Principal Engineer

Division: System Design 

Department: Onboarding & Connections 

Reference number: 12968 

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 Design division is responsible for planning the power system in the context of unprecedented transformation. The rapid transition to renewable energy generation and electrification of many sectors (transport, industry etc) has seen sharp rises in proposed transmission connection projects. The Onboarding and Connections Group manages AEMO’s end to end process for connecting and registering generators into the National Electricity Market.

About the role

With more than 160 GW of new generation to connect in the next 30 years, the Senior Engineer will play a key role in enabling integration of a diverse range of technologies, including onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro and solar generation, battery storage systems, and hydrogen plants. On a day-to-day basis, you will work closely with network service providers, generation developers, investors, equipment manufacturers, consultants, and AEMO teams. 

What you will be doing

• Lead technical assessments for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with NEM standards.


• Strengthen AEMO’s technical partnerships by proactively resolving project challenges, driving process improvements, and delivering clear, outcomes‑focused solutions for clients.


• Champion rigorous, transparent decision‑making, ensuring all technical recommendations are evidence‑based, well‑documented, and grounded in practical insight.


• Provide expert technical leadership across performance standard assessments, power system stability, system strength remediation, registration, and commissioning—using open, constructive problem‑solving approaches.


• Communicate with impact by preparing high‑quality technical and non‑technical materials, enhancing AEMO’s reputation as a trusted advisor to generation developers, OEMs, government bodies, network service providers, market participants, and customers.

What you will bring to the role

• Tertiary qualifications in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline) with solid knowledge of power systems analysis and the Australian electricity industry, including NEM dispatch processes, generator behaviour, and network constraints.


• Proven leadership of medium to large technical project teams, with a track record of owning and delivering complex, multi‑stakeholder projects using a pragmatic, service‑oriented and outcomes‑focused approach.


• Strong technical expertise in generator connection processes, including assessing and resolving generator and power system performance issues, and negotiating solutions to complex technical challenges across stakeholders with diverse commercial and reputational objectives.


• Demonstrated capability in developing and uplifting technical expertise in others, using structured, transparent approaches to mentoring, coaching, and guiding interdisciplinary teams.


• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex engineering concepts for non‑technical audiences, manage competing priorities in high‑pressure project environments, and build strong, trusted relationships across industry.

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 [email protected]