Principal Engineer - Generator Performance Standards

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO); Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Professional development

Volunteer leave

Performance bonus

Wellness program

Job summary

AEMO invites a degree-qualified Electrical Engineer to join WA Operations to deliver power system analysis, modelling and reporting that supports SWIS security and reliability during energy transition.

You will lead GPS framework governance, engage regulators and industry stakeholders, and provide expert advice on generator performance and compliance. This role can be based in multiple WA sites.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified electrical engineer with power system expertise.
• Experience in power system operations, networks and connection processes.
• Ability to produce high‑quality technical reports and analyses.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and governance of GPS framework for SWIS.
• Drive GPS-related market rule changes with regulators and stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership on generator performance and commissioning.
• Lead complex negotiations with network providers and market participants.
• Oversee compliance audits and generator performance investigations.
• Serve as SME on generator performance for operations and engineering teams.
• Coordinate priorities, build capability and influence industry practices.

Skills

Power systems expertise

Generator performance

Regulatory liaison

Technical reporting

Communication skills

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSCAD

Python

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSCAD

Python

Job description

AEMO at the Heart of Energy 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.

Division: Western Australia

Department: WA Operations

Reference number: 13200

Engagement type: Permanent

AEMO at the Heart of Energy 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

This role is responsible for delivering power system analysis, modelling and technical reporting to support the security, reliability and resilience of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) during a period of rapid energy transformation. Working at the forefront of the energy transition, you will provide engineering expertise and strategic insights to identify and address emerging system challenges, helping enable a secure, sustainable and reliable energy future for Western Australia.

This position can be based at any AEMO office in melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead the development, governance and continuous improvement of AEMO's Generator Performance Standards (GPS) Framework across the SWIS.
• Drive GPS-related market rule changes, working closely with regulators, government agencies and industry stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership for the assessment of generator performance standards, commissioning requirements and generator modifications.
• Lead complex technical negotiations and stakeholder engagement with network providers, market participants and industry bodies.
• Oversee compliance audits, generator performance investigations and the resolution of non-compliance issues.
• Act as the trusted subject matter expert on generator performance, providing specialist advice to operational and engineering teams.
• Coordinate team priorities, build workforce capability and influence industry practices to support a secure and reliable energy future for Western Australia.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Degree-qualified in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with expertise in power systems.
• Extensive experience in power system operations, networks, generator performance and connection processes.
• Strong understanding of power system performance, compliance requirements and generator connection assessments.
• Proven ability to influence and negotiate solutions to complex technical issues across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated experience preparing high-quality technical reports, managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes.
• Proficiency with power system modelling and analysis tools such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD and Python.

Benefits

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).

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 requireme nt s to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us a t [e-mail]