Grid Connection Engineer

NES Fircroft; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a Senior Grid Connection Engineer to drive grid connection studies for renewable energy projects across Australia. You will lead modelling work using PSCAD and PSS E, coordinate with AEMO and NSPs, and ensure compliance with NER/NEM frameworks.

You will mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to accelerate project delivery. The role requires strong power systems experience, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to regulatory changes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or MasterA0s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in power systems and grid connection in the NEM.
• Advanced user of PSCAD and PSSAE, with RMS/EMT modelling.
• Experience with GPS negotiations and AEMO/NSP interactions.
• Knowledge of the NER, NEM frameworks, and grid connection processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver grid connection studies for renewable energy and storage projects from pre-feasibility through to commissioning.
• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed power system models using PSCAD and PSSE, including RMS and EMT simulations.
• Interface with AEMO and NSPs for connection applications, responses to R0/R1/R2, and GPS negotiations.
• Conduct and review power system studies: load flow, short circuit, contingency, frequency, and dynamic performance assessments.
• Prepare and submit technical documentation including GPS, PSCAD reports.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Support project teams in due diligence, design, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes and evolving AEMO modelling and connection processes.
• Contribute to strategic grid connection planning across the development pipeline in Australia.

Skills

Power systems

GPS negotiations

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Python/MATLAB/PSCAD Fortran

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSCAD

PSSA0E

AEMO interactions

Job description

This business constructs and manages renewable energy projects across the globe. With a strong presence in Australia, they are at the forefront of the energy transition, delivering large-scale wind, solar, and energy storage solutions. This combined developer and OEM prides itself on innovation, technical excellence, and driving the future of sustainable energy.

Position Overview

As a senior grid connection engineer, you will play a key role in the technical delivery and grid connection of renewable energy projects across Australia. You will support and lead grid connection studies, liaise with AEMO and NSPs, and ensure compliance with the National Electricity Rules (NER). This role requires deep expertise in power system modelling and analysis using PSCAD and PSS®E.

You will report directly to the Head of Grid and collaborate closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to accelerate the deployment of renewable energy assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver grid connection studies for renewable energy and storage projects from pre-feasibility through to commissioning.
• Develop, validate, and maintain detailed power system models using PSCAD and PSS®E, including RMS and EMT simulations.
• Interface with AEMO and NSPs for connection applications, responses to R0/R1/R2, and GPS negotiations.
• Conduct and review power system studies: load flow, short circuit, contingency, frequency, and dynamic performance assessments.
• Prepare and submit technical documentation including GPS, PSCAD reports
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Support project teams in due diligence, design, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Stay up to date with regulatory changes and evolving AEMO modelling and connection processes.
• Contribute to strategic grid connection planning across the development pipeline in Australia.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 4+ years of experience in power systems and grid connection in the NEM.
• Advanced user of PSCAD and PSS®E, with a deep understanding of RMS and EMT modelling.
• Proven experience with GPS negotiations and AEMO/NSP interactions.
• Knowledge of the NER, NEM frameworks, and grid connection processes.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to coordinate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with renewable energy technologies: wind, solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Understanding of protection coordination and control systems.
• Experience in commissioning support and model validation.
• Programming or scripting experience (e.g. Python, MATLAB, PSCAD Fortran) a plus.