Principal Planning Engineer - Modelling &… at Horizon Power · Bentley

Principal Planning Engineer - Modelling & Simulation

Location: Bentley, WA
Work Type: Full Time | Permanent Opportunity

Lead the modelling, simulation and planning capability that will shape the future of energy across regional and remote Western Australia.
This is a unique opportunity for a highly experienced power systems engineer to take on a principal technical leadership role supporting some of Australia's most complex and geographically diverse energy systems. As Principal Planning Engineer - Modelling & Simulation, you'll be responsible for advancing Horizon Power's modelling capability, governance frameworks and planning tools, enabling engineers across the business to confidently manage power system studies, models and planning data.

Working as part of the Energy Planning Centre of Excellence, you'll influence the standards, methodologies and technologies that underpin critical planning decisions, while supporting the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future for regional Western Australia.
Based in Bentley, you'll collaborate with planning, engineering, operations and project teams across the organisation, providing expert guidance on modelling, simulation and system planning activities that help shape future energy investments and network development strategies.

The impact you'll make:

• Lead Horizon Power's modelling and simulation capability, developing the frameworks, standards and governance that support power system planning across the business.
• Drive the ongoing development of the Grid Planning Portal, improving how planning teams access data, manage models and undertake power system studies.
• Champion automation and digital solutions that streamline study workflows, improve consistency and deliver more efficient planning outcomes.
  Provide technical leadership and specialist expertise on complex RMS and EMT studies, including dynamic model development, validation and performance assessments.
• Support and mentor planning teams to build modelling capability, enabling engineers to effectively manage and utilise their own models and planning data.
• Facilitate critical planning activities including generation dispatch modelling, energy management analysis, and demand and capacity forecasting.
• Collaborate with technical stakeholders to ensure modelling outcomes inform investment decisions, network development and future energy strategies.
• Drive continuous improvement across modelling tools, data quality, study methodologies and planning processes through the Energy Planning Centre of Excellence.

What will set you apart:

• Degree qualifications in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, supported by extensive experience in power system planning and modelling.
• Deep expertise in RMS and EMT studies, including dynamic model development and validation within utility, consulting or renewable energy environments.
• Advanced capability using power system modelling software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, including experience with automation, scripting or workflow optimisation.
• Strong understanding of electricity networks, generation systems, renewable energy integration and emerging energy technologies.
• Experience developing technical standards, governance frameworks, methodologies or engineering best practice.
• A passion for capability building, with demonstrated experience mentoring engineers and influencing technical outcomes across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business solutions.

Why Join Us?

You'll join a team that sits at the centre of Horizon Power's planning capability, helping to shape how power system studies are delivered across the organisation. This role offers the opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with strategic influence, driving improvements in modelling tools, governance, automation and engineering capability while contributing to the delivery of reliable, sustainable energy solutions for regional and remote communities across Western Australia.

Ready to Power WA's Future?
Bring your modelling expertise, technical leadership and passion for innovation to a role where your work will directly influence the future of energy planning across Western Australia. Apply today.

Applications close: Friday 13th November
Please note: In some cases, we need to close the advertising earlier than the closing date, so don't miss your chance!

Position Description - Principal Planning Engineer Modelling Simulation.pdf

Our workplace culture is created through every interaction, every experience and everything we do.
Across our organisation, we recognise and reward people and offer work that works with you. We're committed to equality and celebrate the diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, and all characteristics that make our Horizon Power team so special. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We are dedicated to ensuring that all candidates have equal opportunity and, if you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we’re here to support you. If you want more amazing reasons of why Horizon Power should be your employer of choice, check our careers page to find out more. https://www.horizonpower.com.au/about-us/careers/