Principal Automation Systems Engineer

ActewAGL Distribution; Canberra; On-site; AUD 172,000 - 211,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free gym membership

Onsite physio

Job summary

Evoenergy is seeking a Principal Automation System Engineer to lead SCADA and substation automation initiatives in the ACT. You will guide solution development, design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of critical automation across networks, ensuring safety, reliability and regulatory compliance.

You will coach a high-performing team, drive strategic automation projects, and ensure architectures align with standards while engaging stakeholders across the business.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

SCADA systems

Automation leadership

Cyber security

Project management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Engineering degree (Electrical/Telecommunications/IT)

Tools

IEC 61850

DNP3

Modbus

HMI design

SCADA architectures

Job description

• 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