High Voltage Design Lead

Job Type: Full-time | Location: Sydney, Australia | Department: Engineering | Reporting to: Engineering Manager |Work Location: Hybrid

IREN is a vertically integrated AI Cloud provider, delivering large-scale data centers and GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and power in renewable-rich regions across North America, Europe and APAC.

As the High Voltage Design Lead at IREN, you will own and drive the high voltage (HV) electrical scope that enables reliable, utility-scale power delivery to our AI data centers. You will lead the development of HV concepts and standards, manage utility and interconnection interfaces, and provide technical leadership from early-stage site power strategy through detailed design, construction, testing, and commissioning. This role is hands-on and highly cross-functional, partnering with development, construction, commissioning, and operations to deliver safe, scalable, and cost-effective grid connections and HV infrastructure.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution (Master’s degree is an asset).
• 8+ years of progressive experience delivering HV/MV power systems, substations/switchyards, and/or utility interconnections for mission-critical, industrial, or utility-scale projects.
• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) with Engineers Australia, or eligibility and commitment to attain CPEng registration within an agreed time frame.
• Strong knowledge of HV equipment and systems: power transformers, breakers, disconnect switches, instrument transformers (CTs/VTs), bus, surge arresters, earthing systems, and cable/line interfaces.
• Experience with protection & control systems including relay schemes, metering, SCADA/communications, and commissioning/testing workflows (e.g., secondary injection, end-to-end testing).
• Working knowledge of applicable standards and codes such as AS/NZS 3000, AS 2067 (substations), IEC 61936, IEC 60909, IEEE, and relevant DNSP/NSP technical standards and connection requirements; familiarity with AEMO grid connection processes and the National Electricity Rules (NER) is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to lead technical scope across multiple stakeholders (utilities, EPCs, OEMs, network service providers (NSPs/DNSPs), state electrical safety regulators, and local councils) with strong documentation, communication, and decision-making skills.

Reporting to the Engineering Manager, the High Voltage Design Lead will lead and deliver HV electrical strategy, design oversight, and technical execution for IREN’s AI data center developments. You will ensure safety, reliability, schedule certainty, and compliance across utility interconnection, substations/switchyards, HV equipment, and related protection and control systems.

• Lead HV power delivery strategy for new and expanding AI datacenters, including utility engagement, capacity planning, phasing, redundancy concepts, and constructability inputs.
• Own utility and grid interconnection interfaces: coordinate technical requirements, review interconnection studies, manage data requests, and align designs with utility standards and project schedules.
• Develop and review HV/MV system designs (typical 12kV–230kV, project-dependent) including substations/switchyards, transformers, breakers, disconnects, bus work, grounding grids, duct banks, overhead/underground feeders, and station service.
• Lead protection and control (P&C) technical scope: relay philosophy, protection coordination inputs, metering, SCADA/telemetry, settings review, and end-to-end testing strategy with commissioning teams.
• Provide technical leadership through design and construction: review drawings and specifications, resolve RFIs, support field execution, and ensure safe installation practices and quality documentation for turnover.
• Manage vendor/EPC deliverables and technical risk: evaluate equipment and contractor proposals, drive clarity on scope boundaries, and ensure compliance with IREN standards, applicable codes, and utility requirements.
• Plan and support factory and site testing (FAT/SAT), energization readiness, and commissioning activities; troubleshoot issues, implement corrective actions, and support safe return-to-service.
• Drive standardization across IREN’s HV program: develop templates, basis-of-design, typical one-lines, grounding and P&C philosophies, and lessons learned to accelerate repeatable delivery.

At IREN, we offer a comprehensive, market-competitive total rewards package designed to support employees’ well-being, career advancement, and financial wealth. Our offerings reflect our commitment to Proceed with Purpose while rewarding high performance and long-term growth.

• Compensation & Rewards Competitive salary range based on experience and impact Short- and long-term incentive programs designed to reward both results and long term company success

Wellbeing & Benefits

• Comprehensive extended health and dental coverage to keep you and your family supported
• Three weeks of paid vacation to recharge, travel, or simply enjoy more life outside of work (note that paid vacation is for salaried employees only)

Work Environment A modern hybrid model — collaborate in our Sydney office Tuesday–Thursday, with flexibility the rest of the week

Casual, comfortable attire so you can bring your best self to work without the suit-and-tie Access to an onsite, fully equipped gym to make wellness part of your workday

We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!

IREN is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation. This job will remain posted until filled. While we appreciate all applications we receive, we are only able to contact candidates under consideration.

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