Real Time Operations Engineer Trainee

ACEREZ; City of Parramatta; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ACEREZ in NSW is seeking a Real Time Operations Engineer Trainee to learn how to monitor, control and coordinate the transmission network. You will work with SCADA and EMS, support outages, and assist the wider Operations team while developing competency for a full-time shift-based role.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (or pursuing) and the ability to work a 24/7 roster with safe, proactive decision making and clear communication with AEMO, generators and NSPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or working towards it.
• Knowledge of transmission system security, HV equipment and operating procedures.
• Basic understanding of power system modelling.
• Willingness to undertake 24/7 shift work once authorised.

Responsibilities

• Monitor SCADA and EMS to ensure security and reliability of the network.
• Liaise with AEMO, generators and NSPs for planned outages.
• Participate in emergency management and incident response.
• Assist in development of operating procedures and switching instructions.
• Coordinate with maintenance contractors to ensure safe works.

Skills

Clear communication

Electrical Engineering

Transmission system security

Power system modelling

24/7 roster readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Introduction

ACEREZ is a consortium, comprised of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy which has been appointed Preferred Network Operator by EnergyCo to design, deliver, operate and maintain the transmission line network for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (CWO REZ).

The new transmission infrastructure, which will combine high-capacity transmission lines, energy hubs and related infrastructure, will enable generators such as solar and wind farms and energy storage providers in the CWO REZ to connect to the electricity grid, providing a reliable supply of clean, affordable electricity for households and businesses across NSW while helping to meet the state’s newly legislated Net Zero targets.

Description

The Real Time Operations Engineer Trainee will play a critical operational role responsible for developing the knowledge, skills and experience required to safely and effectively monitor, control and coordinate the ACEREZ transmission network. The role will support the real-time operation of the network, including communication and direction of remote and field switching activities in accordance with the Transmission Network Safety Rules and ACEREZ operational procedures.

The Trainee will gain experience across the full operational lifecycle, including end-to-end outage planning, coordination of network access, switching and restoration activities, and support to the wider Operations team. The role will provide exposure to real-time network operations, operational decision-making, emergency response and the coordination of internal and external stakeholders.

As a trainee-level position, the successful candidate will be expected to have a minimum of two years' relevant experience following graduation, together with a strong foundation in electrical engineering and an interest in developing a career in transmission network operations. The Trainee will undertake a structured competency and authorisation pathway, including formal training, practical experience, assessment and supervised operational duties. Progression to authorised Real-Time Operations Engineer will be based on demonstrated competency and successful completion of the required training and authorisation requirements. During the trainee period, the role is during normal business hours, however, the role will be required to undertake shift work from time to time to develop practical experience within the 24/7 Real-Time Operations environment. Following successful completion of the training and authorisation program, the position will transition to a full-time shiftworker role within the Real-Time Operations team.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring the SCADA and energy management system to ensure compliance with REZ system security responsibilities across voltage and thermal stability, system strength and harmonics and to detect any network issues or emergencies via prompt response to alarms.
• Liaising with AEMO, Generators and NSPs to safely manage planned outages.
• Emergency management and response to incidents as they arise, to manage and mitigate situations, escalating issues as required.
• Communicating information accurately to team members, management, and stakeholders
• Accurate logging of incidents, system status, and communications.
• Planning and executing planned outages, management of switching and safe isolation and earthing of HV electrical apparatus. Including review and approval of requests for access, development of HV switching instructions, and creation of contingency plans.
• Operational procedure creation and maintenance.
• Development and end user testing of operational technology.
• Direction of our maintenance contractor to ensure works are carried out safely and in accordance with the safety rules.
• Ability to apply the Transmission Network Safety Rules to day-to-day operations and conduct safety audits of control room(s)
• Ability to analyse a situation with all available information and translate this into accurate decision making.
• Some knowledge of emergency and critical incident management, including the preparation and execution of contingency plans, participation in simulation exercises, and reporting / escalation of incidents
• Ability to progress personal competency in all operator competencies.
• Ability to learn to operate SCADA and EMS.
• Actively pursue ways to improve processes to deliver better operational and safety outcomes

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or working towards),
• Clear and concise communication skills
• Basic knowledge of transmission system security, HV apparatus, protection & control, operating procedures, and application of safety rules
• Basic understanding of power system modelling
• Once fully authorised - willingness to undertake shift work on a 24/7 roster including effective management of fatigue.

Why Join Us?

We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Our goal is to build a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve and drives innovation through varied perspectives. We encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply and look forward to creating a supportive workplace together.