Senior Engineer - Small Signal Modelling

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 role

AEMO's Operational Analysis and Engineering team, within System Engineering, provides specialist engineering analysis and technical advice to support the secure operation of the National Electricity Market. The team investigates emerging power system risks and significant incidents, develops and applies power system models and simulation capability, and supports operational limits, transition planning and real-time operational decisions. Its work includes dynamic and electromagnetic transient studies, oscillatory and small-signal stability analysis, disturbance analysis, system restart and under-frequency load shedding assessments, and the continued improvement of engineering tools, models and methods.

You will undertake power system modelling, analysis and technical investigations that support the secure operation of the National Electricity Market. Your role will have an initial focus on small-signal and oscillatory stability studies, including the development and application of AEMO’s SSAT capability, interface with other small signal software as necessary, assessment of inter-area modes and system damping, improvement and validation of the models and tools used for this analysis. You will also contribute to broader operational engineering work, including PSS®E and PSCAD studies, model development and validation, disturbance and oscillation investigations, and assessment of emerging power system risks.

This role can be based at any AEMO office location across multiple states.

What you will be doing

• Lead power system studies and technical investigations using Mudpack, SSAT, PSS®E, PSCAD and other relevant tools to support secure NEM operation.

• Undertake small-signal and oscillatory stability studies, including modal and damping analysis, assessment of inter-area modes and stability limits, and investigation of emerging stability risks.

• Develop AEMO’s small-signal analysis capability through study case preparation, model quality assurance, benchmarking and validation against simulations and measured system responses.

• Develop, improve and validate power system models, and undertake broader dynamic studies, model testing and troubleshooting across relevant study platforms.

• Analyse disturbance, PMU and operational data to investigate oscillations, assess damping and validate models and study outcomes.

What you will bring to the role

• Significant experience in power system analysis and engineering, with experience developing, validating and applying power system models, including assessing weather model behaviour and simulation results are technically reasonable and fit for purpose.

• Demonstrated practical experience using Mudpack, SSAT or comparable small-signal stability analysis software.

• Strong scripting experience, preferably in Python, including automation of power system studies, data preparation and analysis of results.

• Ability to prepare clear, high-quality technical reports, study summaries, presentations and documentation that explain analysis, assumptions, findings, limitations and recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical studies or small project teams and proactively deliver complex analysis to agreed outcomes.

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 ••••@aemo.com.au