Principal Engineer - Primary Design (HV Substations)

Conpower; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market salary package

Annual bonus

Hybrid work options

Study assistance

Parental leave (16 weeks primary) & 6–

Purchased leave (2 weeks)

Salary packaging benefits

Job summary

CPP is seeking a Principal Primary Engineer to lead high-voltage substation design across Australia. You will deliver complex HV designs, mentor engineers, and work closely with construction teams to ensure robust, buildable solutions for renewable energy projects.

You will contribute to system studies, earthing, and cable sizing while promoting innovation and design excellence. A hybrid work setup and strong career progression are offered.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in HV substation design and power systems studies.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-voltage substation designs from concept through construction support.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to technical studies and design reviews.
• Collaborate with construction/operations to ensure practical, high-quality designs.

Skills

System Studies (Load Flow/Short-Circ)

Earthing System Design

HV Cable Sizing

Conductor & Busbar Sizing

Substation Layouts

Power System Studies (not just review)

Education

Bachelor/Master in Electrical/Power Engineering

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.

You will mentor and support upcoming Engineers whilst remaining involved in technical engineering skills and studies for projects. We are looking for engineers with proven experience in 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
• 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 similarrolein 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.

• 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.