Senior Planning Engineer

Senior Planning Engineer: Permanent – Full-Time/Perth CBD Office

You will be joining Western Power’s Distribution Grid Strategy and Standards team within our Grid Transformation Function based in Perth CBD.

The team is accountable for undertaking the development of short to medium term network plan (issues, constraints and associated concept solutions covering Reliability, Protection, Power Quality, voltage, and loading) as well as providing the organisation with engineering planning services from operational to strategic network development. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to develop issue briefing papers, works planning reports, business cases and implement technical criteria to identify short- and long-term enhancements to the distribution networks. 

Your Role in Action  

• Ensure the development of long-term and short-term investment proposals with alignment to the 50-year outlook, network investment strategy and asset strategies that permit the network expansion to proceed in a coordinated manner with due consideration to planning criteria, operational constraints, funding, resource availability, and external works such as new load and generation connections.
• Develop and maintain a detailed short to medium term plan (up to 10 years). Develop the Business Outlook considering Asset, Growth, Reliability, Power Quality and major customer connections in a localised geographical area. Identify and articulate the business risk of not proceeding with projects and the benefits to Western Power and the community that can be achieved by carrying out the solution augmentation.
• Develop concept solutions (network and non-network) to resolve constraints in a timely and economical manner and develop appropriate candidates with planning reports documented to underpin the justification for initiating the relevant investment. Ensure the development of robust, high quality business case documents that withstand the test of financial and commercial credibility.
• Perform risk assessment, including development of contingency plans to deal with the risks associated with systems operating conditions beyond the Planning Criteria, unplanned delays of network reinforcements, unforeseen load connections and provide an operational planning service to ensure mitigation strategies are in place for peak periods, as well as providing technical advice to Network Operations in areas of network limitations and settings.
• Apply, review and revise the Technical rules, policies and guidelines for network investment, and Planning Criteria.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Degree in Engineering (Electrical or equivalent) and Eligible for CPEng / NPER registration OR Successful completion of a three-year Graduate Development Program (Engineer)
• At least 9 + years relevant broad and extensive knowledge and expertise with demonstrated technical experience covering the following areas:
• Planning, design, operation and maintenance of electricity distribution and / or transmission networks;
• Economic and financial evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of performing load flow and dynamics studies in Powerfactory or equivalent software packages.
• Knowledge of protection and development of settings for the distribution/transmission network
• Proficiency in key computer systems and specialty power system analysis applications
• High competency in report writing with excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.

What you will get from the role:

• In-depth Exposure to the best practices in Distribution Planning and Operation: Gain hands-on experience with planning studies of the Distribution network, enhancing your understanding of power system operations and challenges.
• Deep Understanding of the SWIS: Develop a comprehensive understanding of the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) by working directly within Western Australia's primary electricity network, providing valuable insights and expertise in utility operations.
• Career Development and Growth: Take advantage of a great opportunity for career development, with mentorship and professional development programs designed to help you grow within the company and the industry.
• Working in a collaborative and diverse team environment where knowledge sharing and mentorship are highly encouraged, allowing you to grow professionally and technically.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including: 

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.  
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements. 
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year. 
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership. 
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme. 
• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.   
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy two wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.

• On-site café available for convenient meals and refreshments throughout the day.

Applications close on 6th November 2024

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

Find out how we’re building A Network for Life: A network for life (westernpower.com.au)