Principal Power System Engineer

Brunel; Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Brunel is seeking a Principal Power Systems Engineer to join our Australian power generation team. You will own facility modelling and grid connection packages with ~70% hands-on work and 30% mentoring, operating in a close-knit group.

You will collaborate with network service providers and OEMs, applying advanced modelling and scripting to deliver timely grid connections across diverse projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in power system studies and grid connections.
• Expert-level PowerFactory and PSS/E with PSCAD/EMT experience.
• Strong Python scripting for study automation.

Responsibilities

• Build project-specific facility models for solar, wind and BESS projects.
• Develop, tune and validate RMS and EMT models in PowerFactory, PSS/E and PSCAD.
• Prepare and submit full grid connection and GPS packages.
• Run load flow, fault level, system strength, low SCR, dynamic performance and power quality studies.
• Tune PPC, inverter and microgrid controller settings to achieve performance.
• Write and maintain Python scripts to automate studies.
• Work through connection requirements in the NEM, the WEM, the NT and off-grid systems.
• Review the team's work and help develop a junior engineer.
• Collaborate with network service providers, OEMs and internal teams to resolve issues.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Grid connection analysis

Python scripting

Delivery-focused

Hands-on problem solving

Team collaboration

Australian working rights

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PowerFactory

PSS/E

PSCAD

Python scripting

Job description

Location: Brisbane (preferred) or Perth. Hybrid: 3 days in the office, 2 from home.

Type: Permanent, full-time

The opportunity

Our client is an established Australian independent power producer. They develop, build and operate remote power generation, including solar, wind and battery storage, with projects in the Northern Territory, on island grids and in the eastern states.

They're looking for a Principal Power Systems Engineer to join their small power systems team. You'll be the subject matter expert, with ownership of facility modelling and grid connection packages from start to submission. The role is about 70% hands-on technical work and 30% reviewing and mentoring. There are no direct reports and no tender or BD work.

It suits a hands-on doer who gets packages out the door, can hold their own technically, and enjoys being part of a close team.

What you'll do

• Build project-specific facility models for solar, wind and BESS projects by combining and adapting OEM vendor models.
• Develop, tune and validate RMS and EMT models in PowerFactory, PSS/E and PSCAD, and deliver them in the format each network service provider or client needs.
• Prepare and submit full grid connection and GPS packages, so the network service provider can run the model for compliance.
• Run load flow, fault level, system strength, low SCR, dynamic performance and power quality studies.
• Tune PPC, inverter and microgrid controller settings to get the required performance.
• Write and maintain Python scripts to automate studies.
• Work through connection requirements in the NEM, the WEM, the NT and off-grid systems.
• Review the team's work and help develop a junior engineer.
• Work with network service providers, OEMs and internal design and project teams to resolve technical issues.

What you'll bring

• At least 10 years' industry experience in power system studies and grid connections.
• Expert-level PowerFactory and PSS/E, plus solid PSCAD/EMT experience.
• A proven ability to build and modify OEM models, not only integrate models supplied by developers.
• Strong Python scripting for study automation (essential).
• A sound understanding of grid connection processes across Australian jurisdictions.
• OEM experience is highly regarded.
• A practical, delivery-focused approach. You take ownership, drive outcomes and can hold the room on technical issues.
• An approachable team player who wants to help build a growing team.
• Full Australian working rights. Visa sponsorship isn't available.

Why apply

• A highly technical role: you'll do the modelling yourself, with no people management or BD.
• A varied pipeline across remote, island-grid and NEM-connected projects.
• A small, collaborative team where your expertise makes a real difference.