Principal Engineer

Division: Operations 

Department: Systems Capability 

Reference number: 12602 

Engagement type: Permanent

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   

 The Operational DER Management team, within AEMO Operations, is responsible for integration of distributed energy resources (DER) into AEMO’s operational and technical functions. With more than half the National Electricity Market now supplied by DER in some periods, Australia is leading the world in integration of distributed PV, and our team’s goal is to make sure the necessary measures are in place to be able to securely, safely and efficiently operate the power system with up to 100% of energy supplied by renewable distributed resources in the next few years. We are passionate about our work, and seeking a collaborative, innovative, and hard-working individual to join us.

In this role, you will develop processes and tools to integrate DER into AEMO’s operational processes via the Integrating Price Responsive Resources (IPRR) mechanism. This new mechanism aims to allow aggregated consumer energy resources, demand response and independent small generators/batteries to be scheduled and dispatchable in the NEM. 

You will be working within a team to develop the methodologies and processes needed to assess and validate the capabilities of new Voluntarily Scheduled Resources.  This will involve leveraging large, complex DER datasets, developing new methodologies, and developing automation approaches. 

Reporting to the Manager – Operational DER Management (within Systems Capability, Operations), your role can be based at any of our office locations across multiples states.

What you will be doing

• Develop novel methodologies and approaches to assess the capability of participants to nominate and aggregate small resources to participate in dispatch as Voluntarily Scheduled Resources (VSRs), to support AEMO’s implementation of the Integrating Price Responsive Resources (IPRR) mechanism.
• Quantitative analysis of large, complex datasets.
• Development of improved tools and automation.
• Collaborate and liaise with other AEMO teams and external stakeholders.

What you will bring to the role   

• Tertiary qualification in electrical engineering, data science, computer science, software development or similar.
• Data science and data analysis skills, particularly working with large, complex datasets.
• Programming skills and experience, in platforms such as R, Python, Grafana, or similar
• Experience working with power system datasets, such as PMU and waveform data, interval data from DER devices and metering data.
• Quantitative analysis skills, including problem solving, modelling, and critical thinking, with the ability to prepare high quality reports and summaries of analysis.

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 ******************