Senior Engineer, Grid Connection

Vena Energy; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing & Family Leave

Parental Leave

Professional Development

Inclusive Culture

Recognition & Engagement

Group Insurance

Volunteer Leave

Job summary

Vena Energy in Australia seeks a Senior Engineer, Grid Connection to lead grid connection studies and power system modelling across the project lifecycle. You will develop automation tools and prepare PSS/E/PSCAD/PowerFactory studies to support GPS negotiations and AEMO registrations.

You will mentor engineers, engage with EPCs and OEMs, and help drive regulatory submissions while staying current with NER rules and emerging grid-connection technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Power Systems focus).
• Minimum 5 years' experience.
• Proficiency with PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS/E for grid studies.
• Strong understanding of NER Chapter 5 and Schedule 5.2.

Responsibilities

• Lead power system modelling and grid connection studies across the project lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain power system modelling automation and software tools.
• Prepare and review PSS®E, PSCAD and PowerFactory studies to support connection applications and GPS negotiations.
• Lead GPS compliance assessments, model validation test plans and compliance reporting.
• Manage GPS negotiations with NSPs and AEMO.
• Provide technical leadership in stakeholder engagement with EPC contractors, OEMs, consultants, NSPs and AEMO.
• Conduct due diligence assessments of OEM power system models and generating technologies.
• Undertake harmonic assessments and broader power system analysis to support grid connection outcomes.
• Support upgrades, modifications and optimisation of operating renewable energy assets.
• Stay abreast of changes to the National Electricity Rules and grid connection requirements.
• Provide technical support across Development, Construction, Operations, Investment and other functions.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and evaluation of emerging technologies including grid-forming BESS and offshore wind.
• Mentor and support junior and graduate engineers.

Skills

Power systems analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Leadership

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Power Systems focus)

Tools

PowerFactory

PSCAD

PSS/E

Job description

Join Vena Group Australia as a Senior Engineer, Grid Connection and help shape the successful connection of renewable energy projects to the National Electricity Market, providing technical leadership across all stages of the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead power system modelling and grid connection studies across the project lifecycle, from Application to Connect (R0) through to Post-Connection (R2).
• Develop and maintain power system modelling automation and software management tools.
• Prepare and review PSS®E, PSCAD and PowerFactory studies to support connection applications, GPS negotiations and AEMO registration.
• Lead the development of GPS Compliance Assessments, Model Validation Test Plans and associated compliance reporting.
• Manage Generator Performance Standard (GPS) negotiations with NSPs and AEMO.
• Provide technical leadership in stakeholder engagement with EPC contractors, OEMs, consultants, NSPs and AEMO.
• Conduct due diligence assessments of OEM power system models and generating system technologies.
• Undertake harmonic assessments and broader power system analysis to support grid connection outcomes.
• Support upgrades, modifications and optimisation of operating renewable energy assets.
• Stay abreast of changes to the National Electricity Rules and emerging grid connection requirements.
• Provide technical support across Development, Construction, Operations, Investment and other business functions.
• Contribute to regulatory submissions and the evaluation of emerging technologies, including grid-forming BESS and offshore wind.
• Mentor and support junior and graduate engineers.

Prerequisites:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Power Systems focus).
• Minimum 5 years' experience.
• Highly skilled in the use of PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS®E for grid connection studies.
• Sound understanding of NER Chapter 5 and Schedule 5.2.
• Broad power systems analysis expertise relevant to asynchronous generating systems.
• Experience in GPS compliance test plan development and hold point testing.
• Ability to independently solve complex engineering problems.
• Strong meeting facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Effective technical diplomacy and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to effectively manage unplanned and urgent tasks.
• Flexible, collaborative and results-focused team player.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills.

Why Join Vena Energy?

We offer a competitive salary plus a strong range of employee benefits, including:

• Wellbeing & Family Support– Six days of Flexi Family Leave to support caregiving responsibilities and important life events, such as marriage and birthdays, plus one day of Female Wellness Leave per month for female employees.
• Paid Parental Leave– 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
• Professional Development– Access to online learning resources, training opportunities and career development pathways.
• Inclusive Workplace Culture– A collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and supported, with opportunities to connect and collaborate with colleagues across Australia and the wider Vena Group.
• Recognition & Engagement– Vena Stars rewards program, regular social events and team activities.
• Group Insurance– Comprehensive insurance coverage for you and your family.
• Paid Volunteer Leave– Two days per year to give back to your community.