Design Engineer - Protection

Enemix; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Enemix is seeking a Design Engineer - Protection & Control for an EPC client in the energy sector, based in Sydney. The role focuses on HV and renewable infrastructure, delivering robust secondary systems designs and hands-on testing.

You will lead design reviews, provide technical input across protection studies, SCADA interfaces, and enable safe and compliant project delivery.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of HV and renewable infrastructure experience in Australia.
• Experience in NSP or contractor environments is essential.
• Expertise in Protection & Control design: relay configurations, load flow, protection studies, insulation coordination, earthing, lightning, metering, QoSM.
• Knowledge of SCADA functions: FDS, signal lists, mapping, HMI.
• Proficiency in comms design: fiber, networks, remote access, IT, VPN.
• Familiarity with auxiliary systems: UPS, cabling, lighting, security.
• Advanced AutoCAD skills.
• Hands-on commissioning experience valued.
• Awareness of regulatory permits related to secondary systems.
• Experience fault studies and protection coordination for HV systems.
• SCADA integration and protocols: DNP3, IEC 60870-5.
• Cybersecurity best practices for critical infra assets.
• Strong communication and project delivery track record.
• Travel to sites pre/during construction.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to craft Protection & Control designs.
• Review designs and provide technical input to align with specs.
• Respond to RFIs from project teams.
• Participate in testing and commissioning activities.
• Liaise with clients, stakeholders and suppliers to meet milestones.
• Conduct feasibility checks and analyses to guide decisions.
• Update design documentation and technical reports.
• Contribute to design-process improvements.

Skills

Protection & Control design

AutoCAD

SCADA interfaces

HMI

Protection studies

Load flow analysis

Relay configurations

QoSM

Regulatory permits awareness

Travel readiness

Clear communication

Tools

SCADA

DNP3

IEC 60870-5

Job description

Enemix are supporting our client—a leading EPC organisation in the energy sector—to recruit a talented and experienced Design Engineer specializing in Protection & Control. This is a full-time role based in Sydney, offering you the chance to work on high-voltage (HV) and renewable infrastructure projects. If you have a strong background in secondary systems design and are passionate about delivering innovative engineering solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

In the role of Design Engineer - Protection & Control, you will:

• Develop both concept and detailed designs for secondary systems, including drafting and studies.
• Lead and contribute to design reviews for Protection & Control systems, automation, and communication.
• Participate in cross-functional design reviews addressing safety in design, HAZID, HAZCON, and HAZOP processes.
• Respond to project-related Requests for Information (RFIs) pertaining to secondary systems.
• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Commissioning Acceptance Tests (SCAT), and bench testing when required.
• Contribute to tender submissions and feasibility studies for Protection & Control designs.
• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver tailored and high-quality solutions.
• Perform technical investigations and feasibility assessments for proposed designs.
• Prepare and review technical specifications and supporting documentation for Protection & Control systems.
• Engage with external vendors and suppliers to ensure smooth procurement of equipment and materials.
• Conduct site inspections and join project meetings to ensure compliance and provide expert input.
• Enhance design processes through continuous improvement initiatives and adoption of best practices.

About You

To excel in this position, you should have:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working on HV and renewable infrastructure projects within Australia.
• Experience working within a Network Service Provider (NSP) or contractor environment is essential.
• Strong expertise in Protection & Control systems design, including relay configurations, load flow, protection studies, insulation coordination, earthing, lightning, metering, and Quality of Supply Monitoring (QoSM).
• Knowledge of automation systems, including SCADA Functional Design Specification (FDS), SCADA signal lists, SCADA mapping, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI).
• Proficiency in communication systems design, such as comms architecture, fiber, network design, remote end access, IT, and VPN setup.
• Familiarity with auxiliary systems, including load calculations, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), cabling, lighting, and security.
• Advanced skills in AutoCAD.
• Hands-on experience with commissioning and testing of secondary systems is highly regarded.
• Understanding of regulatory permits and approvals related to secondary systems design is advantageous.
• Experience conducting fault studies and developing protection coordination schemes for HV systems.
• Knowledge of SCADA integration and communication protocols like DNP3 and IEC 60870-5.
• An understanding of cybersecurity best practices for critical infrastructure is an asset.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly present complex technical information.
• A proven ability to successfully deliver challenging Protection & Control engineering projects.
• Availability to travel for site visits prior to and during construction.
• Full working rights in Australia.

What to Expect Day-to-Day

Your typical day may involve:

• Collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to craft Protection & Control system designs.
• Reviewing designs and providing technical insights to align with project specifications.
• Offering technical support by responding to RFIs from the project team.
• Participating in testing and commissioning activities to ensure functionality and compliance.
• Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to meet project milestones.
• Conducting feasibility checks and analyses to guide critical decisions.
• Updating and reviewing design documentation and technical reports.
• Contributing to initiatives that improve design methodologies and processes.

If you’re passionate about advancing energy infrastructure and making a real impact in Protection & Control systems design, we’d love to hear from you!