V&V Systems Engineer For Defence Programs

Akkodis; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Annual salary review

Health & wellbeing initiatives

Employee assistance program

Extra days off

Job summary

PHE Group in Brisbane is establishing a grid connections and power systems practice and seeks a Principal Power Systems Engineer as technical lead. You will model, set the standards, sign off work and build the team as the pipeline grows, reporting to the General Manager Engineering.

You’ll lead connection studies, PSS/E (RMS) and PSCAD/EMT modelling, engage with AEMO and NSPs, and develop study workflows with QA governance while mentoring engineers and shaping the technical direction of the

Qualifications

• Degree in electrical or power systems engineering with 10+ years in power systems
• Hands-on PSS/E and PSCAD/EMT experience; PowerFactory valued
• GPS negotiation and R0–R2 submissions with AEMO/NSPs; ability to justify study decisions
• Experience with inverter and PPC tuning, HIL testing and OEM model governance
• HV design, protection or construction experience is a plus
• RPEQ or CPEng eligibility and support for registration

Responsibilities

• Own connection studies and R0 packages with a clear technical basis for go/no-go decisions
• Lead PSS/E (RMS) and PSCAD/EMT modelling, with PowerFactory where required
• Engage with AEMO, NSPs and OEMs to resolve model and performance issues
• Develop study workflows, QA and OEM model governance
• Hire and mentor engineers as the pipeline grows
• Provide technical authority through R1 design and R2 commissioning with HV team

Skills

PSS/E

PSCAD/ EMT

PowerFactory

HV design

AEMO liaison

GPS negotiations

R1/R2 design

mentoring

Education

Electrical engineering degree

Tools

PSCAD/ EMT (PowerFactory)

PSS/E (RMS)

Job description

PHE Group is setting up a grid connections and power systems practice in Brisbane, and we’re looking for a Principal Power Systems Engineer to be its technical lead. You’ll do the modelling, set the standards, sign off the work and build the team as the work grows. You’ll report directly to the General Manager Engineering.

The focus is engineering

PHE Group already has a business development team and long-standing client relationships across power, renewables and mining, and they bring the opportunities in. You’ll scope and estimate the technical work so proposals reflect what the studies really take, and you’ll lead the technical conversations with clients, AEMO and NSPs. You won’t be expected to chase sales.

Why this practice exists

Connection feasibility is often done by a consulting firm, and delivery then goes to a contractor who wasn’t there when the assumptions were made. The risk tends to show up at commissioning, which is the most expensive time to find it. PHE removes that handover. The same engineering team screens the site, models the connection and carries it into R1 design. It then works with PHE’s HV team to commission the connection and produce the R2 evidence. One set of assumptions, start to finish.

What you’ll own

• Connection studies and R0 packages, with a clear technical basis for a go/no-go recommendation
• PSS®E (RMS) and PSCAD (EMT) modelling, with PowerFactory where the NSP requires it, built and reviewed in-house
• GPS assessment and negotiation, connection applications, hold points, model acceptance, registration and R2 validation
• Technical engagement with AEMO, NSPs and OEMs to resolve model and performance issues
• Study workflows, checking standards, QA and OEM model governance
• Hiring and mentoring engineers as the pipeline grows
• Technical authority through R1 design and R2 commissioning, alongside PHE’s HV team

You’ll work across BESS, solar, wind, hybrids, synchronous condensers, data centres, large loads and mining electrification, on a portfolio of projects rather than one developer’s pipeline. We have a plan for the first 12 months and will walk you through it at interview.

What you’ll bring

• A degree in electrical or power systems engineering and 10+ years in power systems, including consultancy or developer-side work on NEM generator and BESS connections
• Hands‑on PSS®E and PSCAD/EMT (PowerFactory valued), with a working command of NER Chapter 5 and S5.2
• GPS negotiation and R0–R2 submissions with AEMO and NSPs. You can explain the decisions behind a study and defend the outcome
• Experience with inverter and PPC tuning, HIL testing and OEM model governance
• HV design, protection or construction experience is a real plus
• Electrical RPEQ, or CPEng and eligible for RPEQ (we’ll support registration)
• A preference for building a capability over managing consultants

Why PHE

PHE has been delivering for more than 50 years and has 550+ people across Australia. Over the past five years we’ve built new areas into established parts of the business, including our High Voltage division. Grid Connections is our next investment. The leadership role and modelling software are funded from day one, and the practice will grow on results, not short‑term pressure. You’ll have a real say in the tools, the methods and who joins the team.

What we offer

• Annual performance, development, and salary review process.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Salary continuance.
• Health and Wellbeing initiatives throughout the year (incl. flu vaccinations).
• Employee Assistance Program (employees and family).
• Days off per year sponsored by the company in addition to the statutory public holidays and leave entitlements.
• Invitation to attend and participate in Company sponsored social events throughout the year.

PHE Group is committed to a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all backgrounds.