Job Description

Job Opportunity: Design Engineer - Protection & Control

Overview

We are supporting our client—a leading EPC organisation in the energy sector—to recruit a talented and experienced Design Engineer specializing in Protection & Control. This is a full-time role based in Sydney, offering you the chance to work on high-voltage (HV) and renewable infrastructure projects. If you have a strong background in secondary systems design and are passionate about delivering innovative engineering solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

In the role of Design Engineer - Protection & Control, you will:

• Develop both concept and detailed designs for secondary systems, including drafting and studies.


• Lead and contribute to design reviews for Protection & Control systems, automation, and communication.


• Participate in cross-functional design reviews addressing safety in design, HAZID, HAZCON, and HAZOP processes.


• Respond to project-related Requests for Information (RFIs) pertaining to secondary systems.


• Attend Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Commissioning Acceptance Tests (SCAT), and bench testing when required.


• Contribute to tender submissions and feasibility studies for Protection & Control designs.


• Collaborate with project teams, clients, and stakeholders to deliver tailored and high-quality solutions.


• Perform technical investigations and feasibility assessments for proposed designs.


• Prepare and review technical specifications and supporting documentation for Protection & Control systems.


• Engage with external vendors and suppliers to ensure smooth procurement of equipment and materials.


• Conduct site inspections and join project meetings to ensure compliance and provide expert input.


• Enhance design processes through continuous improvement initiatives and adoption of best practices.

About You

To excel in this position, you should have:

• At least 5 years of relevant experience working on HV and renewable infrastructure projects within Australia.


• Experience working within a Network Service Provider (NSP) or contractor environment is essential.


• Strong expertise in Protection & Control systems design, including relay configurations, load flow, protection studies, insulation coordination, earthing, lightning, metering, and Quality of Supply Monitoring (QoSM).


• Knowledge of automation systems, including SCADA Functional Design Specification (FDS), SCADA signal lists, SCADA mapping, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI).


• Proficiency in communication systems design, such as comms architecture, fiber, network design, remote end access, IT, and VPN setup.


• Familiarity with auxiliary systems, including load calculations, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), cabling, lighting, and security.


• Advanced skills in AutoCAD.


• Hands-on experience with commissioning and testing of secondary systems is highly regarded.


• Understanding of regulatory permits and approvals related to secondary systems design is advantageous.


• Experience conducting fault studies and developing protection coordination schemes for HV systems.


• Knowledge of SCADA integration and communication protocols like DNP3 and IEC 60870-5.


• An understanding of cybersecurity best practices for critical infrastructure is an asset.


• Excellent communication skills to clearly present complex technical information.


• A proven ability to successfully deliver challenging Protection & Control engineering projects.


• Availability to travel for site visits prior to and during construction.


• Full working rights in Australia.

What to Expect Day-to-Day

Your typical day may involve:

• Collaborating within multidisciplinary teams to craft Protection & Control system designs.


• Reviewing designs and providing technical insights to align with project specifications.


• Offering technical support by responding to RFIs from the project team.


• Participating in testing and commissioning activities to ensure functionality and compliance.


• Liaising with clients, stakeholders, and suppliers to meet project milestones.


• Conducting feasibility checks and analyses to guide critical decisions.


• Updating and reviewing design documentation and technical reports.


• Contributing to initiatives that improve design methodologies and processes.

If you’re passionate about advancing energy infrastructure and making a real impact in Protection & Control systems design, we’d love to hear from you!

Ready to take the next step in your career? Apply today.