Senior Project Development Engineer

Nectr; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Energy Australia is seeking a Senior Project Development Engineer to shape and deliver utility-scale solar and battery projects across Australia. You will lead early design, engage stakeholders, manage multi-disciplinary teams, and drive technical and regulatory milestones from concept to execution.

Ideal candidates bring 7+ years in renewable energy or large infrastructure, strong experience with grid connection processes, and a track record of delivering complex projects with autonomy

Qualifications

• 7+ years in utility-scale renewable energy or large infrastructure projects.
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy or related discipline.
• Experience with grid connection processes and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams and consultants.

Responsibilities

• Lead preliminary system designs, project sizing, and early-stage assessments.
• Oversee detailed design for utility-scale solar and BESS projects; model energy yield.
• Manage cross-disciplinary teams to optimise project outcomes.
• Support environmental approvals, GPS processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute to commercial structuring and lender due diligence.
• Lead EPC/O&M tendering and contractor engagement; ensure project delivery.

Skills

Project management

Renewable energy engineering

Stakeholder management

Contract management

MS Project/Primavera

Education

Electrical/Energy degree

Postgraduate qualifications

Tools

Aconex/SharePoint

SCADA/EMS systems

Job description

• Job Type: Senior Project Development Engineer

Hanwha Energy Australia (HEA) is part of the global Hanwha Group — one of the world’s leading energy, manufacturing, and technology companies.

In Australia, we specialise in the development of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects that accelerate the nation’s clean energy transition. With a growing development pipeline and multiple BESS System Integration projects underway, we are expanding our technical capability and seeking an experiencedSenior Project Development Engineerto join our high-performing team.

The Opportunity

As a Senior Project Development Engineer (SPDE), you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering some of Australia’s most innovative renewable energy projects.

You’ll work in a small, collaborative team with broad exposure across the entire project lifecycle — from early-stage development and technical design, through to grid connection, project delivery support, and commercial optimisation.

This is an ideal role for an engineer who enjoys variety, autonomy, and working across multiple disciplines through both internal and external partners.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead preliminary system designs, project sizing, and early-stage engineering assessments.
• Oversee detailed design for utility-scale solar and battery projects, including energy yield modelling (PVsyst), technology selection, SCADA/EMS architecture, and system configuration.
• Manage multi-disciplinary consultants (grid, civil, planning, electrical, environmental) to optimise project outcomes.
• Support environmental approvals, grid connection processes, Generator Performance Standards (GPS), and regulatory compliance.
• Contribute technical inputs for financial close, lender/investor due diligence, and commercial structuring.
• Integrate hybrid solutions (Solar + BESS) and assess future augmentation and scalability.

Project Delivery & Execution (Future Growth Area for HEA)

• Support EPC and O&M tendering, contractor selection, and technical negotiation.
• Oversee construction progress, quality, safety, and commissioning (FAT, SAT).
• Manage project schedules, budgets, risk reporting, and milestone tracking.
• Engage with AEMO, NSPs/DNSPs, and external stakeholders to achieve GPS and connection approvals.
• Build positive relationships with landowners, councils, regulators, and community groups.
• Lead technical reviews, project briefings, and risk assessments across safety, commercial, and engineering domains.
• Maintain compliance with ISO standards and Hanwha corporate governance.

Leadership & Business Development

• Mentor junior engineers and support a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Contribute to the development of engineering standards, PMO documents, and business systems.
• Support opportunity screening, market intelligence activities, and preparation of proposals or presentations for new development projects.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years’ experience in utility-scale renewable energy or large infrastructure (engineering or project management).
• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of NER, GPS, AEMO/NSP connection processes, and grid-related technical requirements.
• Proven experience managing consultants, contractors, and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficient in MS Project or Primavera and document management systems (Aconex/SharePoint).
• Strong commercial acumen across contracts (EPC/OEM/O&M), procurement, and project cost control.
• Comfortable working in a small team with broad responsibility and high autonomy.
• Ability to travel within Australia for project and stakeholder requirements.
• Chartered (CPEng) or commitment to obtain within 24 months.
• Experience with hybrid renewable systems (Solar + BESS + VPP).
• Exposure to energy markets, project finance, commercial modelling, or business development.
• Familiarity with SCADA/EMS systems, grid stability technologies, or predictive analytics platforms.
• Experience with environmental approvals and land development processes.
• Postgraduate qualifications in engineering, project management, business, or similar.

Why Join Hanwha Energy Australia?

• Work on some of Australia’s most exciting renewable energy and BESS projects.
• Be part of a global organisation with strong growth plans in the Australian market.
• Broad role with exposure across development, engineering, delivery, and commercial functions.
• Supportive, tight-knit team with low hierarchy and high autonomy.
• Opportunity to become a technical SME or lead development of engineering/PMO standards.