Substation Primary Principal Engineer or Designer

About Arcadis

Arcadis is a global leader in sustainable design, engineering, and consulting solutions for natural and built environments, employing over 34,000 people across more than 30 countries committed to enhancing quality of life. We emphasize collaboration among inquisitive minds to tackle complex global challenges and create significant impact together.

Role Overview

Reporting closely to the National Renewables & Substations Lead, this position is pivotal in delivering key projects within the Energy Sector nationally. The role involves leading technical project teams, offering expert guidance and support to junior engineers to foster their professional growth and capacity building. The role supports team expansion while ensuring deliverables of high standards on major projects. Regular training and professional development opportunities will be provided to help progress your career.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and present intricate designs, reports, proposals, and client presentations pertaining to substation projects.
• Design efforts include concept, front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed design, and owner's engineer services for transmission and distribution substations.
• Work on GIS, AIS, and hybrid switchyard configurations.
• Lead projects involving both brownfield and greenfield substation developments.
• Manage substation extensions, refurbishments, replacements, and lifecycle extension initiatives.
• Select and specify equipment such as transformers, switchgear, reactors, capacitor banks, surge arresters, instrument transformers, and auxiliary systems.
• Optimize substation layouts focusing on safety and constructability.
• Integrate renewable energy sources, battery energy storage systems, and large customer connections into substation designs.
• Design and optimize earthing systems, conduct touch, step, and transferred voltage assessments, perform Earth Potential Rise (EPR) analyses, lightning protection, and shielding studies.
• Perform cable system designs and ratings, thermal modeling, and ampacity evaluations using tools like CYMCAP and ELTEK.
• Provide construction support and resolve technical inquiries during project execution.
• Oversee specialized project component delivery, organizing teams for optimal performance.
• Collaborate with various design disciplines to uphold the integrity of complete project designs.
• Mentor junior team members to elevate their technical expertise.
• Offer expert advice to clients and stakeholders, guiding them through technical decisions and suggesting alternative solutions where project changes occur.
• Maintain consistent communication with Project Managers and clients about project updates.

Qualifications and Experience

• 12 to 15 years’ experience in substation engineering, including at least 5 years as a recognized technical authority in high voltage (HV) and extra high voltage (EHV) substation primary systems, earthing, and bonding design.
• Tertiary qualifications in electrical or power engineering, preferably with chartered engineer accreditation and Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) status.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Preferred skills include:
  • Experience in design consultancy roles.
  • Proven leadership in managing design teams and delivering comprehensive substation design packages.
  • Capacity to develop earthing and induction models using CDEGS earthing software (desirable).
  • Expertise in HV substation design, protection system design, and power system studies.
  • Competence in power system modeling using ETAP or similar software.
  • Ability to conduct transient studies with ATP, PSCAD, or EMTP.
  • Experience developing electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) management plans and procedures.
  • Capability to formulate maintenance strategies, commissioning plans, and relevant documentation.

Why Choose Arcadis?

At Arcadis, we empower each individual to excel and believe every contribution is vital. We adopt a skills-based approach that enables you to leverage your unique expertise to shape your career and maximize your impact. You'll engage in meaningful work that supports sustainable development and helps create a prosperous planet. Join us to make a lasting legacy on your career, colleagues, clients, and the world.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We cultivate a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves daily. Committed to equality and inclusion, we hold ourselves accountable for our actions and strive to be an employer of choice providing an excellent environment for all employees. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, and spouses.