Engineer - Energy System Planning

Australian Energy Market Operator; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Energy Market Operator is leading Australia’s energy transition and planning. This System Planning Engineer role focuses on PSSE, PSCAD and PowerFactory analyses to improve the security and reliability of the National Electricity Market.

You will contribute to ISP development, critical planning reports and stakeholder-engaged planning studies. Join a purpose-driven team shaping Australia’s future energy system, with opportunities to work from any capital city and develop your

Qualifications

• Two years or more engineering-related work experience post-graduation.
• Experience using power systems analysis tools for load flow and fault level calculations.
• Ability to produce high-quality reports using Word, Excel and databases; basic programming.
• Knowledge of transmission substation design, cost-benefit assessment and investment decisions.
• Strong understanding of electrical power systems and control theory.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support on electricity planning and performance issues for a secure system.
• Contribute to key planning documents such as ISP, ESO, transition and system security reports.
• Support planning processes by developing and refining procedures for planning studies.
• Engage stakeholders and prepare advice for supervisors on network planning matters.
• Prepare high-quality reports and share information on network capability and performance.
• Develop knowledge of the electrical transmission network, NEM generation, and Gas Market Transmission.

Skills

Power systems knowledge

Report writing

MS Office proficiency

Programming basics

Transmission planning basics

Cost-benefit analysis

Investment decision methods

Education

Engineering-related degree or physics

Tools

PSS/E

PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

Australian Energy Market Operator – Melbourne VIC

AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

About the role

Be part of a purpose-driven organisation helping deliver a secure, reliable and sustainable energy system for Australia.

About the Team

Join the team helping design Australia's future power system. AEMO’s System Planning group leads the development of the Integrated System Plan, the 20-year roadmap for the east coast electricity network and delivers the critical analysis that informs major energy investments. Through advanced engineering assessments and market modelling, the team is driving a secure, reliable and renewable-powered energy future.

About the role

Help shape the future of Australia’s energy system.

As a System Planning Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of Australia's energy transition, using PSSE, PSCAD and PowerFactory to analyse power system performance, assess emerging challenges and develop solutions for a secure and reliable future grid.

You’ll contribute to critical planning and system security reports, including AEMO's Integrated System Plan (ISP), applying engineering expertise and sound judgement to inform major investment and policy decisions. Working alongside leading engineers and industry stakeholders, you'll tackle complex technical challenges while helping shape the future of the National Electricity Market.

This role can be based in any Australian capital city.

What you will be doing

• Provide technical support and advice on electricity planning and performance issues for the safe, secure, and reliable operation of the power system.
• Contribute to the production of key planning documents (e.g. Integrated System Plan, Electricity Statement of Opportunities, Transition Plan for System Security on Network Support and Control Ancillary Services, System Strength, and Inertia).
• Support departmental and organisational planning processes through the development and enhancement of procedures and methodologies for planning studies and associated activities.
• Undertake stakeholder engagement and support the preparation of advice and proposals for consideration by supervisors and management in relation to network planning matters.
• Prepare high-quality reports and provide information on a range of planning issues, including capability and performance of the network, to management and project teams.
• Develop a good knowledge of the electrical transmission network, generation in the NEM and the Gas Market Transmission and Systems.

What you will bring to the role

• Tertiary qualification in relevant disciplines (mathematics, operations research, engineering, physics etc) and ideally relevant industry experience.
• Good working knowledge in using power systems analysis tools including the ability to use computer simulation tools for at least load flow and fault level calculation (e.g. PSS/E, Power Factory, or PSCAD).
• Demonstrated capability in producing high‑quality reports for external stakeholders and management, supported by strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, databases, and introductory programming experience.
• Knowledge and experience in transmission substation design, cost-benefit assessment, and probability-based investment decisions.
• General understanding of electrical power systems, their design and operation, with basic working knowledge of electrical and control system theory.

Please note, to be considered for this role, you will need to have two years or more engineering related work experience post-graduation.

In return some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working: work from home, part time,job share, hybrid options,and additional leave options
• Professional development via projects, industry networks,job rotation, study assistance and more.
• Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process

At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at ******@aemo.com.au