Senior Grid Connection Engineer, Sidney Australia

SMA Altenso GmbH; Sydney; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Corporate benefits

Job summary

Altenso Australia Pty Ltd in Sydney is seeking a Senior Grid Connection Engineer to lead the technical and regulatory delivery of grid connection for NEM or WEM assets. You will design, test and verify grid-forming inverter-based resources using PSCAD, PSSE and PowerFactory, liaising with AEMO and NSPs.

This role requires 6+ years in grid-connected projects, a strong foundation in dynamics and GPS compliance, and hands-on experience with commissioning, R2 validation, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems (Master’s preferred).
• Strong foundation in power system dynamics, stability, and control.
• Experience with NER, GPS compliance, and AEMO/NSP engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead grid connection applications under NER R0/R1/R2 with AEMO/NSPs coordination.
• Perform simulations for system stability, fault ride-through, and voltage/frequency control.
• Develop test plans and verify GPS compliance and protection schemes.
• Coordinate commissioning, hold-point testing, and R2 validation.
• Maintain high-quality technical documentation and change control.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Collaborative

Attention to safety & compliance

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems

Tools

PSCAD

PSSE

PowerFactory

SSAT

Python

MATLAB

Job description

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Title: Senior Grid Connection Engineer

Location: Sydney, AU

Company: Altenso Australia Pty Ltd

Job Type: Full time

Your role - purpose & impact

The Senior Grid Connection Manager leads the technical and regulatory sales and delivery of grid connection and performance compliance for NEM or WEM connected assets (standalone storage and hybrid). The role is responsible for preparing and executing modelling studies, connection applications, validation & verification (R0, R1, R2 as well as HIL) as required under the National Electricity Rules (NER), ensuring the plant meets Generator Performance Standards (GPS), handling hold‑point testing, coordinating with AEMO / NSPs, and using simulation tools (PSCAD, PSSE, PowerFactory, SSAT) to design, test and verify system performance, particularly for grid‑forming inverter based resources.

Your Mission – What You Can Expect

• Lead grid connection applications under NER (R0/R1/R2 processes), liaising with AEMO and NSPs with regard to technical, network, protection and performance topics, including ensuring that the documentation packages are complete, accurate and submitted on time, whether undertaken in house or undertaken by a third party


• Perform simulations including system stability, fault ride-through, voltage/frequency control, system strength / inertia, small signal stability, and other NER compliance


• Conduct parameter sensitivity and scenario studies to ensure robustness of design and that the selected inverter controls, settings and protections demonstrating that both performance and compliance are met under varying grid conditions


• Develop, execute and document test plans, test reports (R2 verification), including tests of GPS compliance, protection, ride‑through events, dynamic response


• Plan, manage and lead commissioning test preparation including pre-simulations, hold-point testing and R2 validation to confirm compliance with approved models


• Represent the company in technical discussions with AEMO, NSPs, customers, and other stakeholders to secure approvals and lead timely resolution of complex technical issues


• Provide input into project strategy, risk positioning, and commercial decisions related to grid compliance


• Monitor post-commissioning performance, analyse deviations, implement optimisation measures and derive lessons & improvements


• Maintain high-quality and accurate technical documentation, document control standard as well as change management processes


• Improve internal processes (modelling, test planning, stakeholder management) to reduce risk, time and cost


• Stay current with evolving NER / AEMO / NSP requirements, grid technology trends (especially inverter based, grid forming, new protection/control strategies)


• Contribute to mentoring, technical leadership, expert knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement of engineering processes

Education & Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering / Power Systems or equivalent (Master’s preferred);


• Strong foundation in power system dynamics, stability, and control.

Your profile – what you bring:

• 6+ years in grid-connected generation, storage, or hybrid projects (NEM or similar markets)


• Proven experience across the full grid connection lifecycle (R0/R1/R2, commissioning, GPS compliance)


• Experience working with AEMO and NSPs, in negotiating GPS and demonstrating compliance

Technical Skills

• Deep expertise in PSCAD, PSSE and/or PowerFactory, and ability to interpret model outputs, compare to actual system behaviour and resolve issues


• Strong understanding of inverter-based resources and grid-forming technologies in various grid conditions


• Strong experience in commissioning, leading R2 test plans, on site testing and troubleshooting

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of NER, GPS requirements, and connection processes


• Familiarity with evolving grid codes and inverter-based resource requirements

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;


• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly; strong verbal and writing skills;


• Collaborative, proactive, and detail-oriented;


• Strong ethical awareness and commitment to safety, quality and compliance.

Desiable Extras

• Experience with grid consultants


• Programming/data analysis skills (Python, MATLAB)


• Exposure to hybrid systems (BESS + generation)

Does this sound interesting to you?

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We shape alternative energy solutions for future generations.

Join our young, passionate team and become part of our success story.

As part of the SMA Group, you’ll enjoy attractive corporate benefits while working in a dynamic and innovative environment.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Your contact: Cora Schneider | Altenso Australia Pty Ltd | Phone: [phone]

• At Altenso, we stand for equal opportunity and diversity – regardless of gender, age, origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

power for energy

SMA Altenso is a young, diverse, and dynamic company with more than 120 employees from over 20 nationalities driving the energy transition by delivering innovative projects worldwide.

Altenso Australia Pty Ltd

a wholly owned subsidiary of SMA Altenso GmbH and part of the SMA Group, now operates in Australia, with a dedicated and growing team with strong local industry knowledge and extensive experience. Based in Sydney, the small local team is bringing SMA Altenso’s experience in complex system integration to local projects, contributing directly to Australia’s clean energy transition. As an international system integrator, we offer comprehensive solutions designed for the integration of complex energy systems. These include large-scale battery storage systems, hydrogen applications and island and hybrid solutions for both off-grid and grid-connected energy supplies.