Principal Power Systems Engineer

Jacobs; City of Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs in Melbourne seeks a Principal Power Systems Engineer to lead complex power systems studies and advisory engagements across Australia, New Zealand and the broader APAC region, delivering high‑impact technical leadership.

You will guide network planning and compliance studies for technologies including BESS, wind, solar, hydrogen, and electrification projects, while mentoring junior engineers and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Significant experience delivering power system studies in consultancy, utility or energy sectors.
• Strong expertise with PSS/E, PSCAD and DIgSILENT PowerFactory; knowledge of network connections and renewable integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver complex power system studies and advisory projects.
• Provide technical direction for network connection, compliance, planning and performance assessments.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers within the Studies Team.
• Engage clients, develop proposals and support business growth in APAC.

Skills

Power System Studies

EMT Studies

Earthing Studies

PSS/E

PSCAD

PowerFactory

Python

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PSCAD

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

• Hydrogen Projects

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, our Studies Team sits at the forefront of the energy transition, helping clients navigate the technical complexities of transforming and future‑proofing power networks across Australia, New Zealand and the wider Asia Pacific region.

Specialist expertise

• Power System Advisory
• Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Studies
• Earthing Studies

Together, we support developers, utilities, transmission and distribution network service providers, renewable energy companies, asset owners and large industrial customers in delivering reliable, secure and sustainable energy infrastructure.

Our team provides industry‑leading technical consulting services across the project lifecycle, from early feasibility and development through to market and commercial assessments, network connection studies, detailed design support, compliance assessment, commissioning, asset performance and future network planning. Working closely with our Markets Advisory specialists, we help clients evaluate project viability, market participation opportunities and investment decisions for generation, storage and transmission developments.

We are involved in some of the region's most significant energy projects including renewable generation, battery energy storage systems (BESS), transmission infrastructure, hydrogen developments, network augmentation programmes and emerging electrification opportunities. Our work spans feasibility studies, due diligence assessments, marginal loss factor (MLF) analysis, network connection studies, system strength assessments and long‑term network planning.

Working closely with our broader Energy & Power business, we combine deep technical expertise with global experience to deliver integrated solutions that support our clients' Net Zero ambitions and the ongoing transformation of the electricity sector.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Principal Power Systems Engineer to join our growing Studies Team.

In this role, you will provide technical leadership across complex power system studies and advisory engagements while working alongside specialists in EMT and earthing disciplines to solve some of the industry's most challenging technical problems.

You will lead the delivery of network planning, connection and compliance studies for a broad range of technologies including

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms
• Solar PV Developments
• Hydrogen Projects
• Synchronous Condensers
• Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
• Data Centres
• Electrification Projects
• Emerging Low Carbon Technologies

You will utilise leading industry software including PSS®E, PSCAD and PowerFactory and work with multidisciplinary teams across Australia, New Zealand and Jacobs' global Energy & Power network.

As a Principal engineer of the Studies Team, you will help shape our technical direction, strengthen client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of our capability across the APAC region.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Lead and deliver complex power system studies and advisory projects.
• Provide technical direction for network connection, compliance, planning and system performance assessments.
• Develop innovative solutions for challenges relating to system strength, voltage stability, transient stability, power quality and network resilience.
• Collaborate with Jacobs' Markets Advisory team to deliver integrated technical and commercial assessments for renewable generation, energy storage and transmission projects.
• Support and lead feasibility studies, Marginal Loss Factor (MLF) analysis, due diligence reviews and broader project development advisory services.

Project Delivery

• Manage the successful delivery of studies projects from proposal through to completion.
• Maintain high technical quality standards while meeting client expectations and project objectives.
• Provide guidance and oversight to project teams and support effective project execution.

Client Engagement & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships across utilities, developers, renewable energy companies and asset owners.
• Contribute to proposal development, technical strategy and pursuit activities.
• Support the growth of Jacobs' Energy & Power business through thought leadership and client engagement.

Team & Capability Development

• Mentor and support the development of emerging engineers.
• Contribute to technical excellence initiatives across the Studies Team.
• Support capability growth across Power System Advisory, EMT and Earthing disciplines.
• Share knowledge and lessons learned across the broader Jacobs network.

Here’s what you'll need

• A tertiary qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience delivering power system studies within a consulting, utility, developer or energy industry environment.
• Strong expertise in one or more of the following software packages
• PSS®E
• PSCAD
• DIgSILENT PowerFactory
• Experience in network connections, compliance assessments, system planning or renewable energy integration.
• Understanding of the Australian and/or New Zealand regulatory and technical frameworks.
• Project leadership and client management skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience with Python or automation tools would be highly regarded.

Why Jacobs?

At Jacobs, you'll be part of a highly regarded specialist Studies Team working at the leading edge of power system transformation. You'll collaborate with experts across Power System Advisory, Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) Studies, Earthing Studies, Transmission & Distribution, and Markets Advisory, gaining exposure to a uniquely integrated studies offering that spans technical, commercial and strategic energy consulting. Together, you'll contribute to projects that are shaping the future of the energy sector across the Asia Pacific region and beyond, helping create a more connected, resilient and sustainable energy future.

Eligibility

Full‑time working rights required.

Applicants must have full‑time working rights in Australia or New Zealand (no sponsorship for this role).

Our culture & benefits

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximise your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities, from well‑being benefits to our global giving and volunteering programme, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs here.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of diverse perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

Our meticulously curated employee benefits support ALL employees throughout every stage of life. From paid parental leave to a lifetime financial allowance for you and your partner to access family forming Fertility & IVF treatment, adoption and surrogacy assistance along with menopause and Low T treatment.

We are steadfast in our commitment to the wellbeing of you and your loved ones with a comprehensive suite of wellbeing resources supporting you physically, emotionally and financially. This is demonstrated by our company being recognised by WGEA for 12 consecutive years as an employer of choice for gender equality along with our industry‑leading GOLD employer status by the Australian Workplace Equality Index.

Cultural Support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are invited to nominate a cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you'll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.