Substation Automation Engineer - Protection Systems

Hitachi Energy Ltd.; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Energy Australia Pty Ltd in Lilydale, Victoria, is seeking a technical leader to design, engineer, install, test, and commission substation protection and control systems, ensuring projects meet safety, schedule, budget, and customer specs.

You will work with APAC teams across HV/MV protection, relay configurations, SAS integration, IEC 61850 protocols, and field commissioning, delivering reliable power network solutions with a strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline.
• 5+ years hands-on experience in substation automation and protection systems.
• Experience with IEC 61850 and utility communication protocols (DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, engineering, configuration, testing, and commissioning of HV/MV substation protection and control systems.
• Develop and review protection schematics, engineering drawings, relay settings, and technical documentation to ensure project and regulatory compliance.
• Configure, test, troubleshoot, and support protection relays and associated automation equipment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical expertise in protection schemes, substation primary equipment, and power system applications for reliable network operation.
• Conduct protection relay evaluations, fault investigations, and warranty management with utility and industrial customers.
• Collaborate with Sales and Project teams to develop technical solutions, support bids, and propose optimal protection technologies.
• Design and integrate Substation Automation Systems (SAS) including RTUs, PLCs, gateways, and communication networks using IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and PTP.
• Work with customers and regional engineering teams across APAC to support delivery, commissioning, and issue resolution.
• Promote safety and quality by adhering to HSE standards and company policies.

Skills

Substation automation

Protection relay configuration

Testing & commissioning

IEC 61850

DNP3/Modbus/IEC 60870

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Provide technical leadership in the design, engineering, implementation, testing, and commissioning of substation protection and control systems, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer specifications, quality standards, and HSE requirements.

Location: Lilydale, Victoria, Australia

Job ID: R0147473

Date Posted: 2026-10-19

Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY AUSTRALIA PTY LTD

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Job Description:

Mission Statement

Provide technical leadership in the design, engineering, implementation, testing, and commissioning of substation protection and control systems, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with customer specifications, quality standards, and HSE requirements.

How you'll make an impact

• Lead the design, engineering, configuration, testing, and commissioning of HV/MV substation protection and control systems.
• Develop and review protection schematics, engineering drawings, relay settings, and technical documentation to ensure compliance with project and regulatory requirements.
• Configure, test, troubleshoot, and support protection relays and associated automation equipment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical expertise in protection schemes, substation primary equipment, and power system applications to ensure reliable and secure network operation.
• Conduct protection relay evaluations, approvals, fault investigations, warranty management, and technical support for utility and industrial customers.
• Collaborate with Sales and Project teams to develop technical solutions, support bids and proposals, and recommend optimal protection and automation technologies.
• Design and integrate Substation Automation Systems (SAS), including RTUs, PLCs, gateways, and communication networks using IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and PTP protocols.
• Work closely with customers, regional engineering teams, and field personnel across APAC to support project delivery, commissioning, and issue resolution.
• Promote a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with HSE standards, quality procedures, company policies, and ethical business practices.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in substation automation, protection, and control systems.
• Strong experience in protection relay configuration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting.
• Sound understanding of power systems, substation primary equipment, and HV/MV switchgear.
• Experience with IEC 61850 and other utility communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 60870-5-101/104.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and prepare technical documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, integrity, teamwork, and customer-focused project delivery.

Accessibility and reasonable accommodation

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Use of Al and automated tools in recruitment

As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including Al-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.

Background Screening and Security Checks

As part of the hiring process, Hitachi Energy conducts pre-employment background checks that may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and other relevant information, in accordance with applicable laws.

For certain roles—particularly those involving access to sensitive information, financial responsibilities, client data, regulated environments, or security-sensitive functions—additional or more comprehensive background or security screenings may be required. These may include, but are not limited to, enhanced criminal history checks, credit history reviews (where legally permissible), sanctions screening, or other due diligence measures aligned with the responsibilities of the position.

The scope and depth of any background or security review will be determined based on the nature of the role and business necessity, and will always be conducted in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Candidates will be notified and, where required, asked to provide consent prior to the initiation of any such checks.