Principal Engineer - Primary

Quanta Services Australia; Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market salary

Annual bonus

Study assistance

Parental leave

Purchased leave

AI capability access

Referral program

Discounts program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

CPP is seeking a Principal Primary Engineer to lead high‑voltage substation design and support CPP’s expansion of a new Perth engineering team. You will provide hands‑on design expertise and leadership while collaborating with existing construction and operations groups.

Based in Perth or willing to relocate, you will travel to project sites and interfacing with key stakeholders to deliver major transmission and renewable projects.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical/Power Engineering and Chartered status.
• 10+ years in HV power transmission industry.
• Proven ability to produce detailed engineering studies in HV systems.
• Based in Perth or willing to relocate with relocation assistance.

Responsibilities

• Lead production of detailed engineering studies (system studies, earthing, insulation coordination, HV cable sizing).
• Apply advanced primary design skills (conductor/busbar sizing, short-circuit, lightning studies, layouts, specs).
• Foster knowledge sharing and grow CPP's Perth engineering team.
• Travel interstate to project sites to build stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Power Engineering

Leadership

Relocation

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Power Engineering degree

Chartered status or eligible

Job description

CPP is a leading high-voltage infrastructure provider, connecting renewable energy projects to Australia’s electricity grid.

As a member of Quanta Services, a Fortune 500 company ranked #192 on the NYSX, we specialise in the design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of substations, transmission lines, wind farms, and battery storage systems.

Established in 1996, we’ve connected more wind farms and renewable batteries than any other company. With over 900 employees and offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth, we partner with Australia’s major transmission providers to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions.

Join us in shaping the future of energy.

Job Description

CPP has the largest in-house design and engineering team of any contractor in Australia, with over 200 specialists across Electrical Primary and Secondary, Civil, Structural, and SCADA disciplines. We provide end-to-end engineering solutions for high-voltage infrastructure, including nationally significant transmission projects, HV substations, wind farms and battery storage systems that drive Australia’s renewable energy transition.

Our engineers work closely with construction and operations teams, ensuring designs are practical, constructible, and continually refined through real-world feedback. With a commitment to innovation and excellence, we deliver solutions that support a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy future.

The Opportunity

Step into a career-defining role as Principal Primary Engineer at CPP, where you will play a key role in delivering high-voltage substation projects that support the growth of Australia’s renewable energy and utility sectors. Reporting to the Engineering Manager, WA you will be instrumental in helping establish and grow our new Perth engineering team, while providing hands‑on design expertise and leadership.

Key focus areas include:

• Lead the production of detailed engineering studies (e.g., system studies, earthing, insulation coordination, HV cable sizing)
• Apply advanced primary design skills (e.g., conductor/busbar sizing, short circuit forces, lightning/lighting studies, substation layouts, equipment specifications)
• Foster a collaborative, knowledge‑sharing environment to support team capability growth and play an active role in embedding CPP in our newest location
• Undertake interstate travel to offices and project sites to build strong relationships with key stakeholders – critical to long‑term integration and success.

Qualifications

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering or equivalent & Chartered Status (or the ability to achieve upon commencement)
• 10+ years experience in the HV power transmission industry
• Demonstrated proficiencyperforming in a similar role in the HV electrical industryProven backgroundin producing (not only reviewing) detailed engineering studies in a minimum of one of the following areas:
  • System Studies, including Load Flow, Short Circuit, Arc Flash and Low Voltage Protection Coordination
  • Earthing System Designs, EMF and LFI Designs
  • Insulation Coordination Studies
  • High Voltage cable sizing
• Expertise in primary engineering design, including conductor and busbar sizing, short circuit forces, lightning protection and studies, equipment layouts, and preparing HV equipment specifications)
• Natural leadership qualities and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Based in Perth or willing to relocate (relocation assistance available to those interstate)

Additional Information

Be rewarded at CPP.

At CPP, we value our people above all else. We’re dedicated to investing in and developing your talent to help you reach your full potential. By joining us, you’ll have the opportunity to work on industry‑leading projects and access the latest technologies. We foster a culture of innovation and welcome fresh ideas – if you're ready to challenge the status quo, we want you to be part of our team.

Benefits include:

• Above-market salary package with annual reviews
• Annual bonus, discretionary based on individual and business performance
• Access to study assistance for continuous development, and a strong focus on internal promotions to help you grow within
• 16 weeks paid primary parental leave and 6 weeks paid secondary parental leave
• Up to 2 weeks of purchased leave
• We actively invest in AI capability, providing access to premium AI subscriptions to help you work smarter, solve complex problems and deliver better outcomes
• Generous employee referral program up to $4,000
• Access to an extensive benefits and discounts program with savings at over 400 retailers
• Free Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, supporting physical, mental, and financial wellbeing

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