Principal Analyst - Energy Market Modelling

Division: System Design 

Department: System Planning 

Reference number: 13284 

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 Team

AEMO’s System Planning department leads medium to long term power system planning to ensure security and reliability in the National Electricity Market (NEM). The department delivers the analysis that underpins AEMO's Integrated System Plan (ISP), system security assessments, market modelling and long-term forecasts that shape Australia's energy future.

Within AEMO's System Planning, the Regional Development team provides long-term electricity market and power system modelling to inform infrastructure investment and transmission planning that support planning publications, jurisdictional programs, and decision-making across industry and government. As Australia transitions towards a renewable-powered future, we play a key role in ensuring the power system remains secure, reliable and fit for purpose.

About the role

Due to an internal promotion, we have a vacancy for a Principal Analyst who will deliver high-quality planning advice through strong modelling and economic judgement, translating complex insights into practical, regionally relevant outcomes. You will provide technical expertise, quality assurance, and evidence-based advice that influences investment and decision making.

The role leads the development and communication of long-term energy forecasts using a mix of methods, including optimisation, machine learning, statistical, econometric, and engineering approaches, to support transmission planning, investment, and policy.

You will also provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring analysts to deliver high-quality outcomes, with a strong focus on building capability and maintaining excellence in power system modelling and investment analysis.

This Permanent, full-time and flexible role can be based in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart or Brisbane

What you will be doing

You'll lead complex modelling and forecasting activities that support transmission planning, investment decisions and policy development. Working alongside industry experts, you'll develop innovative modelling methodologies, identify opportunities to leverage AI and emerging technologies, guide analytical best practice and translate technical insights into meaningful outcomes for stakeholders across the energy sector.

You’ll be a proactive, team-oriented contributor who thrives in a collaborative, tight knit team of eight, with strong communication, influencing capability, and a responsive, can-do approach. With experience leading projects, you bring strong technical capability, critical thinking, and the ability to coordinate complex workstreams and deliver outcomes within tight timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead complex market modelling, forecasting and power system planning studies that inform major investment, policy and transmission planning decisions.
• Act as a technical authority for modelling quality assurance, ensuring robust, accurate and defensible analytical outcomes.
• Troubleshoot and continuously improve electricity market models, methodologies and analytical frameworks.
• Identify process gaps, risks and bottlenecks, providing recommendations that improve efficiency, capability and decision-making.
• Deliver high-quality technical reports, publications and presentations that communicate complex analysis clearly and effectively.
• Mentor and support analysts through technical coaching, peer review and knowledge sharing.
• Build strong collaborative relationships across AEMO and the broader industry, contributing to a positive and high-performing team culture.

What you will bring to the role

• Tertiary and/or postgraduate qualifications in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Economics, Physics, Data Science or similar), coupled with extensive experience in electricity market modelling, forecasting or power system planning.
• Advanced PLEXOS experience is essential, with exposure to Databricks, Python and/or R highly regarded.
• Strong technical expertise with experience developing, validating and troubleshooting complex analytical models.
• Demonstrated experience leading or contributing to robust quality assurance processes and technical reviews.
• Experience preparing technical reports, publications or industry-facing analysis for a range of stakeholders.
• A collaborative, positive and curious approach, with a passion for continuous improvement, mentoring others and leveraging AI and emerging technologies.

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 requirements to support you during the application or interview process, simply let us know by emailing us at talent@aemo.com.au