Title:  Principal Engineer, Network Development & Planning (Transmission)

We bring the energy!

Through purpose and people - not just through the infrastructure we operate, but through the way we show up for each other, our customers’ and our communities. The future of energy is in our hands. Let’s shape it together.

Ready to think differently and lead with purpose? This is your opportunity to shape the future of Victoria’s Transmission network

Your contributions as a recognised specialist will help shape Australia’s energy future, delivering impactful solutions in an evolving energy landscape.

We’re entering an exciting phase of growth, and we’re looking for a Principal Engineer, Network Development & Planning to help us lead the way.

As the Principal Engineer within AusNet’s Transmission Network Development & Planning team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping Victoria’s energy future.

Positioned at the leading edge of Victoria’s energy transition, you will drive strategic and technical initiatives that enable efficient, forward-looking investment decisions, delivering a transmission system that is safe, resilient, and aligned with the evolving needs of our customers and communities.

This hybrid role (Office/WFH) is based in Southbank, Melbourne, and sits within our Transmission Network Development & Planning team.

What you’ll be doing in this role:

• Strategic and Technical Advisory Support: Provide expert guidance to VicGrid and AEMO on Victorian transmission projects and Renewable Energy Zone development, ensuring alignment with stakeholder needs
• Policy Influence and Industry Leadership: Influence transmission policy and actively contribute to forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations
• Future Network Readiness: Lead technical planning to manage impacts of inverter-based resources and large emerging loads (e.g. data centres), enhancing system capacity and security for a renewable, coal-free future
• Modelling Insights and Market Interpretation: Translate complex power system and market modelling into actionable engineering insights and support regulatory investment testing (RIT-Ts)
• Asset Renewal & Joint Planning: Support the strategic planning of major transmission station rebuilds and Ausnet’s Transmission Revenue Reset. Champion continuous improvement in joint planning processes with AEMO, VicGrid, distribution businesses, and internal teams to deliver integrated, whole-of-system outcomes

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

• Bachelor of Engineering in an appropriate field (e.g. Electrical)
• Extensive industry experience within the electricity industry, with deep expertise in transmission network planning, operations and the National Electricity Rules
• Strategic and analytical thinking to deliver insights that shape long-term planning and investment
• Skilled at building strong stakeholder relationships and leading cross functional initiatives internally and externally to deliver shared outcomes
• Mentorship and team development to develop junior engineers through coaching, technical guidance and fostering a culture of continuous learning
• Strong understanding of economic evaluation methods for network constraints, investment options, and system risk
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated critical thinking with the ability to solve complex problems, challenge assumptions, and develop innovative, future-focused solutions

The AusNet experience is all about… 

• Growing your impact: We’ll support you to build your career through real opportunities and strong connections.
• Solving some of the most complex energy challenges of our time: We love unpacking complex challenges in clever ways and looking at things differently.
• Building an energy future to be proud of: We’re a trusted leader, with deep expertise, driven to do what’s right for our communities and customers.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce. We believe different perspectives are essential to our success, and we encourage all applicants to apply. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, we're happy to discuss how we can support you.

At AusNet, we bring the energy!  Ready to make your impact? Apply now!

We will not be engaging with Recruitment agencies for this role, so please apply directly.