Principal Power Systems Research Engineer

CSIRO; Newcastle, Melbourne, Brisbane; On-site; AUD 168,000 - 185,000; Full time

Job summary

CSIRO in Newcastle, NSW, invites applications for the Principal Power Systems Research Engineer role. You will lead applied research and engineering across power systems modelling, analysis, control and optimisation, delivering practical solutions to grid challenges.

This senior technical role centers on bridging research and industry, developing tools and methodologies, mentoring staff, and partnering with government, industry and academia to influence the national energy transition.

Qualifications

• Electrical Engineering degree with power systems expertise.
• Hands-on industry experience in power system modelling and analysis.
• Experience with transmission/distribution, DER integration.
• Proficiency with PowerFactory or PSS/E.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary projects and set direction.
• Strong communication and ability to influence stakeholders.
• Mentoring and capability development.

Responsibilities

• Leading advanced power systems research and engineering across generation, transmission and distribution, using modelling, simulation and data-driven approaches to address current and emerging challenges in Australia’s electricity system.
• Shaping and delivering innovative solutions for the energy transition, including renewable energy integration, battery energy storage, distributed energy resources and evolving grid operating and planning requirements.
• Setting research direction and priorities within power systems, identifying emerging challenges, technologies and opportunities and translating these into high-impact research programs, projects and new funding opportunities, with a particular focus on the Australian Research – Power Systems Transformation (AR-PST) program.
• Leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept to impact, defining technical strategy, managing delivery and resources, and ensuring research outcomes are relevant, robust and of value to industry and the community.
• Building strategic partnerships and providing trusted technical advice to network service providers, system and market operators, government, universities, start-ups and other stakeholders, influencing decisions and supporting successful implementation of outcomes.
• Developing capability and influence the broader power systems community through mentoring researchers and engineers, fostering collaboration, publishing and presenting research, and contributing to standards, policy and national energy-sector discussions.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Modelling & analysis

Industry partnerships

Leadership

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

PowerFactory

PSS\u00aeE

SINCAL

OpenDSS

PSCAD

MATLAB

Python

Julia

Job description

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Principal Power Systems Research Engineer

Location: Newcastle, NSW, AU Melbourne, VIC, AU Brisbane, QLD, AU Perth, WA, AU

Company: CSIRO

Acknowledgement of Country

CSIRO acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waters, of the area that we live and work on across Australia. We acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. View our vision towards reconciliation .

Role highlights

• Lead applied research and engineering tackling real-world power systems challenges.
• Bridge advanced modelling and research with practical industry solutions.
• Build influential partnerships across industry, government and research.

About CSIRO

As Australia's national science agency, CSIRO is solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. Many of our iconic innovations were once considered impossible until someone, just like you, joined us and took on the challenge.

Help shape Australia’s energy transition as CSIRO’s Principal Power Systems Research Engineer. In this senior technical role, you’ll lead applied research and engineering across power systems modelling, analysis, control and optimisation, developing practical solutions to complex and emerging grid challenges. You’ll bring deep technical expertise to work that addresses the changing needs of Australia’s electricity system and delivers meaningful outcomes for industry and government.

We’re looking for someone who can bridge research and industry. You’ll combine strong power systems and modelling expertise with practical industry experience and an understanding of the real-world challenges facing electricity networks. You’ll be able to take sophisticated modelling and research and translate it into practical tools, methods and solutions that can be applied in real-world settings.

