Principal Power Systems Engineer

The role

PHE Engineering 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.

Apply

Apply through SEEK with your CV and a short note on the connection projects you’ve led and the tools you use. If you’d prefer a confidential conversation first, contact Cassie, cassiesellars@phe.net.au. You’ll meet the people you’d be building this with, and we’ll talk openly about relocation and timing from the start.

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