Senior Planning Engineer

Senior Planning Engineer – Permanent full Time – Perth CBD

Join Western Power’s Distribution Grid Strategy and Standards team within our Grid Transformation function based in Perth CBD.

This team is accountable for developing long-term network strategies as well as medium‑term network plans, identifying network issues and constraints, and defining concept solutions across Reliability, Protection, Power Quality, Voltage and Loading.

In this role, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to develop issue briefing papers, works planning reports, business cases, and technical criteria that support both short‑ and long‑term enhancements to Western Power’s distribution network.

Your Role in Action  

• Ensure the development of investment proposals with alignment to the 50-year outlook, network investment strategy and asset strategies with due consideration to planning criteria, operational constraints, funding and resource availability, and external works such as new load and generation connections.
• Develop and maintain detailed medium‑term network plans (up to 10 years), including preparation of the Network 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 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 assessments, 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
• Lead Joint Planning Teams by contributing technical expertise to options analysis and scope development, while mentoring early-career engineers
• Develop and implement technical criteria aligned with governance requirements and divisional frameworks, improving processes and applying innovative technologies where appropriate.
• 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) and Eligible for CPEng / NPER registration
• 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, presentation / communication and negotiation skills

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 three wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.
• 22 weeks paid parental leave and 5 days of First Nations cultural leave to support family and cultural connections.

Applications close on 27 February 2026.

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. As a WORK180-endorsed employer for women, we are proud of our commitment to inclusion. You can learn more about this through our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

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

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