Senior Power Systems Engineer

ACCIONA Energía is the biggest 100% renewable energy company with no fossil legacy in the world. With more than 30 years of experience and operations in 20 countries on five continents, ACCIONA Energía offers a wide portfolio of tailored energy solutions so that its corporate and institutional clients can meet their decarbonisation goals. This includes the development, engineering, construction, operation and maintenance of renewable power plants -mainly wind and photovoltaic technologies-, energy sales and management and marketing, energy services, self-consumption, electric mobility and new technologies such as storage and green hydrogen. ACCIONA Energía is governed by the most demanding environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria.

Reporting to the Connections Manager and based in Brisbane, this role is responsible for the review of power systems models and preparation of reports to support feasibility studies, preparing study packages for grid connection applications, providing support in negotiating performance standards for grid connections providing technical support and coordination during construction and commissioning and supporting the asset operations team in managing GPS compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Health & Safety

• Actively engage in ACCIONA’s Health & Safety practices, take personal responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure workplace, and support the people around you in upholding these standards.

Role Responsibilities

Pre-Delivery Projects

• Assist in developing the strategy for achieving connection of each project, prepare project plans and manage to achieve required outcomes.
• Perform PSSE/PSCAD modelling to assess system faults, load flow, steady state and dynamic analysis in distribution and transmission systems. Digsilent/Powerfactory experience is also highly regarded. Supervise and assist external consultants in the preparation of Generator Performance Standards and feasibility studies.
• Develop Generator commissioning plans and R2 testing requirements.
• Prepare connection application study packages to be submitted to TNSPs/DNSPs and AEMO.
• Assist with the technical negotiation of key connection related agreements.
• Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including AEMO, TNSPs / DNSPs, consultants and Acciona Energia counterparts.
• Develop connection enquiries and assist with generation license and registration applications.
   

Delivery and Construction

• Provide Power System Engineering advice and support throughout all phases of project construction.
• Prepare Generator commissioning plans and R2 testing requirements.
• Provide technical support during HP testing  and R2 model validation processes.
• Assist delivery team in the coordination of site commissioning activities and AMEO hold point testing
   

Operations

• Provide technical advice for upgrades or modifications to operational systems.
• Contribute to business to business communications with network service providers.
• Resolution of grid and electrical technical issues during operational phases.
• Assist operations team to manage GPS and grid related compliance monitoring programs. General
• Provide professional Power System Engineering advice regarding in-house developments, bids and delivery of third-party EPC projects, projects under construction and operational assets.
• Assist in the development of tender documents for submission for external bids and other contracting opportunities.
• Prepare submissions in response to public consultation processes for grid code and rules changes.  
• Develop trusted working relationships with head-office, internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to maintenance and improvement of the technical standards and company procedures.
• Development and/or enhance existing skills and expertise in modelling techniques using PSSE, Powerfactory, PSCAD and Python.
• Assist in engagement and management of external consultants to perform specialist tasks and complete work in a timely manner in accordance with project schedules.

Essential:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or comparable qualifications.
• Advanced skills and experience in power system modeling tools (PSSe, PSCAD, PowerFactory)
• Experience (5+ years) in a technical role in the renewable power generation, transmission or distribution industries, including experience in the design and implementation of power systems.
• Experience in grid connection procedures with AEMO, DNSP’s & TNSP’s.
• Experience producing and reviewing engineering specifications and drawings.
• Understanding of wind turbine and inverter based generator performance Experience working as part of an interdisciplinary team in design and construction.
• Strong technical report writing skills. Proven ability to produce high quality reports based on your analysis, conclusions and recommendations.

Advantageous:

• Relevant higher degree.
• Chartered Member of Engineers Australia.
• Experience with the design and grid connection of renewable energy projects.
• Experience in power quality and harmonic studies is highly regarded.
• Experience with integration of dynamic compensation equipment e.g. statcoms and Synchronous condenser.
• Experience in energy storage connections
• Project management skills, qualifications or experience.
• Experience working across cultures and languages.
• Analytical and creative approach.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel to project sites, as required.
• Current Member or eligible for membership of Engineers Australia.
• Current Australian driver’s license.

As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.