Grid Connection Manager Jobs

Buiding a portfolio of renewable BESS, hybrid, and microgrid assets
Highly entrepreneurial, fast-moving team bringing an innovative approach
Provide grid connection support for projects - concept to commercial operations

Your New Company:

This is very a unique opportunity to join a new Australian owned entrant to the renewable energy sector, backed by long-term capital and a proven track record in delivering large-scale complex projects.

The immediate focus is utility-scale battery storage, with plans to build a portfolio of renewable BESS, hybrid, and microgrid assets and projects that deliver lasting value to communities, investors, and partners.

With strong financial backing, including local and overseas capital, this highly entrepreneurial, fast-moving team is bringing an innovative approach to development (targeting greenfield and brownfield opportunities) that is already delivering results.

The business is now looking for a Grid Connection Manager to join their growing renewable energy team and play a pivotal role in its long-term growth and success.

Your New Role:

You’ll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the business, helping to establish processes, define culture and set the pace from the ground up. This is your chance to work alongside high-performing industry experts in a business that’s well-resourced and backed by a proven track record in delivering large scale complex projects.

The focus of the role will be to provide grid connection support for projects from concept to commercial operations, as well as opportunities to work on micro-grid projects. The team is fast paced, highly collaborative and entrepreneurial in spirit and this role will provide opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the direction of the business and share in the success.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise in relation to all aspects of the NEM grid connection process on project opportunities.
• Support the project pipeline through the feasibility development, commissioning, and operational phases.
• Work closely with development colleagues to assess the viability of the generation connection process and identify suitable locations for new BESS projects and incorporate power systems analysis and congestion modelling to support decision making for new opportunities.
• Specify high level design for BESS projects to optimise project configurations. Provide technical guidance to Development and Finance teams to ensure optimised project configurations.
• Manage the Connection Application Process (R0) for multiple projects across several NEM jurisdictions and ensure that projects are progressed in a timely manner.
• Manage all aspects of Model Acceptance, Benchmarking and GPS compliance studies including Steady State, Dynamic and Power Quality analysis using PSS/E, DigSilent, PowerFactory and PSCAD EMTP software packages, as required.
• Pro-actively manage relationships with project stakeholders including NSPs, AEMO, Electrical Designer Contractors and OEMs.
• Appoint and manage external power systems consultants for the delivery of Connection Application Packages and undertake internal due diligence assessments prior to submission to NSPs/AEMO.
• Engage with NSPs to negotiate optimised connection strategies for Solar PV, standalone BESS, and Hybrid projects to ensure cost-effective connections at both transmission and distribution level.
• Negotiate Generator Performance Standards and technical aspects of Connection Agreements to ensure positive project outcomes.

Experience and Skills
Experience:

• Circa 7+ years’ experience working in a connections-focused environment within an Engineering Consultancy, Project Developer, NSP or AEMO working on GPS submissions.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting a development team with identifying grid led opportunities for new projects and undertaking preliminary due diligence on specific project sites and opportunities. This includes staying on top of technology, market and regulatory changes impacting these opportunities.
• Proven track record of working with NSPs, AEMO, and navigating the Australian regulatory landscape.
• Site experience in BESS and/or high voltage substations is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working on micro-grid projects desirable but not essential.

Skills:

• Strong technical knowledge of the NER Chapter 5 process, with a proven track record of success in progressing wind/solar/BESS connections with NSPs and AEMO.
• Excellent knowledge of power systems analysis software packages including PSS/E, PSCAD and DigSilent, PowerFactory as well as associated Python automations skills.
• Knowledge of energy generation and storage systems, HV electrical equipment, control systems, SCADA, protection, and metering.
• Ability to manage external consultants for the delivery of design and study packages.
• Proven ability to take initiative, be flexible and work collaborative in a dynamic team environment with a solutions and outcomes mindset.
• Ability to communicate complex grid related concepts to a stakeholders with varying degrees of technical knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver outcomes within tight time frames.

Education:

Degree in Electrical/Energy Engineering/HV Power System Engineering or related discipline.

If the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future success of this impressive business is of interest, hit the Apply Now button or contact Nick Novak on 0483 945 154 for a confidential discussion.