Principal Automation Systems Engineer

Evoenergy ACT; Canberra; On-site; AUD 172,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Onsite physio

Job summary

Evoenergy ACT is seeking a Principal Automation System Engineer to lead its SCADA and automation portfolio. You will guide design, commissioning, and maintenance across substations and field devices, ensuring safety, reliability and compliance.

You will drive innovative automation solutions for major projects, manage interdependencies, and strengthen governance across design and operation. A degree in engineering is required, with ACT registration eligibility.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, IT or related field with eligibility for professional engineering membership and ACT registration.
• Extensive experience in SCADA and substation automation systems: design, implementation, commissioning and integration.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA communications and related protocols (IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus).
• Experience in project management, strategic planning and electrical protection systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing SCADA and Automation team, fostering safety and continuous improvement.
• Define and deliver the SCADA and Automation program of work, ensuring safety, efficiency and schedule adherence.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SCADA and automation strategies in line with standards, policies and procedures.
• Oversee design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and performance of SCADA and IEC 61850 substation automation systems.
• Ensure system reliability, cyber security, compliance and stakeholder engagement while providing expert technical leadership.

Skills

SCADA

Substation automation

IEC 61850

Cyber security

Networking

HMI design

Project management

Electrical network protection systems

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical/Telecommunications/IT)

Tools

IEC 61850

DNP3

Modbus

Job description

• Salary starting at $191,640 + 16% Superannuation
• Free gym membership + onsite physio
• Ongoing, Full time position

• Salary starting at $191,640 + 16% Superannuation
• Free gym membership + onsite physio
• Ongoing, Full time position

As the Principal Automation System Engineer in the Network Delivery Group at Evoenergy you will Lead solution development, design, implementation, commissioning, maintenance and defect rectification for Evoenergy’s SCADA and automation systems. In this senior technical leadership role, you will ensure SCADA and substation automation systems are safe, reliable, compliant and fit for purpose.

Provide technical expertise and guidance to your team and stakeholders across the business. Drive innovative automation solutions for Evoenergy’s major customer, network augmentation and major asset renewal projects, ensuring operational excellence, regulatory compliance and readiness for future network needs. Manage interdependencies across projects and programs, build organisational capability, and strengthen best-practice processes and governance across the design, commissioning, operation and maintenance portfolios.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing SCADA and Automation team, fostering a strong safety culture and continuous improvement.
• Define and deliver the SCADA and Automation program of work, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to schedule.
• Develop, implement, and maintain SCADA and automation strategies, architectures in line with the relevant standards, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and performance of SCADA and IEC 61850 substation automation systems.
• Ensure system reliability, cyber security, compliance, and stakeholder engagement while providing expert technical leadership and advice.
• Other duties within the employee's skill, competence and training.

Please see the attached position descriptions to view the full list of responsibilities for these roles.

Our Ideal Candidate

• Degree in Engineering, Telecommunications, IT, or a related discipline, with eligibility for professional engineering membership and ACT registration.
• Extensive experience in SCADA and substation automation systems, including design, implementation, commissioning, and integration.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA communications, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, cyber security, networking, databases, and HMI design.
• Demonstrated capability in project management, strategic planning, and electrical network protection systems.
• You take active steps to ensure the safety of your colleagues and our community, championing a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.

About Evoenergy

We own, maintain and operate the electricity distribution network in the ACT and the gas network in the ACT and parts of NSW. We supply safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity to over 200,000 residential and business electricity customers, and over 140,000 gas customers.

At Evoenergy, we’re focused on safety, reliability, innovation and sustainability. We boast a positive safety culture that encourages and inspires, because the work we do matters to thousands of Canberrans.

We’re an Equal Opportunity Employer and embrace a diverse, inclusive, and respective culture, where people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We welcome people with diverse skills, experiences, perspectives and backgrounds – and encourage applications regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability.

Thinking of moving in Canberra?

The ACT is Australia's best kept secret. Canberra’s location offers easy access to the South Coast and snowfields, making it perfect for an outdoor and adventure based lifestyle. Learn more about the territory through our website!

Applications close: 12th November 2026

Please note: the successful applicant must have, or be willing to obtain, an AusCheck background check. For more information on AusCheck background checks, please see information available from Department of Home Affairs