Principal Engineer Power System & Connections

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Date: 15 Jan 2026

Location:

Virginia, QLD, AU

Work type:
Permanent - Full Time

Category:
Engineering and Technical

We believe life’s about possibilities. And so is the future. That’s why we need you.

We’re working at the heart of Queensland's energy industry to maintain a safe, reliable and cost-effective transmission network.

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll help us connect a more sustainable energy future for more than five million Queenslanders and 241,000. Your work with us is about every light turned on, every community connected, and every future made possible.

• Competitive Salary offering $ 252,839 + 14.75% super (10 day fortnight)
• Lead Powerlink’s grid controls planning capability for renewable generator connections
• Relocation assistance available to move to Brisbane

We believe every employee deserves the opportunity to enjoy a work-life balance that enhances their overall wellbeing and performance through inclusive and supportive benefits.

As a Principal Engineer you will lead Powerlink’s grid-controls planning capability across both inverter-based (I ) and synchronous resources. This role sets the technical direction for the team, assures the quality of studies, and drives decisions on generator connections, dynamic plant settings and standards compliance.

You will;

• Own and develop the technical strategy for controls planning, modelling standards (EMT/RMS/small-signal), validation, and study assurance.
• Provide executive-level recommendations on Generator Performance Standards (GPS) settings, network control systems, and plant specifications
• Sponsor and oversee complex connection studies and model validation (including R2/commissioning)
• Represent Powerlink with AEMO, OEMs, and across NEM working groups
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Engineers and Development Engineers

Reporting to the Manager Power System Performance and Connections, you’ll contribute directly to the Energy Markets & Planning Group, which shapes the long-term vision for Powerlink’s transmission network development. You’ll be part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team where your insights will help optimise power system performance and support the integration of renewable energy connections.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ)

You’ll bring expertise knowledge of power system plant characteristics and the ability to model plant and system behaviour. Strong knowledge in computer-based modelling and analysis tools such as PSS/E, PSCAD, and Power Factory, is essential. A deep understanding of the National Electricity Rules (NER), particularly around system standards and generator performance standards (GPS), is required.

You’ll have excellent communication skills to clearly convey complex concepts, along with experience managing multiple projects simultaneously. Strong critical thinking, independent judgement, and problem-solving abilities will round out your toolkit.

To kick start your career at Powerlink, apply by clicking the button above, attaching your resume and cover letter on our careers page before midnight on Sunday 1st of February 2025. Please be aware our recruitment team will commence the review process during this period.

You are welcome here at Powerlink, regardless of sex, race, culture, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity.

As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we’re committed to building long-term employment opportunities for First Nations peoples. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Successful applicants will undergo necessary pre-employment checks. As part of our commitment to maintaining a positive candidate experience, we pledge to provide a timely response to all applicants.

Powerlink acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the skies, lands, and waters of Queensland and in particular, the lands on which we operate.