Principal Engineer - Power Networks

Worley; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 223,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Worley Consulting’s Power Networks team is delivering major renewable energy grid connection projects in Australia. The Principal Power System Engineer will lead studies, modelling and regulatory submissions for NEM/WEM connections, guiding regulators, NSPs and developers toward a secure energy transition.

Working under the Technical Director, you will mentor junior staff, coordinate PSCAD/PSS/E/DIgSILENT activities and ensure GPS compliance across multiple projects, while fostering

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in power systems, grid studies or renewable energy projects across NEM/WEM.
• Strong understanding of NEM/WEM, NER/ESM Rules and NSP connection requirements.
• Experience supporting hold point testing and commissioning activities.
• Experience using PSCAD, PSS/E and/or DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Familiarity with Python scripting and automation tools.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with grid connection activities from feasibility through generator registration and commissioning.
• Prepare and manage connection enquiries and applications (R0 and R1), GPS documentation, compliance submissions, and consultant inputs.
• Coordinate, review and contribute to power system studies and grid modelling activities using PSCAD, PSS/E and/or DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Support grid commissioning and GPS compliance activities, including hold point testing, R2 model validation and reporting.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports and regulatory correspondence.
• Liaise with internal development, engineering and project delivery teams to support grid program planning and risk tracking.
• Participate in meetings with AEMO, Western Power, VicGrid, NSPs and clients, providing technical leadership.
• Maintain awareness of NEM and WEM frameworks and requirements, including NER and ESM Rules obligations.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members.

Skills

Power Systems

Grid Studies

Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership & Mentoring

Technical Report Writing

Python Scripting

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

PSCAD

PSS/E

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

The Role

Join Worley Consulting's growing Power Networks team and play a key role in delivering some of Australia's most significant renewable energy and power system projects. Working across wind, solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), hybrid developments and conventional generation assets, you'll support clients through the full grid connection lifecycle while helping shape the future of Australia's energy transition.

As a Principal Power System Engineer, you will work alongside industry-leading specialists supporting projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM) and Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM). You'll gain exposure to complex technical challenges, engage directly with regulators, network service providers and developers, and contribute to projects that are enabling a more sustainable and secure energy future.

We are seeking a motivated Principal Power System Engineer to join Worley Consulting's Power Networks team, supporting the delivery of grid connection activities for large-scale renewable energy projects across the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM).

Working under the guidance of the Power Systems Technical Director, you will engage in power system studies, regulatory submissions, modelling coordination and commissioning compliance activities. This role offers strong technical development exposure across wind, solar, BESS and hybrid projects, as well as traditional synchronous generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support clients with grid connection activities from feasibility through generator registration and commissioning.
• Prepare and manage connection enquiries and applications (R0 and R1), GPS documentation, compliance submissions, and consultant inputs.
• Coordinate, review and contribute to power system studies and grid modelling activities using PSCAD, PSS®E and/or DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Support grid commissioning and GPS compliance activities, including hold point testing, R2 model validation and reporting, and alteration of connected plant under NER clause 5.3.9 processes and equivalent ESM Rules processes for WA connections.
• Prepare technical documentation, reports and regulatory correspondence.
• Liaise with internal development, engineering and project delivery teams to support grid program planning and risk tracking.
• Participate in meetings with AEMO, Western Power, VicGrid, Network Service Providers (NSPs), clients and other consultants, providing technical leadership and representing Worley as a subject matter expert.
• Maintain awareness of NEM and WEM frameworks and requirements, including NER and ESM Rules obligations and relevant AEMO, Western Power, VicGrid and NSP processes.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members across grid connection, modelling, compliance and regulatory activities.

About You

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or equivalent relevant qualification.
• Experience in power systems, grid studies or renewable energy projects across the NEM and/or WEM.
• Strong understanding of the NEM and/or WEM, NER and/or ESM Rules, and NSP connection requirements.
• Experience supporting hold point testing and commissioning activities.
• Experience using PSCAD, PSS®E and/or DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Familiarity with Python scripting and automation tools.
• Strong analytical capability and technical report writing skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring and developing others.

What We Offer

• Direct exposure to complex and high-profile renewable energy grid connection projects.
• Opportunities to lead and contribute to strategically important projects supporting the low-carbon energy transition.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance.
• Professional development, technical training and support for further certification and career growth.
• Access to a global network of industry-leading specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
• A collaborative, inclusive and values-driven culture where your expertise is recognised and rewarded.
• Competitive remuneration, employee share plan opportunities and comprehensive wellbeing support.

Why You Should Apply

At Worley, you'll have the opportunity to work on some of the most challenging and rewarding energy projects in Australia and globally. We invest in our people through flexible work options, professional development opportunities, paid parental leave, wellbeing initiatives, employee assistance programmes and the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the energy transition.

We are committed to supporting principal professionals to reach their full potential, providing a platform to drive meaningful impact, shape energy outcomes and mentor the next generation of engineers.

About Us

When you work for us, you join nearly 50,000 people driven by a common purpose: delivering a more sustainable world.

Worley is a global professional services company of energy, chemicals and resources experts headquartered in Australia. As we support the transition to lower‑carbon energy systems, we help our customers solve complex challenges and deliver sustainable outcomes across the full asset lifecycle, from consulting and engineering through to project delivery and operations.

Moving Forward Together

We want our people to be energised and empowered to drive sustainable impact. Our focus is on a values-inspired culture that unlocks brilliance through belonging, connection and innovation.

We're building a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace, creating a space where everyone feels they belong, can be themselves, and are heard.

And we're not just talking about it; we're doing it. We're reskilling our people, leveraging transferable skills and supporting the transition of our workforce to become experts in today's low-carbon energy infrastructure and technology.