Senior Planning Engineer

Senior Planning Engineer – Permanent Full Time / Perth CBD Office

You will be joining Western Power’s Distribution Performance and Responsive Planning 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 and constraints with associated concept solutions) as well as providing the organisation with engineering planning services from operational to strategic network development.

You will provide a focal point for technical leadership and support, develop works planning reports and business cases and implement technical criteria and to identify short- and long-term enhancements to the  distribution network.

Your Role in Action  

• Perform forecast & network requirements
• Provide input into the development of the business plan
• 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.
• Support the development of an economically efficient network capacity expansion and asset replacement business plan in line with the long-term outlook and operational, financial, and regulatory constraints utilising high quality data and forecasts.
• 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.
• Conduct customer connection planning assessments, identifying any requirements for network reinforcement
• Lead Joint Planning Teams and provide a technical network planning function into the options analysis and scope development.
• Develop and implement technical criteria to meet organisational objectives and governance requirements working to a divisionally approved framework and improve processes, and using appropriate new technology where justified 
• Apply, review and revise the Technical rules, policies and guidelines for network investment, and Planning Criteria.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Degree Qualification in Engineering (Electrical)
• Eligibility to CPEng status by Engineers Australia
• At least 6 + years relevant broad and extensive knowledge and expertise with demonstrated
• technical experience covering the following areas:
• Knowledge of protection and development of settings for the distribution/transmission network
• Proficiency in key computer systems and specialty power system analysis applications
• Well-developed written, verbal and presentation/communications skills
• Sound knowledge of business practices and policies as appropriate

Planning, design, operation and maintenance of electricity transmission and / or distribution networks;

• Economic and financial evaluation techniques;
• Knowledge of performing load flow and dynamics studies in Powerfactory or equivalent software packages.

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: 

• Competitive salary plus 13.5% superannuation
• 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 three 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 15 August 2025 

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)