Principal Engineer - Connections, Technical Solutions

Division: System Design

Department: Onboarding & Connections

Reference number: 12947

Engagement type: Permanent

AEMO at the Heart of Energy

AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy today, and enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. Australian governments are now committed to a net zero economy for Australia by 2050 and our vision is to enable this. We have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to co-design the future of our energy systems, and our core values revolve around character, commitment, and connection. Join us as we contribute to this significant transition in the energy sector.

About The Role

AEMO’s System Design division plays a central role in planning the power system as Australia undergoes rapid transformation. With the shift to renewable generation and widespread electrification, the number of new transmission and distribution projects is growing fast.

As Principal Engineer in Onboarding & Connections, you will provide expert technical, regulatory, and process guidance across AEMO’s connection and reform activities. You will lead work on integrating cutting edge emerging technologies, enhancing and streamlining the connections process, supporting major network augmentations, developing renewable energy zones, and implementing new regulatory frameworks that address evolving system needs.

This role requires strong technical knowledge and independent thinking, along with stakeholder leadership to navigate competing interests and achieve alignment across governments, generation developers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), NSPs, and industry bodies such as the CEC. You will design and lead effective, technically focused consultation and collaboration processes, ensuring they are well targeted and support system security and industry-wide outcomes.

You will also coordinate closely with teams across AEMO and external partners to ensure your work informs key initiatives, including the Access Standards Review, Connections Reform Initiatives, and the Engineering Framework, and contribute to consistent, efficient, and future‑focused outcomes.

What You Will Be Doing

• Lead the assessment of PSCAD, PSSE and other power system models for new technologies, particularly those that are unproven or cutting-edge, providing technical guidance to both OEMs and AEMO engineering teams to ensure their effective integration into the existing power system.
• Provide technical leadership on emerging technology integration, major plant connections, streamlined connection processes, and regulatory implementation across complex projects.
• Lead and facilitate consultation and workshops with internal and external experts, negotiate technical outcomes with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to stakeholder management plans for major connection initiatives.
• Direct and coordinate technical resources, including consultants to deliver timely, high‑quality support aligned with project, proponent, and government timeframes.
• Prepare clear technical and non‑technical communications, lead process improvements arising from regulatory or system changes, and proactively strengthen AEMO’s reputation as a trusted partner across industry and government.

What You Will Bring To The Role

• Engineering, stakeholder project management, or relevant regulatory/policy qualifications, with policy or regulatory experience considered an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in working on establishment or reform projects that require extensive stakeholder engagement and negotiation, as well as NER change management and implementation.
• Proven ability to shape and deliver outcomes across stakeholders with competing interests, negotiating aligned solutions and delivering them on time and within budget.
• Experience working with diverse, matrixed teams with varying skills and objectives, coordinating their contributions to meet time and budget requirements.
• Understanding of the NER, the NEM, and the Rule change framework, along with awareness of the commercial drivers and challenges faced by transmission businesses, generation developers, and customers.
• Experience with major types of generation connected in the NEM, along with the tools used to model them (PSSE, PSCAD, etc).

Benefits

In return some of our benefits to you

• Flexible working: work from home, part time, job share, hybrid options, and additional leave options
• Professional development via projects, industry networks, job rotation, study assistance and more.
• Give back with up to 4 days of volunteering leave per year.
• Reward your hard work with annual performance bonuses (subject to eligibility).
• Embrace a healthier you with our wellness program, discounted health insurance, gym perks and our comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Our Process

At AEMO we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome people of all backgrounds, including people with disabilities and neurodivergence and those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. If you have any accessibility requireme nt s to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us a t [email protected]