Title:  Lead Planning Engineer

• Provide distribution network planning & strategic solution expertise 
• Innovate > Engage > Communicate > Influence diverse stakeholder groups
• Careers with Purpose > Collaborative > Inclusive > Flexible Work Environment  

We’re an energised team who is passionate about our customers, strive for operational excellence and a sustainable future for our people and our community. 

 About the Role  

As a Lead Network Planning Engineer, you will be expected to plan and deliver economic and strategic solutions to keep the AusNet network and the communities and businesses its serves ahead in a rapidly changing energy landscape.

Success in this role hinges on adeptly navigating the intricate landscape of network infrastructure through comprehensive analysis and strategic planning. One must meticulously assess network constraints, leveraging this analysis to develop viable solutions and augmentation strategies. This involves delving into project scopes, conducting economic assessments, and crafting compelling business cases.

Effective communication is paramount, as evidenced in leading initiatives such as Regulatory Investment Tests and Electricity Distribution Price Reset proposals. Mastery of intricate calculations, such as DLF and NGERs, is essential, as is the ability to synthesise complex data into coherent planning reports like DAPR and TCPR. Additionally, a proactive approach to compliance with regulatory obligations ensures operations align with industry standards while managing risks and ensuring business continuity across all accountabilities underscores the role's strategic importance.

This role will report to the Network Planning Manager and is located at Southbank, Victoria.

We are a flexible and truly hybrid workplace.

What you will deliver

• Lead comprehensive planning processes to assess network capabilities (long & short-term), assess emerging issues, and identify areas of the network where limitations are existing or expected to emerge in the future, and develop network solution and contingency plans
• Lead the planning for augmentation of the AusNet’s network to maintain bushfire safety compliance with Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiter (REFCL) technology.
• Lead Distribution Loss Factors, fault level forecasts and development plans for HV and LV networks and contribute to demand and energy forecasts.
• Manage delivery of current and emerging non-network solutions required to reduce network demand and generation to avoid/defer network investment.
• Advanced commercial acumen, external stakeholder engagement and understanding of regulatory models and new technologies to identify the appropriate solution(s) to address the needs of the network and customers.

 What we like about you                                                                                                                                       

• Relevant qualification and experience in Engineering.
• Experience in contemporary electricity network planning, asset management practices and overarching markets.
• Proficiency in using electricity network analysis tools or relevant software (such as Sincal, PSS/E, PowerFactory and/or PSCAD) and interpreting results. Proficiency programming in languages such as Python being highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience for management of a number of projects simultaneously from conception to implementation and realisation of program objectives.
• Sound knowledge of National Electricity Rules, the energy markets and relevant laws, regulations, rules, licences and agreements.
• Understanding of primary plant, network protection and control devices, with experience in functional design, testing and commissioning of special protection schemes and remedial action schemes, being highly desirable.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that fosters belonging, where everyone brings their unique strengths and innovative ideas.

AusNet partners with Work180, Supply Nation and Kinaway to support these diversity pillars and has Employee Network Groups that support Pride and LGBTQIA+, Cultural and Ethnic Awareness, Accessibility and Neurodivergence, Working Parents Group, Women’s Network and Early Careers Network.

What we offer at AusNet

• A diverse, inclusive, and supportive team culture who supports you to lead and achieve
• We care about what flexibility means to you and flexible working options are fully supported, to better balance work, personal and family commitments
• A wide range of employee benefits such as income protection, corporate discounts, salary sacrifice options including novated leasing
• Learning culture with ongoing development and career opportunities to enable a career with purpose

Our Ethos

At AusNet you don’t need to check every box.