Principal Secondary/Protection Engineer

Enemix; Perth; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Leadership role

Global projects

Professional development

Certifications support

Job summary

Enemix is seeking a Principal Protection Engineer to lead protection and control design for HV transmission and distribution substations. You will oversee relay settings, coordination studies, and fault analysis while guiding a team of engineers and ensuring compliance with Australian standards and client specifications.

The role focuses on high-level technical leadership, collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams, and delivering complex energy-sector projects with an emphasis on safety and

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in protection engineering within electricity transmission/distribution or renewables.

Responsibilities

• Lead protection and control design for HV substations and distribution assets.
• Oversee protection relay settings, coordination studies, and fault analysis.
• Review protection philosophies, settings reports, and technical documentation.
• Design secondary systems: AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, interlocking, control circuits.
• Coordinate with vendors, clients, and engineering teams to ensure standards compliance.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement in engineering processes.

Job description

Principal Protection Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Protection Engineer to join our team. This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to drive technical excellence in high-voltage (HV) transmission and distribution substation projects while mentoring and guiding a team of engineers. If you have a deep expertise in protection engineering, a strong track record in delivering complex energy-sector projects, and a passion for innovation, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of protection and control designs for HV transmission and distribution substations.
• Provide technical oversight for protection relay setting calculations, coordination studies, and fault-level analysis.
• Drive the preparation and review of protection philosophies, settings reports, and technical documentation.
• Oversee the design of secondary systems, including AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, interlocking, and control circuits.
• Review vendor documentation and ensure alignment with project standards and specifications.
• Collaborate with primary, civil, and commissioning teams, ensuring integrated and seamless project execution.
• Act as the key interface with network service providers, clients, and equipment manufacturers, representing the organization in high-level technical discussions.
• Provide leadership during testing, commissioning, and energisation activities, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure all designs strictly adhere to relevant Australian Standards, utility requirements, and client specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous professional development.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, technical reviews, and the continuous improvement of engineering processes and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (10+ years highly regarded) in protection engineering within the electricity transmission, distribution, or renewable energy sectors.
• Expert-level understanding of HV protection principles, protection relay technologies, and system applications.
• Strong track record of completing protection settings, coordination studies, and advanced fault analysis for complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of transmission and distribution substation secondary systems and protections.
• Proficiency in protection study software such as ETAP, PowerFactory, or equivalent is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced familiarity with protection relays from leading manufacturers, including SEL, Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, and Schneider Electric.
• Demonstrated experience applying Australian utility standards and working with network service provider requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience engaging with senior clients, vendors, and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to coach and mentor engineers, fostering technical growth and career development.

Day-to-Day

• Drive technical leadership across the team, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality protection and control engineering designs.
• Oversee and validate detailed technical analyses, calculations, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Lead collaborative efforts with stakeholders to meet project objectives and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Act as the principal point of contact for escalated technical issues and provide expert guidance during project execution phases.
• Provide hands-on guidance and leadership during project-critical milestones, including testing, commissioning, and energisation.
• Support the continuous improvement of technical standards, processes, and project delivery methodologies within the organization.

Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package, including leadership incentives.
• Leadership role with opportunities to shape and grow a high-performing team.
• Work on industry-leading projects, including renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
• Inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, with a focus on innovation.
• Continuous professional development and support for certifications in advanced technical areas.
• Access to unique, challenging projects with prominent industry clients and stakeholders on a global scale.