Principal Engineer - Primary Design (HV Substations)

Quanta Services Australia; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market salary

Annual bonus

Hybrid work-from-home

Study assistance

Parental leave

Purchased leave

Salary packaging

Device choice (iPhone/Samsung)

Referral bonus

AI capability access

Discount program

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

CPP, a leading HV substation specialist in Australia, seeks a Principal Primary Engineer to drive high-voltage substation design from concept through construction across national projects. You will shape primary electrical designs for renewables, wind farms, and storage systems, with a focus on practical, constructible solutions.

You will lead system studies (load flow, short circuit, arc flash) and collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in HV electrical industry in a similar role.
• Hands-on experience in Arc Flash, Insulation Coordination Studies or Earthing.
• Power system study experience including lightning, lighting, short circuit, load flow etc.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-voltage substation projects from concept through construction support.
• Conduct system studies: load flow, short circuit, arc flash, LV protection coordination.
• Design conductor sizing, busbar sizing and substation equipment layouts as part of primary design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across electrical, civil, structural and SCADA disciplines.

Skills

Arc Flash experience

Insulation coordination

Earthing experience

Power system studies

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Power Engineering knowledge

Job description

Principal Engineer - Primary Design (HV Substations)

• Full-time
• Job Type: Standard

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 #157 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 850 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.

CPP has the largest in-house design and engineering team of any contractor in Australia, with over 170 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

As a Principal Primary Engineer at CPP, you will play a key role in delivering high-voltage substation projects that support the growth of Australia’s renewable energy and utility sectors. Your expertise will contribute to the successful execution of complex, large-scale infrastructure projects across the country, ensuring high-quality, technically sound primary electrical designs from concept through to construction support.

• System Studies, including Load Flow, Short Circuit, Arc Flash and Low Voltage Protection Coordination
• Earthing System Designs, EMF and LFI Designs
• High Voltage cable sizing

In addition to the above you should also have a solid foundation in a range of primary design engineering skills, including but not limited to:

• Conductor and busbar sizing
• Understanding of substation equipment layouts
• Preparing high voltage equipment specifications

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess:

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience performing in a similar role in the HV electrical industry
• Hands on experience in either Arc Flash, Insulation Coordination Studies or Earthing
• Power system study experience (not reviewing) including lightning, lighting, short circuit, load flow etc

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. With a strong history of providing clear career progression, we promote from within, offering pathways from Engineer, to Senior, Principal, leadership positions and beyond.

Benefits include:

• Above-market salary package with annual reviews
• Annual bonus, discretionary based on individual and business performance
• We offer flexible working options, with the ability to work from home
• 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
• Enjoy a range of salary packaging benefits, including novated leases, airport lounge memberships and exclusive Qantas Club offers.
• Choice between an iPhone or Samsung mobile & design specked engineering laptop and software
• Generous employee referral program up to $4,000
• We actively invest in AI capability, providing access to premium AI subscriptions to help you work smarter, solve complex problems and deliver better outcomes
• 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

CPP is an equal opportunity employer that fosters a culture of achievement, personal development and offers a diverse, safe and supportive work environment.