About the Opportunity Our client is a major energy company with a substantial and growing portfolio of renewable energy assets including solar farms, wind farms and battery energy storage systems (BESS). They have secured numerous Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and are actively expanding their renewable generation and storage capacity across Australia. They are seeking an experienced Network Specialist/Analyst to support their renewable energy operations, providing technical expertise in electricity networks, connection arrangements and network performance optimisation. This role offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of Australia's energy transition, supporting the integration of large-scale renewables and storage into the electricity grid. As Network Specialist/Analyst, you will be responsible for analysing network performance, managing connection agreements, supporting dispatch optimisation and providing technical expertise to ensure efficient and reliable operation of renewable generation and battery storage assets. You will work closely with network service providers, AEMO and internal teams to maximise asset performance and commercial outcomes. Key Responsibilities Network Performance & Connection Management Monitor and analyse network performance at renewable generation sites and BESS facilities including voltage levels, power quality, network constraints and connection point compliance. Identify and resolve network issues affecting asset performance and availability. Manage connection agreements and network service arrangements with transmission and distribution network service providers. Ensure compliance with connection requirements, performance standards and technical specifications. Maintain strong working relationships with network operators and AEMO. Conduct detailed analysis of network constraints, curtailment events and marginal loss factors affecting renewable generation output and revenue. Quantify commercial impacts and develop strategies to minimise network-related losses and constraints. Support the resolution of network connection issues, protection system faults and grid connection compliance matters. Liaise with network service providers to coordinate network access, planned outages and network reconfigurations. Dispatch Optimisation & Market Participation Analyse network conditions, dispatch patterns and market dynamics to optimise generation and storage dispatch strategies. Support the development of bidding strategies that account for network constraints, loss factors and transmission congestion. Monitor real-time network conditions and provide technical input to support dispatch decisions for BESS operations including energy arbitrage, frequency control ancillary services (FCAS) and network support services. Analyse dispatch outcomes, causer pays factors and network charges to identify opportunities for improved commercial performance. Support the evaluation of trading strategies and market participation approaches. Network Studies & Connection Applications Conduct network studies to support new renewable energy projects and BESS developments including connection point assessments, hosting capacity analysis and network augmentation requirements. Prepare technical documentation to support connection applications. Coordinate with network service providers on connection enquiries, connection offers and connection agreements for new assets. Evaluate connection costs, network augmentation requirements and connection timeframes. Support due diligence activities for potential renewable energy acquisitions or developments, assessing network conditions, connection risks and network-related commercial considerations. Power System Analysis & Modelling Perform power system analysis including load flow studies, fault level calculations, voltage stability assessments and power quality analysis for renewable generation and storage assets. Utilise industry-standard modelling tools to assess network performance and compliance. Develop and maintain network models representing renewable generation sites, BESS facilities and transmission connection arrangements. Support compliance assessments including generator performance standards and connection agreement obligations. Analyse system strength, stability and protection coordination requirements for renewable assets. Support the resolution of technical issues relating to inverter performance, grid forming capabilities and system security constraints. Regulatory & Compliance Ensure renewable generation and storage operations comply with National Electricity Rules, connection agreements, network performance standards and AEMO requirements. Support preparation of technical reports and regulatory submissions. Monitor regulatory developments affecting renewable energy connection, market participation and network access. Assess implications of rule changes, network pricing reforms and transmission planning processes. Support network service provider audits, compliance reporting and technical assessments. Maintain records of network performance, connection compliance and incident reporting. Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting Prepare technical reports, analyses and recommendations for management regarding network performance, connection issues and optimisation opportunities. Communicate complex technical information clearly to commercial, operations and executive stakeholders. Build effective working relationships with network service providers, AEMO, original equipment manufacturers, consultants and industry participants. Represent the organisation in technical forums and industry working groups. Support commercial teams with technical input on PPA negotiations, renewable energy procurement and market participation strategies where network considerations are relevant. About You Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering or related discipline Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) status or working towards registration highly regarded Membership of Engineers Australia or equivalent professional body desirable Experience: 3-5 years of experience in power systems, network engineering or renewable energy technical roles Demonstrated experience with electricity transmission or distribution networks and understanding of network operations Experience with renewable energy generation (solar, wind) or battery energy storage systems highly regarded Understanding of NEM operations, dispatch processes and electricity market mechanisms Experience working with network service providers and AEMO processes Technical Knowledge: Power Systems & Networks: Strong understanding of electricity transmission and distribution networks including network topology, equipment ratings and operating principles Knowledge of power system analysis techniques including load flow, fault analysis, voltage regulation and power quality Understanding of network constraints, loss factors, marginal loss factors and transmission congestion management Familiarity with network connection processes, connection agreements and generator performance standards Renewable Energy & Storage: Understanding of renewable generation technologies including solar PV, wind turbines and inverter-based resources Knowledge of battery energy storage systems including operational modes, grid services and dispatch optimisation Familiarity with renewable energy integration challenges including system strength, stability and frequency control Understanding of distributed energy resources and their network impacts Network Analysis Tools: Proficiency with power system analysis software such as PSS®E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD or equivalent Experience with data analysis tools and techniques Ability to interpret network diagrams, single line diagrams and protection drawings Familiarity with SCADA systems and energy management systems Market & Regulatory: Knowledge of National Electricity Rules, National Electricity Market operations and AEMO processes Understanding of generator connection frameworks, performance standards and compliance requirements Familiarity with ancillary services markets, network pricing and transmission use of system charges Awareness of renewable energy policies, certificates schemes and PPA structures Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: Strong analytical and quantitative skills with attention to detail Ability to interpret complex technical and market data and identify commercial opportunities Systematic approach to problem-solving and technical investigations Capacity to work independently and make sound technical judgements under time constraints Communication & Collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to prepare clear technical reports and presentations Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders Ability to explain technical network concepts to commercial and non-technical stakeholders Proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and relationship management Highly Regarded Experience working in renewable energy generation, energy trading or electricity retail organisations Hands-on experience with BESS operations, dispatch optimisation and energy arbitrage strategies Knowledge of FCAS markets, frequency regulation and grid stabilisation services Understanding of Renewable Energy Zones, transmission planning and network augmentation processes Experience with PPA structures, renewable energy procurement and contract management Familiarity with virtual power plant operations and distributed energy resource management Knowledge of hydrogen production, electrification and emerging energy technologies Experience with network pricing reforms, contestable connection processes and regulatory engagement Professional development in power electronics, inverter control or grid forming technologies Involvement in industry associations, Clean Energy Council or Australian Energy Market Operator forums What's on Offer Competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience Opportunity to work at the forefront of Australia's renewable energy transition Involvement with large-scale solar, wind and battery storage projects Exposure to diverse technical challenges across generation, storage and network operations Professional development and training opportunities supporting career growth Collaborative team environment working with renewable energy and trading specialists Flexible working arrangements supporting work-life balance Career progression opportunities within a growing renewable energy portfolio Contribution to decarbonisation and sustainable energy future Access to industry-leading renewable energy assets and technology platforms To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant network experience, renewable energy expertise and motivation for the role. For enquiries, contact: Ivan Pignataro | Director D'Arcy Weil E: ivan@darcyweil.com T: 61 3 9999 7409 M: 0416 507 856 Only candidates with Australian working rights will be considered.
