Job Description

Senior/Principal Electrical Design Engineer – Primary

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior/Principal Electrical Design Engineer – Primary to join our dedicated and dynamic engineering team. This leadership-focused role is a critical opportunity to contribute as a key player in shaping how our team operates and delivers exceptional outcomes. This full-time position offers flexibility to be based in Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide, and the opportunity to influence high-impact projects across the Transmission & Distribution (T&D) sector.

You will lead and deliver designs for major infrastructure projects, including substations (MV/HV/EHV), solar farms, wind farms, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and transmission systems (overhead lines and underground). This is a unique chance to play a pivotal role in advancing renewable energy initiatives and large-scale infrastructure projects while mentoring others in a collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior/Principal Electrical Design Engineer, you will:

Leadership in Electrical Design Development

• Lead the development of advanced designs for primary systems, including substation layouts, high-voltage equipment selection, busbar configurations, earthing systems, and lightning protection solutions.
• Ensure and enforce compliance with relevant industry standards such as AS 2067, IEC 60076, and AS 62271.
• Drive continuous improvement within the design team by mentoring junior engineers and establishing best practices.

Project Delivery & Multidisciplinary Coordination

• Lead the preparation and timely delivery of design outputs at all project stages: 30% (Preliminary Design), 60% (Developed Design), 80% (Detailed Design), and IFC (Issued for Construction).
• Oversee cross-functional collaboration with secondary (protection & control), civil, structural, and SCADA teams to ensure alignment and consistency.

Design Assurance & Governance

• Oversee and enhance design control processes aligned to ISO 9001 standards.
• Chair design reviews and ensure that all deliverables meet the highest quality standards and client expectations prior to submission.
• Mentor and provide technical advice to junior team members to ensure consistent application of quality standards.

Advanced Technical Studies & Validation

• Lead complex load flow and fault level studies, insulation coordination analyses, and earthing assessments.
• Validate and optimize high-voltage equipment ratings, layouts, and system configurations.

Safety & Risk Leadership

• Act as a key contributor in Safety in Design (SiD) workshops and ensure rigorous management of potential high-voltage hazards and clearance risks.
• Champion a safety-first design philosophy within the team to mitigate risks effectively.

Procurement & Vendor Engagement

• Develop detailed equipment specifications, comprehensive datasheets, and technical schedules.
• Manage evaluation of vendor submissions, participate in Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and oversee Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) activities.

Technical Support for Construction & Commissioning

• Provide authoritative technical input during the construction, installation, and commissioning phases.
• Address high-level RFIs and oversee the development of as-built documentation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a senior or principal liaison with clients, Owner’s Engineers, NSPs/TNSPs, and other key stakeholders.
• Lead technical meetings, strategy sessions, and design discussions to ensure alignment with project goals.

Qualifications

Mandatory

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• A minimum of 8–12+ years of professional experience in primary electrical design, with demonstrated accomplishments in leading critical infrastructure projects.
• Extensive experience in MV/HV/EHV substations and renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS).

Highly Desirable

• Chartered Engineer (CPEng), NER or RPEQ accreditation (or the ability to obtain professional recognition under Australian standards).
• Strong familiarity with Australian NSP/TNSP standards and compliance requirements, including those applicable to Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia.
• Experience in leading EPC/EPCM or Owner’s Engineer roles for complex projects.

Leadership Attributes

• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and mentor developing engineers.
• Exceptional decision-making, problem-solving, and client interaction skills.

Day-to-Day

• Lead end-to-end design development for primary electrical systems across diverse and high-profile energy projects.
• Provide strategic input and solutions to multidisciplinary teams during the design, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Advance technical innovation and ensure all designs meet compliance, safety, and operational excellence benchmarks.
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships through proactive communication and expert advisory.
• Continuously improve team processes and quality assurance frameworks as a key thought leader.

Benefits

• Leadership-level salary package, tailored for senior/principal practitioners and commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to shape and lead groundbreaking renewable energy and Transmission & Distribution (T&D) projects across Melbourne, Sydney, or Adelaide.
• Industry-leading flexibility, encouraging work-life balance and hybrid/remote work options.
• A highly collaborative, high-performance professional environment with a focus on innovation and growth.
• Access to executive mentorship, training programs, and support for professional accreditation.

If you are an experienced professional passionate about driving transformative energy projects and taking a leadership role in advancing innovative, sustainable solutions, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

With offices across Melbourne, Sydney, and Adelaide, we offer the flexibility to base your career in your preferred location.

Apply now to take the next step in your journey as a Senior/Principal Electrical Design Engineer and lead the future of energy and infrastructure!