Collaboration and influence will be just as important as technical depth. You’ll work with network businesses, system and market operators, government, universities and other research and industry partners to build strategic relationships, identify opportunities and deliver impact. As a senior technical leader, you’ll communicate complex ideas clearly, provide trusted technical advice, share your expertise and strengthen capability across CSIRO and its partners

Your high-level duties will include:

• Leading advanced power systems research and engineering across generation, transmission and distribution, using modelling, simulation and data-driven approaches to address current and emerging challenges in Australia’s electricity system.
• Shaping and delivering innovative solutions for the energy transition, including renewable energy integration, battery energy storage, distributed energy resources and evolving grid operating and planning requirements.
• Setting research direction and priorities within power systems, identifying emerging challenges, technologies and opportunities and translating these into high-impact research programs, projects and new funding opportunities, with a particular focus on the Australian Research – Power Systems Transformation (AR-PST) program.
• Leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects from concept to impact, defining technical strategy, managing delivery and resources, and ensuring research outcomes are relevant, robust and of value to industry and the community.
• Building strategic partnerships and providing trusted technical advice to network service providers, system and market operators, government, universities, start-ups and other stakeholders, influencing decisions and supporting successful implementation of outcomes.
• Developing capability and influence the broader power systems community through mentoring researchers and engineers, fostering collaboration, publishing and presenting research, and contributing to standards, policy and national energy-sector discussions.

Location and office arrangements: Newcastle, NSW (preferred); Brisbane (Pullenvale), QLD; Melbourne (Clayton), VIC; or Perth (Kensington), WA

Salary: AU$168k – AU$185k per annum (pro rata for part-time), plus 15.4% superannuationTenure & work schedule:

• Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents: Indefinite, full-time.
• Australian Temporary Residents with full work rights in Australia for at least three years: Up to 3-year specified term, full-time.

Reference: 103216

As the successful candidate, you will bring:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications and substantial demonstrated research and/or industry experience in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics or a related discipline, with expertise in power systems engineering.
• Demonstrated hands‑on industry experience (direct or close engagement) and current practical knowledge in power system modelling, planning, operations, system security, optimisation and/or control (transmission/distribution and/or DER integration), with proven ability to apply these capabilities to practical, real-world challenges.
• Demonstrated proficiency in transmission and/or distribution network simulation and analysis using industry-standard software platforms (such as PowerFactory and/or PSS®E, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in power systems modelling, simulation and analysis using relevant industry, research or computational tools, with the ability to develop, adapt and apply appropriate modelling and programming approaches to solve complex power systems problems. Experience with tools such as SINCAL, PowerFactory, OpenDSS, PSCAD, MATLAB, Python, Julia or similar platforms would be advantageous.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and deliver complex research or engineering projects, including multi-disciplinary and multi-partner collaborations, with the ability to set direction, generate innovative solutions and translate research into impactful outcomes for industry and the community.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships and influence outcomes across industry, government, academia and multidisciplinary teams, including navigating complex or contentious technical issues and progressing proposals to successful outcomes.
• Strong communication and research track record, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences and evidence of research outputs such as peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, grant proposals, patents or equivalent industry contributions.
• Demonstrated commitment to mentoring, capability development and fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

While it is CSIRO policy that the successful candidate must meet all the essential criteria, there are many ways to demonstrate this. Don’t let the list discourage you. If you are unsure about applying, please reach out to the contact person in the Position Description.

Setting you up for success

We are committed to providing a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible to everyone. We recognise that it may be helpful for us to adjust our process to make it equitable for your individual situation. Please contact Cristina O’Brien via email at [e-mail] and let us know how we can support you.

Life at CSIRO and flexible work arrangements

Solving Australia's greatest challenges takes a diversity of minds and lived experiences. We know diverse teams are more effective and deliver more innovative outcomes. As an equal employment opportunity organisation, we are committed to creating diverse and inclusive teams where people feel they belong. We recognise true diversity encompasses all ages, abilities, cultures, faiths, levels of education, genders, sexualities, diversity of thought and much more. We focus on hiring people who share our values of People First, Further Together, Making it Real and Trusted.

CSIRO holds Gold Status for the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and a Science in Australia Gender Equity Bronze Award.

Applications are open to Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian Permanent Residents. Applicants holding a temporary visa with full work rights in Australia may also be considered, provided their work rights remain valid for at least three years from the anticipated commencement date. CSIRO is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Appointment to this role is subject to the provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security, medical or character requirements.

Child safety

CSIRO is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people involved in our activities and programs. View our Child Safe Policy .