In this Associate Director - Electrical Engineer , you will leading the technical electrical design and delivery requirements of medium-voltage balance of plant systems for utility-scale wind, solar, battery energy storage (BESS) and hybrid projects. The role is centred on strong, conventional power-system engineering: leading the approach to take the electrical design from the inverter, power conversion system or turbine terminals through the collector system, substation and grid connection interface. Renewable energy experience will be valuable; however it is not essential - what will be important is your leadership and depth of experience in medium-voltage design and the ability to produce practical, coordinated designs.
You will work across the project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through detailed design review, procurement, construction and commissioning. Depending on the engagement, this may include developing design bases and single-line diagrams; performing cable, transformer and equipment studies; preparing cable schedules and technical specifications; building and interrogating DIgSILENT PowerFactory models; developing protection philosophies; reviewing EPC and OEM designs; and supporting site-based testing and commissioning. You will apply sound engineering judgement to balance safety, performance, constructability, operability, cost and programme.
The common thread is technical ownership. You will be comfortable moving between calculations, models, drawings, specifications and multidisciplinary interfaces, while explaining complex electrical issues clearly to clients and project teams. This role will suit an experienced electrical engineer who enjoys solving design problems, setting a robust technical direction and helping others deliver high-quality engineering.
How you'll make a difference
- Lead the electrical design approach for medium-voltage balance of plant systems on utility-scale generation and storage projects, including collector networks, substations, auxiliary systems and interfaces to the grid connection.
- Develop and review design bases, single-line diagrams, equipment ratings, cable sizing and derating, voltage-drop and short-circuit withstand calculations, cable schedules, routing, earthing and lightning protection requirements.
- Build and review DIgSILENT PowerFactory models and undertake load-flow, short-circuit, voltage, reactive‑power, harmonic and contingency studies appropriate to the project stage.
- Select and review transformers and major electrical plant, including ratings, impedance, vector group, tap range, earthing arrangement, losses and equipment duty.
- Develop and review protection and control philosophies, grading and coordination studies, relay requirements, interfaces, test requirements and commissioning plans.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary inputs, mentor engineers, support client decisions, and provide technical review during procurement, construction and commissioning.
This role has the scope to be based in any of AECOM's key office locations throughout Australia.
To be successful in this role, you will be an experienced Electrical Engineer with a strong record in medium-voltage power-system design. Your background may be in utilities, industrial power systems, mining, infrastructure, design and construction, EPC contracting or consulting with direct renewable generation experience being advantageous.
You will be known for your leadership ability to take ownership of complex electrical design packages, work independently and collaborate effectively across disciplines. You will understand how a design moves from calculations and models into coordinated drawings, schedules, specifications, procurement documentation, construction and commissioning. Experience with utility-scale wind, solar, BESS or hybrid projects will help you settle quickly into the role, we are equally interested in candidates whose core electrical design skills are transferable from other sectors.
Your technical judgement will be grounded in practical design experience. You will know how to identify the governing duty, test assumptions, select appropriate equipment parameters and resolve interfaces between cables, transformers, switchgear, protection, controls and civil or structural design. One of your strengths will be recognising when specialist input is needed and bringing the right AECOM expertise together to achieve a coherent outcome.
The following qualifications and experience are highly desired, but if you don't tick all the boxes, you could still be a perfect fit for this role.
The qualities that help you thrive
- Significant experience (12+ years) designing and leading medium-voltage electrical systems, typically at 11 kV to 33 kV, across concept, preliminary and detailed design stages.
- Demonstrated cable-system design capability, including ampacity and derating, voltage drop, short-circuit withstand, screen and sheath
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Associate Director - Electrical Engineer, Generation & Storage - Energy in Sydney employer: Aecom2
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Principal Mechanical Engineer in our Sydney office, you'll enjoy flexible working arrangements, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead impactful projects in the defence and data-centre sectors. Join us to not only advance your career but also contribute to meaningful engineering solutions that shape the future of Australia.
