Principal Engineer, Power Systems and Team Lead

NES Fircroft; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft is seeking a Principal Power Systems Engineer – a senior leadership role based in Melbourne. You will steer complex power systems studies, oversee grid connection projects and champion technical excellence across the Victorian market.

You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, mentor engineers, liaise with AEMO and NSPs, and contribute to business development with major energy clients.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years' experience in power systems engineering and technical leadership.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) or equivalent.
• Extensive knowledge of NER, NSP requirements and AEMO processes.
• Experience in power systems analysis, grid connection engineering.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior power systems technical authority within the Victorian team.
• Lead power systems studies including load flow, fault level, stability and power quality.
• Review and approve engineering designs, technical reports and deliverables.
• Engage with AEMO and NSPs to oversee compliance and reviews.
• Lead multiple complex projects with scope, schedule and budget management.
• Mentor and develop senior power systems engineers and graduates.
• Support business development and client relationships in Victoria.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Leadership

Client engagement

Quality assurance

Project management

Education

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering

CPEng accreditation

Tools

PSS/E

PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

Principal Engineer, Power Systems and Team Lead

Principal Power Systems Engineer – Full Time - NES Fircroft

Role Overview

The Principal Power Systems Engineer is responsible for leading complex power systems engineering programs, providing technical oversight and quality assurance of engineering deliverables, and supporting technical capability, client relationships and business development within the Victorian power market.

The role involves the planning, analysis and technical review of electrical power systems and associated grid connection infrastructure, ensuring engineering solutions support reliable, compliant and efficient electricity transmission, distribution and generation.

Key Responsibilities and Role Duties

Power Systems Technical Authority and Delivery

• Act as the senior power systems technical authority within the Victorian team, providing technical direction and oversight across complex engineering assignments.
• Lead the planning, analysis and delivery of power systems studies, including load flow, fault level, stability and power quality analyses.
• Review and approve power systems engineering designs, technical reports and other engineering deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, quality and compliance.
• Assess electrical network capacity, system performance and reinforcement requirements, developing engineering solutions to support reliable and compliant power transmission and distribution.
• Provide specialist technical advice on complex grid connection, renewable energy and electrification projects, including associated electrical infrastructure.
• Apply comprehensive knowledge of the National Electricity Rules (NER), Network Service Provider (NSP) technical requirements and relevant Australian power systems standards.
• Lead technical reviews, engage with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and NSPs, and oversee power systems compliance assessments.
• Develop and maintain power systems engineering standards, processes and methodologies to support consistent and effective technical delivery.

Project Leadership and Client Advisory

• Lead the delivery of multiple complex power systems engineering and grid connection projects across Victoria.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, technical risks and quality requirements across assigned engineering programs.
• Provide specialist power systems engineering and advisory services to major energy and infrastructure clients.
• Liaise with clients, NSPs and AEMO at a senior technical level to resolve complex engineering issues and support project outcomes.
• Contribute to business development activities, including proposal preparation, client relationship management and identifying new opportunities within the Victorian power market.
• Ensure engineering solutions address project requirements, applicable technical standards and relevant regulatory obligations.

Team Leadership and Capability Development

• Lead, mentor and develop senior power systems engineers, engineers and graduate engineers within the Victorian team.
• Strengthen team capability through technical training, mentoring and knowledge sharing.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on technical excellence, client service and continuous improvement.
• Support the development of technical capability, consistent engineering practices and professional growth across the team.
• Provide technical guidance and review to support the quality and consistency of engineering work undertaken by the team.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Comply with workplace health and safety policies, procedures and applicable legislation.
• Promptly report incidents, hazards and potential risks to the relevant manager and HSEQ team.
• Participate in required health and safety training and promote safe working practices.
• Direct, monitor and review work practices within the area of responsibility to support a safe working environment.
• Ensure engineering activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant work health and safety legislation and safe work practices.
• Take reasonable care for personal health and safety and that of others in the workplace.
• Review safety procedures and practices regularly and identify opportunities for improvement.

Education and Professional Background

• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) accreditation or equivalent is required.
• Minimum 15 years' experience in power systems engineering, with demonstrated technical leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of the National Electricity Rules (NER), NSP technical requirements and relevant Australian power systems standards.
• Demonstrated experience in power systems analysis, electrical network assessment and grid connection engineering.
• Proficiency in power systems analysis software, including PSS®E, PowerFactory and/or PSCAD.

Core Competencies

• Specialist expertise in power systems analysis, including load flow, fault level, stability and power quality studies.
• Strong understanding of electrical transmission, distribution and generation systems, including associated grid connection infrastructure.
• Comprehensive understanding of NER requirements, NSP technical standards and AEMO processes.
• Proven experience leading complex power systems engineering and grid connection projects.
• Demonstrated ability to assess network capacity, system performance and electrical infrastructure reinforcement requirements.
• Ability to engage effectively with clients, NSPs and AEMO at senior technical levels.
• Strong people leadership skills, including experience mentoring and developing power systems engineering teams.
• Excellent technical report writing, engineering review and quality assurance capabilities.
• Strong project management skills, including oversight of scope, schedule, budget and technical delivery.
• Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to client engagement and business

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.