Principal Electrical Engineer - HV / Primary

ACCIONA; Australia; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible location

Annual pay review and discretionary bonus

Income protection

Salary packaging and Novated leases

Competitive paid parental leave

Job summary

A global infrastructure company is seeking a skilled HV Primary Engineer to contribute to the design and delivery of high-voltage systems across Australia. The role involves creating robust designs that align with safety and regulatory standards, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Candidates should have extensive experience in HV substation design, with strong skills in insulation coordination and proficiency in HV design tools. This position offers flexible location options and a commitment to sustainable infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years senior experience in HV design.
• Proven expertise in primary and substation design.
• Solid understanding of HV equipment specifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop robust and compliant HV designs.
• Lead problem-solving efforts for technical challenges.
• Mentor teams and improve design quality.

Skills

HV substation and primary system design

Insulation coordination

Proficiency in HV design tools

Mentoring teams on design controls

Problem-solving complex technical challenges

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Chartered status (RPEV, RPEQ, NER, CPEng)

Tools

Cymcap

EMTP

CDEGS

Job description

ACCIONA is a global company, leading in the development of regenerative infrastructure that creates a positive impact on society. Our workforce consists of more than 41,500 professionals, present in more than 40 countries across the five continents, all contributing in our mission to design a better planet. Are you a passionate individual who wants to make a difference, promote sustainable development, and find solutions to the biggest global challenges, including climate change, overpopulation, and water scarcity? Come and join us in building the infrastructure our planet needs to achieve a sustainable future.

ACCIONA Mechanical & Electrical is a specialist division within ACCIONA, delivering end‑to‑end mechanical and electrical design, construction, installation and commissioning services that support the transition to a low‑carbon future. With a strong presence across Australia, we contribute to some of the nation’s most impactful infrastructure projects – from renewable energy and transmission networks to sustainable transport systems and water infrastructure. Our work is grounded in ACCIONA’s global commitment to sustainability, innovation and social progress. We’re looking for passionate professionals who want to help shape a better planet through smarter, cleaner infrastructure. If you’re ready to be part of a purpose‑driven team building the foundations of a more sustainable Australia, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

• Australian Location – Flexible depending on the applicant’s location
• Annual pay review and discretionary bonus
• Income protection
• Salary packaging and Novated leases
• Competitive paid parental leave

The Position

ACCIONA is seeking a skilled and motivated HV Primary Engineer to support the design, development and delivery of high‑voltage (HV) primary systems for substations and transmission infrastructure across Australia. In this technical role you will contribute to the engineering of critical infrastructure projects that enable the transition to clean energy. You will be responsible for developing robust and compliant HV designs, ensuring alignment with safety, environmental and regulatory standards and delivering practical, constructible solutions.

Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams – including civil, structural, protection and secondary systems engineers – you will help deliver integrated outcomes for clients in the utility, renewable energy and infrastructure sectors. Your expertise will support projects from concept through to commissioning within an EPC or D&C environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Validate and resolve design conflicts, ensuring systems meet performance, reliability and regulatory standards
• Lead the development of innovative and sustainable designs aligned with client and industry expectations, applying RAM principles to enhance system maintainability, availability and reliability
• Ensure engineering system processes are integrated seamlessly, resolving major design control challenges
• Mentor teams on design controls and systems engineering, proactively improving design quality and efficiency
• Align systems engineering with project objectives, leading collaboration across engineering disciplines for integrated design, managing and verifying project requirements
• Lead problem‑solving efforts for complex technical challenges, balancing project constraints such as cost, time and quality, identifying and implementing innovative solutions to optimise designs, improve constructability and enhance operational performance

Qualifications and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Chartered status (including RPEV, RPEQ, NER & CPEng) or the ability to achieve within six months of commencing – desirable
• 10+ years senior experience in HV substation and primary system design (including 220kV or higher), with a preference for candidates with five or more years in field‑based roles
• Proven expertise in primary and substation detailed design, grid connections and compliance with Australian and international standards
• Skilled in insulation coordination, EMF, earthing and lightning protection, proficient in HV design tools including Cymcap, EMTP and CDEGS
• Solid understanding of HV equipment specifications, secondary systems and civil/structural interfaces and the ability to produce clear and accurate technical documentation
• Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor and/or TNSP experience is highly regarded but not essential

ACCIONA Mechanical & Electrical is growing, and we’re excited about what’s ahead. If this particular role isn’t the right fit for your skills and experience, but you have a background in transmission or substations, we would still love to hear from you. Reach out directly to Michelle Ackland at [e-mail] – we’re always keen to connect with passionate professionals who share our vision for sustainable infrastructure.