Principal Power Systems Engineer

NES Fircroft; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

NES Fircroft in Brisbane is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead power systems and grid connection activities. You will act as a technical authority, oversee studies, manage the Brisbane team, and collaborate with clients on renewable energy and large-scale projects.

The role requires a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), CPEng accreditation, and proven leadership. You will guide project delivery, ensure compliance with NER/AEMO, and develop engineering standards while mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) or equivalent.
• CPEng accreditation required.
• Extensive experience in power systems engineering and grid connection projects.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficiency with PSS E, PowerFactory or PSCAD.

Responsibilities

• Act as senior technical authority for power systems and grid connection projects.
• Lead multiple power systems studies and grid connection projects.
• Prepare and review technical reports and connection documentation.
• Mentor and develop Brisbane power systems engineers.
• Support client relationships and business development.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Grid connection projects

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

NER/AEMO knowledge

Power systems software

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)

CPEng accreditation

Tools

PSS E

PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

Principal Engineer, Power Systems and Team Lead (Full Time)
Brisbane, QLD

NES Fircroft is seeking an experienced Principal Engineer, Power Systems and Team Lead to join a growing Power & Electrification team in Brisbane.

This role combines high-level technical leadership in power systems engineering and grid connections with responsibility for leading and developing a team of engineers. The successful candidate will act as a recognised technical authority across power system studies, grid connection applications, network compliance and renewable energy projects, while supporting the growth and capability of the Brisbane team.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Power Systems Engineering

• Act as the senior technical authority for power systems and grid connection engineering projects.
• Lead and oversee power system studies, including load flow, fault level, dynamic modelling, system strength and Generator Performance Standards (GPS) assessments.
• Review and approve technical reports, engineering studies, models and connection documentation.
• Assess grid capacity, network constraints and connection feasibility for renewable energy, battery storage and large industrial load projects.
• Ensure compliance with the National Electricity Rules (NER), AEMO requirements and Network Service Provider (NSP) standards.
• Provide expert technical advice to clients on complex electrical network and grid connection matters.
• Develop and maintain engineering standards, methodologies and quality assurance processes.

Grid Connection & Stakeholder Management

• Lead grid connection activities from feasibility through to commissioning.
• Prepare and manage connection applications with transmission and distribution network providers.
• Coordinate responses to technical information requests from AEMO and Network Service Providers.
• Act as the primary technical liaison with AEMO, TNSPs, DNSPs, OEMs and project stakeholders.
• Participate in technical workshops, negotiations and compliance assessments.

Project Delivery

• Lead multiple power systems and grid connection projects simultaneously.
• Manage project scope, technical deliverables, schedules and engineering risk.
• Support procurement, commissioning and project execution activities.
• Assist in resolving technical issues during design, construction and commissioning phases.
• Ensure engineering solutions are practical, compliant and aligned with client requirements.

Team Leadership & Capability Development

• Lead, mentor and develop power systems engineers and graduate engineers.
• Build and strengthen the Brisbane-based power systems capability.
• Drive technical excellence, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support workforce planning, resource management and team development activities.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture.

Business Development

• Support proposal preparation and client relationship management activities.
• Identify opportunities within the Australian power, renewables and electrification markets.
• Provide technical input into project pursuits and business growth initiatives.

Health, Safety and Environment

• Comply with workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
• Promote safe work practices and continuous improvement in HSEQ performance.
• Ensure engineering activities are completed in accordance with applicable legislation and company requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) or equivalent.
• CPEng accreditation or equivalent is required.
• Extensive experience in power systems engineering and grid connection projects.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex power systems studies and engineering programs.
• Strong understanding of the National Electricity Rules (NER), AEMO processes and Network Service Provider requirements.
• Advanced experience using power systems software such as PSS E, PowerFactory and/or PSCAD.
• Experience working on renewable energy, battery energy storage, transmission or large-scale electrical infrastructure projects.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills.

Preferred Experience

• Renewable energy generation projects.
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Utility-scale solar and wind projects.
• Transmission and distribution network planning.
• Grid connection and compliance management.
• Team leadership and mentoring.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining andManufacturingsectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.