Principal Engineer - Primary Design (Hv Substations)

Conpower; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Above-market salary

Annual bonus

Flexible working options

Study assistance

Parental leave

Leave purchases

Salary packaging

Phone / laptop provided

Employee referral program

AI capability access

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

CPP is a leading Australian engineering contractor with a large in-house design team delivering HV infrastructure nationwide.

As the Principal Primary Engineer, you will lead HV substation designs from concept through to construction, mentor engineers, and contribute to major projects across the country. You will apply expertise in system studies, insulation coordination, and HV equipment specifications to ensure safe, reliable power solutions.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-voltage substation designs from concept through to construction support
• Mentor and support upcoming Engineers while staying involved in technical skills and studies
• Produce detailed engineering studies in HV areas and contribute to project execution

Job description

Job Description

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
• Insulation Coordination Studies
• 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
• Short Circuit Forces
• Lightning protection
• Lighting studies
• Understanding of substation equipment layouts
• Preparing high voltage equipment specifications

Qualifications

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
• Expertise in substation design
• 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

Additional Information

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.