Principal Engineer, Grid Connection

Overview

Lead grid connection for renewables: studies, modeling, compliance and team mentoring.

Key Responsibilities

• power modelling
• r2 validation
• pss/e review
• gps negotiation
• project management
• stakeholder relations

Tasks

-Contribute to recruitment, resourcing & budget planning, and capability development within the grid connection team. -Prepare and compile the R2 Model Validation report following completion of hold point testing. -Support site selection via provision of grid connection advice. -Support business development activities including bid preparation, tenders (e.g., CIS, LTESA etc) and off-take negotiations. -Support ongoing compliance of generating systems and apply updates as required. -Review the PSS/E NEM snapshots based on various operational scenarios and inclusion of RUG packs for use in the R0 and R1 grid connection studies. -Keep abreast of National Electricity Rules requirements and changes, as well as any state-based or local grid connection requirements. -Support the scoping, contract negotiation and financial management of external consultants when work is outsourced. -Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams, network service providers, AEMO, EPC contractors, and OEMs. -Act as a technical reviewer for all grid connection deliverables (e.g., modelling & tuning, studies, hold point reports etc). -Prepare generating system sizing and Connection Enquiry and Application to Connect submissions with the NSPs. -Mentor and support the professional development of senior and mid-level engineers within the grid connection team. -Undertake all power system modelling and studies (in-house) during the R0 phase to achieve NER 5.3.4A/B approval and Offer to Connect execution. -Foster the 3 C’s within the grid connection team: Connection, Collaboration and Communication. -Support the delivery of advanced power system studies including NER compliance studies, s5.2.5.15 system strength (Withstand SCR) tuning assessments, power quality assessments & harmonic filter design and protection coordination studies. -Support the development and implementation of the grid connection strategy, modelling methodologies and compliance approaches across all project phases. -Undertake all power system modelling and studies (in-house) during the R1 phase to achieve AEMO Registration. -Participate in daily standups and monthly team meetings. -Support the education of internal stakeholders on asynchronous generator technology such as the differences between grid following and grid forming, design considerations for generating systems etc. -Support the negotiation of Generator Performance Standards (GPS) with NSPs and AEMO with in-depth power systems analysis and modelling as well as NER s5.2 knowledge, skills and experience. -Manage project timelines, resources, risks, and deliverables across multiple concurrent engagements. -Oversee the development, validation, and application of RMS and EMT models for technologies such as solar PV, wind, BESS, hydrogen, and hybrid plants. -Contribute to the IT strategy for the team to ensure optimal execution of grid connection studies. -Support the development of GPS Compliance Assessment and R2 Model Validation Test Plans with inputs from EPC contractors, OEMs, NSPs and AEMO. -Represent Vena Energy in industry forums, working groups, and regulatory consultations. -Contribute to the negotiation of Connection Agreements from throughout the Development phase. -Prepare and compile Hold Point reports during the R2 phase for submission to the NSPs and AEMO to obtain unconstrained operation.

Requirements

• powerfactory
• pscad
• pss/e
• bachelor
• 10+ years
• communication

What You Bring

-Effective communicator with technical diplomacy and conflict resolution skills -Expert understanding of NER Chapter 5 Schedule 5.2. -Track record of leading complex negotiations with AEMO, NSPs, and OEMs. -Apply advanced proficiency in power system analysis tools including PSS®E & PSCAD (with gridmo), and PowerFactory (with Python scripting). -Capable of managing multiple projects and responding to urgent tasks -Confidence to independently tackle complex engineering problems. -Experienced mentor with strong reporting and presentation abilities -Undertake harmonics assessments in PowerFactory for s5.2.5.2 compliance and have an advanced knowledge of harmonic filter design. -Minimum 10 of working experience experience in power systems engineering, specializing in grid connection of asynchronous generators. -Broad power systems analysis expertise relevant to asynchronous generating systems. -Highly skilled user of PowerFactory, PSCAD and PSS/e for grid connection studies. -Recognized industry expert in grid connection standards, modelling, and compliance. -Proven technical leadership in technical teams and cross-functional project delivery. -Adaptable to evolving grid connection requirements -Experienced in GPS compliance test plan development and conducting hold point testing. -Bachelor of Engineering (Power Systems focus)

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About Vena Group

-Born to bridge energy and digital needs, the company fuses renewable power with purpose-built AI-ready data campuses. -It began by harnessing solar and wind across the Asia-Pacific region and evolved to include battery, hydrogen and grid-integrated systems. -With a development pipeline spanning gigawatts of renewables and IT load, it finances and builds scalable energy-plus-infrastructure hubs. -Typical projects range from offshore wind farms to liquid-cooled, edge-inference and hyperscale AI data centre campuses. -It co-designs sites from land, power and permits through to operation—ensuring sustainability, reliability and AI-grade density. -An unusual highlight: it’s one of the few firms marrying green hydrogen “molecule” innovation with AI-ready digital estates. -Today its integrated model shapes the Asia-Pacific’s clean energy and digital infrastructure transformation story.

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