Job Description

Principal Protection Engineer

Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced and motivated Principal Protection Engineer to join our team. This leadership role offers an exciting opportunity to drive technical excellence in high-voltage (HV) transmission and distribution substation projects while mentoring and guiding a team of engineers. If you have a deep expertise in protection engineering, a strong track record in delivering complex energy-sector projects, and a passion for innovation, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of protection and control designs for HV transmission and distribution substations.
• Provide technical oversight for protection relay setting calculations, coordination studies, and fault-level analysis.
• Drive the preparation and review of protection philosophies, settings reports, and technical documentation.
• Oversee the design of secondary systems, including AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, interlocking, and control circuits.
• Review vendor documentation and ensure alignment with project standards and specifications.
• Collaborate with primary, civil, and commissioning teams, ensuring integrated and seamless project execution.
• Act as the key interface with network service providers, clients, and equipment manufacturers, representing the organization in high-level technical discussions.
• Provide leadership during testing, commissioning, and energisation activities, ensuring compliance with technical, safety, and quality benchmarks.
• Ensure all designs strictly adhere to relevant Australian Standards, utility requirements, and client specifications.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous professional development.
• Contribute to strategic initiatives, technical reviews, and the continuous improvement of engineering processes and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (10+ years highly regarded) in protection engineering within the electricity transmission, distribution, or renewable energy sectors.
• Expert-level understanding of HV protection principles, protection relay technologies, and system applications.
• Strong track record of completing protection settings, coordination studies, and advanced fault analysis for complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of transmission and distribution substation secondary systems and protections.
• Proficiency in protection study software such as ETAP, PowerFactory, or equivalent is considered a strong asset.
• Advanced familiarity with protection relays from leading manufacturers, including SEL, Siemens, GE, ABB/Hitachi Energy, and Schneider Electric.
• Demonstrated experience applying Australian utility standards and working with network service provider requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience engaging with senior clients, vendors, and cross-disciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to coach and mentor engineers, fostering technical growth and career development.

Day-to-Day

• Drive technical leadership across the team, ensuring the successful delivery of high-quality protection and control engineering designs.
• Oversee and validate detailed technical analyses, calculations, and documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Lead collaborative efforts with stakeholders to meet project objectives and resolve complex engineering challenges.
• Act as the principal point of contact for escalated technical issues and provide expert guidance during project execution phases.
• Provide hands-on guidance and leadership during project-critical milestones, including testing, commissioning, and energisation.
• Support the continuous improvement of technical standards, processes, and project delivery methodologies within the organization.

Benefits

• Attractive remuneration package, including leadership incentives.
• Leadership role with opportunities to shape and grow a high-performing team.
• Work on industry-leading projects, including renewable and sustainable energy initiatives.
• Inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, with a focus on innovation.
• Continuous professional development and support for certifications in advanced technical areas.
• Access to unique, challenging projects with prominent industry clients and stakeholders on a global scale.

Join our team as a trusted industry leader and take ownership of key projects that influence the future of energy infrastructure. Embrace the challenge and apply today to lead the way as our Principal Protection Engineer!