Title:  Principal Grid Connections Engineer

About us

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.

A great opportunity has become available for a Principal Grid Connections Engineer to join us and take the lead of AusNet’s distribution network service provider activities for end-to-end network connection projects and provide expert guidance and solutions.

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

About the role

This is a key role within our Grid Connections Engineering team, managing and undertaking comprehensive and detailed analysis of renewable energy generation, battery and storage systems, and other new technologies to AusNet’s networks. Developing network solutions that can be applied across AusNet’s connection projects pipeline.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Leading AusNet’s distribution network service providers activities for end-to-end network connection projects and provide expert guidance and solutions for technical issues
• Assessing new generator and load connection models, reactive power plants and control systems.
• Undertaking comprehensive power system analysis in simulation tools (e,g, PSCAD and PSSE) to assess grid connections requirements for new large-scale generators, storage and loads and ensure compliance with Chapter 5 and/or Chapter 5A of the National Electricity Rules.
• Work collaboratively with AEMO, connection applicants, and/or original equipment manufacturers to agree system strength remediation requirements for generator, storage and load connections to the AusNet distribution network and negotiate performance standards.
• Working closely with AEMO and connection applicants to progress commissioning activities, including reviewing commissioning plans, participating in commissioning tests as required, and assessing commissioning results.
• Developing, maintaining, and improving AusNet’s analysis/reporting methods and tools to meet business requirements and increase the efficiency of team operations.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to staff and industry stakeholders
• Proactively building AusNet’s reputation as a trusted partner to generation developers, original equipment manufacturers, Government, AEMO, Customers and other stakeholders.
• Training and development of others, with an emphasis on modelling, analysis and power system technical skills.

 About you

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

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering or a discipline relevant to power systems analysis, electricity transmission, distribution and generation.
• In-depth knowledge of control systems theory and transmission, distribution and generation protection systems.
• Strong experience in leading or facilitating grid connections, and plant commissioning and testing, will be highly regarded.
• Strong PSCAD and PSSE experience in power system analysis and modelling, and interpretation of results
• Ability to Interpret and implement business strategies
• Advanced analytical, investigation and problem-solving skills
• Outcome focused and results oriented
• Ability to operate autonomously and operate with minimum guidance/direction

You are self-motivated, have excellent time management and stakeholder engagement skills, able to communicate across a broad internal and external audience.

If this sounds like the role for you, please apply now!

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!