Principal Primary Engineer, Substation Design I Energy

About the role

AECOM's Energy practice offers advisory, consulting and engineering design services to power and renewable energy clients, and is looking for a Principal Primary Engineer to lead the design and delivery of high-voltage primary and substation projects. The role provides technical leadership, mentoring and support to an established team of engineers and technical specialists, covering projects from concept through to completion across Australia and New Zealand, from 330kV to 500kV infrastructure. It is ideally based in the Melbourne office, though other Australian offices may be considered.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and review of primary system designs, including layouts, equipment selection, earthing systems and related design requirements.
• Act as subject matter expert for substation primary engineering and design within project teams.
• Ensure technical verification tasks are completed in line with AECOM's technical standards, regulations and client requirements.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams including protection, control, civil and secondary systems engineers, including offshore and remotely based design teams.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior and intermediate engineers.
• Interface with clients, stakeholders and regulators, and review and approve drawings, specifications and design reports.
• Support tendering, project planning and cost estimation, and take part in design reviews, risk assessments and value engineering.
• Ensure safety, quality and environmental standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Required profile

• Experienced Primary Engineer with a track record of leading design and delivery of primary and substation projects.
• Experience with State Grid regulated clients (ideally VicGrid, or alternatively TransGrid or Powerlink) and substation design standards.
• Substation primary design experience, preferably in the Australian transmission sector (7+ years, ideally more than 10).
• Proven ability to lead across multiple projects, with strong time management and project delivery skills.
• Registered with the National Engineering Register, ideally as a Registered Professional Engineer (RPE) in Victoria; Chartered Engineer status (or working towards) is highly desirable, with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline.

Required skills

• Knowledge of high-voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, isolators and reactive plant.
• Concept and detailed design, including substation layout, insulation coordination and earthing systems.
• Familiarity with Australian standards (e.g. AS/NZS) and industry best practices.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.