition and providing essential energy to every Victorian family.
 

Help us lead the way, while enriching your career with real people who encourage you to bring your best and make real impact – for your career, our communities, and Australia’s cleaner energy future.

Purposeful work with genuinely good people. That’s refreshing.

A great opportunity has become available for a Lead Connections Planning Engineer to join us and take the driver’s seat which will see you proactively planning the electricity sub-transmission network of AusNet to accommodate the rapidly growing pipeline of embedded generators, storage and large load connections.

With a Hybrid split (Office/WFH), this role is based in Southbank and is part of the Network Strategy & Planning team.

This role will deliver real outcomes, including but not limited to:

• Lead the network planning activities associated with the development of D-REZs (Distribution Renewable Energy Zones) to accommodate embedded generators, storage and large loads (e.g.: data centres, electrolysers, fleet electrification loads like truck charging, etc.) in AusNet’s sub-transmission network
• Undertake comprehensive network planning processes to assess network capabilities (long & short-term), assess emerging limitations & issues such as network security, capacity, reliability, system strength, quality of supply, etc and initiate actions to address them
• Develop strategies and identify opportunities that maximise the utilisation of our sub-transmission network (e.g. increasing load and generation connections)
• Ongoing monitoring of 66kV generator (>1.5MW) compliance and initiation of necessary action to address non-compliances
• Produce network investment plans and proposals for the regulated transmission and sub-transmission networks, including developing optimised and prioritised major station rebuild programs (transmission) and network augmentation programs (sub-transmission) that support regulatory submissions and program delivery
• As a registered professional engineer, provide mentoring and coaching to other engineers within the team

You don’t need to check every box; however, we are looking for a good combination of:

• Degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering or equivalent
• Demonstrated years of experience in the energy industry, preferably with some of it in utilities
• Advanced technical knowledge and robust experience in electricity network planning
• Strong knowledge and experience in end-to-end grid connection process including GPS (generator performance standards), R0, R1 and R2 processes, engineering studies and network requirements associated with grid connection of embedded generators, storage and large loads
• Strong understanding of Chapter 5 and Chapter 5A of the NER (National Electricity Rules) and its application to network design, customer and generator performance standards
• Strong knowledge in power quality, system strength, power system stability and control
• Expert in using electricity network analysis tools or relevant software (such as PSSE, PSCAD, PowerFactory and/or Sincal) and interpreting results.
• Critical thinking and the ability to problem solve and find new and unique solutions

A real place to belong. 

We celebrate unique voices, refreshing perspectives and diversity in our team. Engage and connect through our social club, family day, wide range of events or by joining one of our Employee Network Groups.  

We believe in more than just competitive pay. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Flexibility: whether this is hybrid work, flexible hours, or part time arrangements, we’ll work with you to help balance work and life.
• Leave: more than typical personal leave and a generous 14 weeks of paid parental leave, with no minimum service.
• Community giving: a paid day to volunteer with our social impact partner, Foodbank, or for a cause that matters to you.
• Perks: we offer all the other perks you’ve come to expect like purchased leave, income protection insurance, novated leasing, corporate discounts, private health cover discounts and more.

As an industry in transformation, we’re excited by the possibilities ahead.

So, if you’re passionate about our purpose and committed to making real progress, bring your energy and join AusNet. Together, we can shape a new way forward.