Principal Engineer - Grid Forming Power Systems Modelling

Location: Australia (Remote/Hybrid options available)

Reports to: General Manager, GRID

Spencer Ogden is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead the development and validation of advanced grid-forming power system models for renewable energy assets, including wind turbines, energy storage, and hybrid plant controllers. This role is responsible for dynamic modelling, grid compliance, and control algorithm innovation to enable stable, high-renewable power grids worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Power System Modelling:

Develop and validate PSSE, DIgSILENT, and PSCAD simulation models for grid-forming products (e.g., energy storage systems, wind farm plant controllers). Collaborate with solutions teams to deliver robust models to international customers and grid operators.

Grid Compliance & Technical Risk:

Assist in completing grid compliance reviews for both domestic and international markets. Evaluate technical risks associated with deploying existing and new products to various power grids and propose effective solutions.

Control Algorithm Development:

Participate in the development of control algorithms for wind turbines, energy storage, and plant controllers. Conduct security and stability analyses for source-grid-load-storage microgrid systems, ensuring optimal integration and performance.

System Integration & Validation:

Work with cross-functional teams to implement grid-forming capabilities across the company's product portfolio. Conduct hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and real-time testing to validate models against global grid code requirements.

Grid Stability Analysis:

Perform transient and dynamic stability studies for grids with high renewable penetration. Innovate solutions for synthetic inertia, black start, and sub-synchronous oscillation mitigation.

Industry Leadership:

Represent the organisation in standards bodies (IEEE, CIGRE) and contribute to shaping grid-forming certification protocols. Publish technical papers and patent novel control strategies for renewable grid integration.

Qualifications

PhD in Electrical Engineering/Power Systems (or MS + 8 years' experience).

10+ years in power systems modelling, with at least 5 years focused on grid-forming inverters.

Mastery of EMT simulation tools (PSCAD, RTDS) and phasor-based tools (PSS/E, PowerFactory).

Proven experience implementing grid-forming controls in large-scale renewable projects (?100 MW).

Deep knowledge of grid codes (IEC 61400-21, IEEE 1547) and stability challenges in high-renewable grids.