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Principal Engineer - Power Systems & Network Planning

Southbank Permanent Work from Home or Hybrid View Job Description
This Principal Engineer role leads strategic electricity network planning, power system studies, and regulatory investment proposals. It plays a key part in shaping infrastructure to support Australia's energy transition and ensure safe, reliable supply to millions of customers.
  • High-Impact Technical Leadership
  • Shape the Future of Energy

About Our Client

The client is a leading energy infrastructure provider managing regulated electricity transmission, distribution, and gas networks across Victoria. They are driving innovation and investment in Australia's energy future, with a strong focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability.

Job Description

  • Lead strategic network planning to assess current and future capacity, identify emerging constraints across distribution and sub‑transmission assets, and develop technically robust, cost‑effective solutions.
  • Deliver and review complex power system studies (e.g. load flow, contingency, voltage, fault‑level and power quality assessments) using planning‑grade simulation tools and convert technical findings into clear, actionable insights for decision‑makers.
  • Develop and evaluate network and non‑network options, including demand‑side initiatives, staged augmentation pathways and scenario‑based investment strategies.
  • Prepare high‑quality planning documentation, including investment briefs, planning analyses, technical advice, and contributions to long‑term network development plans.
  • Provide senior technical leadership across network augmentation, system performance investigations, and risk‑based planning activities, acting as a quality gate for modelling and planning artefacts.
  • Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, strategy and delivery teams, ensuring planning recommendations are buildable, aligned, and supported across the business.
  • Mentor and uplift junior engineers, building capability in modelling, study methods, technical writing, and planning frameworks.
  • Champion continuous improvement, enhancing planning methodologies, model governance, data quality and automation to drive consistency, rigour and efficiency in planning processes.

The Successful Applicant

Technical Expertise

  • Extensive experience in electricity network planning, ideally across distribution and sub‑transmission (capacity planning, contingency assessments, DER integration, voltage performance, fault‑level and power quality studies).
  • Advanced proficiency in power system modelling using tools such as SINCAL, PSSE, PowerFactory or PSCAD, with the ability to interpret, validate and troubleshoot complex models.
  • Strong understanding of network development principles, load forecasting, planning criteria, asset constraints and long‑term network strategy.
  • Demonstrated capability in developing and comparing network and non‑network options, including cost-benefit, risk and scenario analysis.
  • Familiarity with relevant planning and investment frameworks, technical standards and regulatory obligations.



Leadership & Collaboration

  • Proven experience acting as a technical authority, providing engineering guidance, reviewing planning outputs and influencing investment decisions.
  • Ability to mentor and uplift junior engineers, improving modelling quality, study methods and planning practices.
  • Strong stakeholder skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across engineering, operations, delivery, strategy and external interfaces.



Problem-Solving & Continuous Improvement

  • High-level capability in analysing complex system issues, identifying root causes, and developing pragmatic, technically sound solutions.
  • Experience driving process improvements, model governance, data quality enhancements or planning automation (e.g. Python scripting).
  • Ability to work effectively with ambiguity, emerging technologies (DER, BESS, EVs) and evolving network challenges.



Communication & Documentation

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear planning reports, technical advice, investment briefs and modelling summaries.
  • Confidence presenting complex information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.



Qualifications

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline).
  • Chartered status (CPEng) is desirable but not essential.
  • A strong track record in power system planning roles within utilities, consultancies, system operators or similar environments.



What's on Offer

  • A permanent, full-time role with a leading energy infrastructure provider.
  • Opportunity to lead strategic planning and shape the future of electricity networks.
  • Exposure to high-impact projects across transmission, distribution, and regulatory planning.
  • Collaborative, inclusive work environment with a strong safety and innovation culture.
  • Professional development through complex engineering challenges and stakeholder engagement.
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Contribution to Australia's energy transition and sustainability goals.



Contact
Rhys Shelley
Quote job ref
JN-022026-6943687
Phone number
+(61) 416092204

Job summary

Function
Mining, Energy & Resources
Specialisation
Engineering - Electrical
Industry
Energy & Natural Resources
Location
Southbank
Job Type
Permanent
Consultant name
Rhys Shelley
Consultant phone
+(61) 416092204
Job Reference
JN-022026-6943687
Work from Home
Work from Home or Hybrid

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. PageGroup acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land we operate on.